With Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, Google has hidden the Developer Options menu so average smartphone and tablet users don’t accidentally cause any problems with their devices. While most normal settings can be found for everyday tasks, some advanced options are hidden in the developer options menu and as a result some users and developers may want to undo them.
This isn’t new to Android 4.4 KitKat or Nexus 5, but users who just got Google’s flagship smartphone will want to know how it is. If you plan on installing 3rd party custom ROMs or kernels or doing anything that will require developer access and USB debugging, check out the quick guide below to learn how to enable these options. It only takes a minute and is also pretty fun.
As with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and above, the options are hidden for most users, but a quick (seven) finger tap on a specific place in the settings menu unlocks such features. It’s a strange approach, but as you all know, Google likes to have fun with things. Here’s how to enable the developer menu in KitKat.
Instructions
It’s actually pretty easy, and users will want to follow the simple step-by-step guidelines outlined below to get them ready for you.
(Tap 7 times on the build number and you’ll get a prompt as you get closer.) And that’s it. It’s that easy and now you’re a developer and have full access to the huge developer options menu, but be careful.
To be more precise, users need to find the gear-shaped settings icon and tap it, then scroll to the bottom and select About Phone. From here you will once again scroll down to the bottom and there you will see the “build number” and that is the key. Start tapping with your finger and it will quickly unlock the developer menu.
Then, for those who are not experienced developers or Android users, go ahead and do the same multi-taps on the Android Version for some fun. Then long press the K that appears and enjoy the Android 4.4 KitKat Easter Egg. It’s something Google has added to every version of Android since I can remember.
Yes, it’s extremely awkward to hide something like developer options in a mansion like this, but any developer who needs access can easily figure this out from a Google search or the developer help menu on Android.com. There are many problems a normal user can cause from here, so we understand why. This much. Now enable USB debugging and start hacking the new Nexus 5.
