How to access developer options menu in Moto G?

Developer options  can be used by application developers when testing applications. Sometimes, you may also want to use it to configure or test ADB settings, USB debugging, animation scales, and various monitoring tools.

But since Android Jelly Bean 4.2, Google decided to hide the developer options in an effort to reduce accidental usage of these options

However, it is very easy to enable the developer options on Moto G.

To enable the developer options on the setting menus of Moto G, you can follow these steps:

  • Tap
  • Tap Settings–
  • Tap  About phone
  • Tap the Build number field 7 times
    You will begin seeing a message as you approach the 7 touches

  • Tap the back arrow once complete, and Developer options will now appear under Settings.

Once the developer options are enabled under settings in Moto G, it will be there permanently. So it is not necessary to repeat these procedures again.

Of course, you can also disable the developers options if you want.  Once you tap developer options under settings, you can drag it to left to disable the options.

Do you have any problems to enable the developer options menus on your Moto G?

Leave your feedback  in the comment box below.

More step-by-step guides , tips and tricks for your Moto G phone are available at  our most popular Moto G how-to guide page.

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  • Everything says to open developer options you tapped in the number seven times and then you go back and it says it shows developer options on the main menu well when I do that on my Moto stylus g it does not show the developer options and I also have a Google pixel and it does not show the developer options so what's going on???

    • You can try to tap the Build number field quickly until it shows you are a developer.

      It should work on all Android devices.

  • So I have a Moto G3 with a 32 Gb SDHC card that is formatted "to this device only" where the screen prompts on the device say that this SD card "will only work for this device. I'm trying to transfer music and photos from my PC to my phone and my PC only shows the Internal Storage of the phone, and does show the 32 Gb SD card. I've enabled Dev. options and USB debugging so I can choose what I want the connection to do with my phone and I have set it to the file transfer (MTP) and also tried the photo transfer (PTP) options on my phone but the PC will not recognize the SD card within the phone. Help with this or an alternative method to transfer files from PC to Moto G3?

  • After clicking continuously on builder number nothing is happening in my moto g3 I am not able to become a developer plz help me !

    • It's strange. When you tap the field, can to see the animation?

      If you are using other launchers, you may try to switch back to Google Now launcher.

    • on moto g gen 2 the only way to xfer pic/videos or anything else from your phone to your pc or from pc to phone you must have access to developer options-select USB configuration-charge only-then select MTP now your pc will see your phone. there is no other way .

      • You can also change the USB options from charging only (default) to MTP in notification shade as explained in this guide. Normally, it is not necessary to use developer options.

    • I accidentally enabled the developer option by touching the build number couple of times and now my device is not getting charge fast. Does the enabling of developer option is connected to charging of device

      • No, I don't think the charging problem is linked to developer options. What's the phone model and what's the charging time now?

    • No advantages at all. The developer options are for developers to test apps. For normal users, it is not necessary.

  • I dropped my moto g in a lake and there's this patch if water stuck inside the phone does this device have a dehumidifier option included? If not how else do I get rid of it?

    • I don't think there are any special devices for this. Normally people just use hair dryer or fans till blow air to it. Of course, this is not efficient.

      You can visit local Motorola service center to open the device and dry all components.

      As Moto G is not waterproof, your phone may be damaged already if it was immersed in water for more than 5 mins.

  • Hi Sir I am using Moto G3 build number MPI24.107-55,my Moto G3 is not showing devoloper option i try many time taping bulid number for showing the devoloper option but it not showing. i forgot my gmail acount or password it locked by Google bypass erorr so unable to use .plz help me how to solve this problem as I am unable to active developer option

    • You need tap build number continuously for 7 times.

      For Google account issues, you cannot solve it through developer options. What do you want to achieve?

