Starting with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, Google has hidden the Developer Options menu so that average smartphone and tablet users don’t accidentally cause any problems with their devices. While most normal settings are easy to find for everyday tasks, some advanced options are hidden in the developer options menu and as a result some users and developers may want to get them.
Google’s new Android 5.0 tablet was released earlier this week, and buyers started taking pre-orders from last night. For those who bought the new tablet and want to root it or start developing, you need to unlock the developer options menu in the settings.
This isn’t new to Android 5.0 Lollipop or Nexus 9, but users who just got Google’s flagship smartphone will want to know how it is, especially if you’re a developer coming from iOS. If you’re planning to install 3rd party custom ROMs or kernels, or do anything that requires developer access and USB debugging, check out the quick video guide below to learn how to enable these options. It only takes a moment, and it’s also pretty fun.
Like Android 4.2 Jelly Bean or Android 4.4 KitKat, the options are hidden for most users on Lollipop, but a quick (seven) finger tap on a specific location in the settings menu will unlock 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 on Android 5.0 Lollipop and Nexus 9. This will work on all Android 4.2 and above devices.
Instructions
It’s actually pretty easy, and users will want to follow the simple guidelines outlined in the quick video below to get them ready for you.
(Tap 7 times on the build number and you’ll get an alert as you get closer.) And that’s it. It’s that easy and Google will confirm that you have unlocked the developer menu. You now have full access to the huge developer options menu, but be careful. These settings are mostly for advanced users and if you change the wrong things you can cause the device to not work. A short video for those who are curious.
To be more precise, users need to find the gear-shaped settings icon and tap it, then scroll down and select About Phone or About Tablet. From here, you’ll scroll down once again to where you’ll see “build number” and that’s 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, do the same multi-taps on the Android Version for some fun. Then long press the Lollipop that appears and enjoy the Android 5.0 Easter Egg. It’s something Google has added to every Android version since I can remember.
Yes, it’s extremely weird to hide something like developer options like this, but any developer needing access can quickly figure it out from a Google search or a developer. help menu on android.com. There are many issues a normal user can cause from here so we understand why. This much. Now enable USB debugging and start hacking the new Nexus 6. Don’t forget to check the box for OEM unlock which is a new setting in Android 5.0 Lollipop.