HUAWEI · HarmonyOS 4.2: Developer options and USB debugging

Captured on HUAWEI nova 13 Pro, running HarmonyOS 4.2, on 2026-10-29. Menu names may differ on other models or software versions.

The box marks the target for each step. Click any image to open its watermarked full-size version. Developer options and USB debugging were already enabled on the captured device; confirm their state without turning them off first. The screenshots use Chinese system menus; the instructions include the exact Chinese labels.

Full route: Settings → About phone; Settings → System & updates → Developer options → USB debugging

INFO

This device did not present an available Wireless debugging entry in the captured debugging section. This page covers USB connection. Do not choose an Android tutorial merely from the 4.2 in the HarmonyOS version name.

1. Find About phone first

At the bottom of Settings, tap 关于手机 (About phone). On this captured model, the row initially says HarmonyOS 版本; tapping it reveals 软件版本 (Software version). Tap the software version about seven times and follow the screen-lock prompt. If already enabled, continue. The full About phone screen is omitted because it contains device identifiers.

Find About phone first

2. Open System & updates

Return to the bottom of Settings and tap 系统和更新 (System & updates).

Open System & updates

3. Open Developer options

Scroll down in System & updates and tap 开发人员选项 (Developer options).

Open Developer options

4. Keep Developer options on

Confirm that the highlighted master switch is on. It is already on in this capture; leave it on. You do not need to turn it off and start over.

Keep Developer options on

5. Find USB debugging and confirm it is on

Scroll down to the Debugging section and find USB 调试 (USB debugging). If it is off on your phone, turn it on and read and confirm the system prompt. The final state should match this image: on. Do not select Revoke USB debugging authorizations below it.

Find USB debugging and confirm it is on

Connect the computer and continue background setup

After enabling USB debugging, connect the unlocked phone to the computer with a data-capable USB cable. On first connection, confirm the computer in the phone’s Allow USB debugging? prompt and select Allow. Use Always allow only for your own trusted computer. If no prompt appears, check the cable, USB port and Windows driver first; do not revoke existing authorizations just to repeat the demonstration.

Continue with the illustrated background setup guide: choose an applicable system method, then configure VMOS+ battery use, autostart and background protection and test your virtual machine. USB debugging alone does not remove background restrictions.

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