  • Hi Sir I am using Moto G3 build number MPI24.107-55,my Moto G3 is locked by Google so unable to use it .plz help me how to solve this problem as I am unable to active developer option

    • What do you mean Google locks your phone? Google should never lock your phone. But if you did a factory data reset, your need the Google account that existed on the phone to re-activate it.

  • Hi,

    I using Moto g3, marshmellow update. home and multitasking keys are not working. notification drawer also not opening. Trying to enable developer option but its not enabling. Please help.

    • Backup the phone and try a factory data reset. The problem is very likely caused by interrupted updating process.

      • How can I achieve getting my backup if my notification bar is not dragging down so that I can change my usb options there as I already tapped build number in my settings 7 times continuously but still there are no developer option coming. At last, I want to say that I need my back up of internal storage badly.?pleaseeeeee helppppp!

        • Please suggest me solution, I am suffering from same problem, Have you found out any way to backup the data.??

        • When you tap the build number, did you get anything shown on the screen? You can look at the screen when tapping.

    • i too tried i can't able to open developer option in 6.0 android masrshmellow in moto g3gen.after taping 7times on build number. plz let me solution.its so important.

  • One thing that no one mentioned, is that the "Developer Option" comes up in Settings, ONLY UNDER THE PRIMARY PROFILE. So for e.g. if you are in a Secondary Profile (for e.g. Guest, or logged into any non-primary Profile on the phone) although you can enable the Developer Mode by clicking 7 times, you wouldn't see the "Developer Option" in the Settings Panel after that.....

    For that, you would need to switch back to your Primary profile (using Settings on the top-right menu bar) and then go to Settings->"Developer Options"

  • I got the developers option but I can't see the multi window option for 6.0 for a octa core processor on moto g3 turbo. How can I get the multi window tasking on my phone

    • Who told you about multi-window feature in Moto G?

      Android will get multi-window feature in the coming Android N.

      Currently, the multi-window feature is implemented by vendors, for example, Samsung, LG... Motorola did not release this feature as I know.

  • what does it do to your phone, does it make any changes to apps or anything because im a 15 year old and would not lik to ruin up my phone

    • if you are not sure, you don't need them. These options are mainly for developers to test their apps.

    • Did you install Motorola device manager? What did you see in Windows Explorer? Any unrecognized usb devices in device manager on the PC?

  • Unable to dial ISD toll free number (starts with 000800) after done the Android 6.0 installation. Can any one help me on this?

  • My moto g2 is heating continuously and it is showing that Mac address is unavailable n battery is discharging only in a hour if it is fully charged also...I bought it before 5months please help me

    • If you mess up Moto G, you should backup the phone and try to reset the phone.

      Of course, you can check battery usage details to find out the offending app. But it sounds like you messed up the phone.

  • my phone was dropped in water and dead completely. Is there any possibilities to retrieve my photos and contacts.

    • If the phone is dead, you cannot access the files on it.

      By default, contacts on Moto G are synced with your Google account. Did you check your Google account ?

      Photos can be backed up to Google photos through photos app. But it's not enabled by default. You can log in to Google photos on a PC to see whetherb there are any photos.

  • My son has a Moto G 1st gen. He dropped it and shattered the screen. It is not accessible. He has the phone pattern locked. When I plug it into the USB on my laptop, it recognizes the device but there are no files. He has pictures that need to be saved before I send the phone in for the warranty. They are irreplaceable. They're of his pet that died, a wedding, and a graduation. Is there any way to retrieve the files?

    • No, you cannot access the files if the phone screen is locked. It's designed to work in this way to protect your data.

      It is important to backup any important files. Actually, photos can automatically backed up to Google drive with Photos app. It's free.

  • i have Moto g2 and i hav a prob in my keyboard its getting disappeared again and again..even camera,gallery etc many disappear..plz solve d issue

    • did you get any warning messages? did you install any task manager or antivirus apps?

      You may try to clear cache partition to see whether it helps.

      If not, you may have to backup the phone and try a factory data reset.

    • It has nothing to do with developer options.

      You need unlock the phone with your PIN/password/pattern settings.

      • Game settings sound is enable. Only after updating music in Looney cards dash is not coming. I have uninstalled the game and again reinstalled but its not coming

      • When I updated my motog2 for certain games sound is not coming. Android 5.0.2 version. In developers option runtime is not there

        • What runtime are you looking for? Lollipop was migrated to ART already. There are no options for runtime in lollipop.

          For the sound issue, did you check with the game developers? Sometimes it's due to game settings.

  • Hey.
    My audio controlled selfie stick just doesn't work
    Even with the camera 360 app suggested as a fix.
    Can you please tell how to allow external buttons? Or another way out?

    • You should get a Bluetooth selfie stick. The seller should tell you that 3.5mm audio one does NOT work on Moto devices.

  • my moto g first gen is gone into a boot loop and usb debugging is off how can i enable it as by moto g is in boot loop its not starting plz help

    • No, you cannot enabled usb debugging without booting it up.

      But if you want to flush the phone, usb debugging is not needed.

      Anyway, if your phone cannot boot up, you should visit service center to check the phone. If the storage has problems, you may not be able to flush the phone.

  • Hey guys! I can't find the "select runtime" option... I have nothing between "stay awake" and "enable bluetooth...". Can somebody relate and/or found a solution?

    • If your Moto G was updated to Lollipop, ART will be used and there is no option for you to roll back.

      • noooooooo :( i have the 'no sound when calling' bug and the only solution i found was to change the runtime... Well, thx anyway!

  • After enabling the developer options my sim2 is not working sims put in the other port are not getting detected.What should i do?

  • By simon I m facing heating issue in my moto g 2 and gen specially during call and video plyng

    • Does the phone slow down and affect the use? Is it too hot to hold?

      Normally, there is no overheating issues on branded smartphones. If there is a such problem, your phone will slow down or shutdown automatically.

      Anyway, if you still feel it is too hot for you to put it in your palm, you can visit local Motorola service center to check.

  • Hello, I zip filed some music onto my Moto G 1st gen. I can find the files on my internal storage, but I can't access them. I cannot get them to play or even find them on my Music Play app. How do I fix this?

  • I have a Moto G that runs Android 5.0.2. Despite being a 'developer' by tapping on build number 7 times, I don't see 'developer options' menu under settings. Please help.

  • I have a problem with volume during audio and video call in my moto g android v 5.0.2. Volume is really very low.
    I cant find "select runtime" option under developer option."Take bug Report" is not hightlighted.

    • There are some options which developers may use to debug their apps. For most users, you should not touch them. This is the reason it is hidden by default.

  • Why does a buzzin sound occur in moto g second generation mobile.. I have bought only two days before

  • Hi, not sure what purpose the "Dont Keep Activities - destroy every activity as soon as the user leaves it" function does. It certainly doesnt kill apps I have exited.

    Turning animations off is a processor thus battery saving tweak I discovered a while back, seems to work.

    • You should NOT use such options if you are not fully understand them.

      Do not keep activities is for app developers to test the app in low ram situations. It is not intended for your daily use. It will NOT save your battery.

      • Thanks bro. Not sure which tech blog I found this dev hack as a quick search yields no result but I was told switching off animations was a useful batt saver.

        • Yes, turning off animations may save some battery, but not significantly. The phone may looks a bit faster for some budget android phones.

          But a few apps may look weird.

  • Hey simon
    How can I access the main menu settings, in order to hide apps, etc. On my moto G 2nd generation???

    • Android Lollipop 5.1 has not been announced yet. It is a minor update based on the leaked info.

      For Android Lollipop 5.0.2, you should get it already in India.

  • I want to know if there is a setting to kill the app ruuning when i exit the app on my Moto G 1st gen with Lollipop 5.0.2

  • i lost the menu bar from my moto G2nd gen, phone so how can i show the menu back on to my screen, advice me..?

  • Heh Simon. I'm having some problems with my MOTO G LTE. The phone takes forever to send a message even if it DOES send. Half the time it won't. The speaker stopped working also. If I hit the phone it will cut in and out and if it will stay on it will sound like a robot. It sucks and I'm about ready to chunk it in a lake and never look back. SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!

    • You should send the phone to the local service center. If it is a hardware problem, you have to repair it. Your phone should be still unmet warranty.

      If it's a software issue or caused by some apps, you can try to factory reset the phone.

      Backup your file before visiting service center or resetting the phone.

  • Hi sir,

    I am using moto g 1st generation mobile from last 6 month. Suddenly last 2days I can't able to transfer any file from my computer through..even I am using same USB cable....so pls tell me wat can I do

    • You should receive an notification when usb OTG device is conencted. You can disconnect it from there.

      You can also go to settings --storage to disconnect it.

  • Hi Simon, I have a problem with my Moto G 2013, when i do or receive a phone calle, the volume is very, very low. Could you help me with this issue? Regards

    • Did you check the volume settings (settings--sound)? You may also turn off audio effects.

      If you transfer the call to speaker, is it still weak?

        • If the earpiece always five soft/weak sound, you may visit the local service center to adjust. I don't think you can adjust it yourself.

          • Well, i erased last apps that i've installed, and the problem is gone. I think one of them was the origin of problem. Thanks.

      • I've already try that, while i'm into a call turn it up and volume is low, and when turn it down the volume is lower.

  • hi simon, i have deleted my pics from moto g ...i tried using anroid recovery software but its saying turn on usb mass storage......wt should i do now?? plz help

    • You probably need check the software user guide. Some operations may corrupt other files.

      Btw, as i know, most of such apps or software will not work.

  • How can I install apps from pc to moto E using USB cable.(Already I had apps downloaded in pc). But I dont have net service in my mobile.

    • It should be ok. It's better to get a charger with output current of 1000-1500mA.

      But don't use low quality chargers, which may damage the phone or cause fire.

    • Most users don't need the developer mode. It is for a few users, mainly developers, to debug the apps or test some special settings.

      No apps should require settings in developer options.

  • Hai Sir , I am using Moto G (1st Gen) , I have installed Motorola Device manager and I have enable the USB Debugging , then after I have connect the mobile to PC using USB cable showing an error message Cannot install this software ,An Error occured during the installation of the device, The required section was not found in INF

  • Hello I bought the 2nd gen Moto X. I can't access the obb files to install games from torrent. Please help. The file does not show on the phone. Neither can I create a new obb folder as it says it already exists in android data folder but it can't be seen in the phone. But on the laptop it is visible. Please help. Thanks in advance.

    • You don't need set this in Moto G. You only choose 2G or 3G in Settings--More--mobile networks--preferred network type.

  • Mine is moto g 1st generation. I heard that by switching to Art,you can save the battery power.is it true..?

    • You probably will not notice any difference. Most apps have no issues with ART

      But ART will need more storage. If your Moto G has SD card support (Moto G 2nd.Gen, and Moto G with LTE), you cannot move apps to SD card when using ART.

  • Good day sir, each time I install a game app with obb file from a system the obb file gets missing. Howe can I fix it

    • You should install the apk files or get the app from play store or other stores. You should not play with obb files.

        • I don't think there are any known problems. But you should not change anything in developer option of you are not sure what you are doing

  • Hi sir .. i have a problem when dialling and receiving a call .. its not at all audible .. once i restart, it gets solved.

  • How can I fing out what was the last time a particular file as opened or copied to some other device in Moto G? Please help!

    • There are no settings for this. You may scan the log file to find some access info.

      Anyway, you need find some apps to do it and very likely, you need for the phone.

      BTW, why are you interested in such info?

    • There is nothing so exciting in 4.4.4 for moto g.
      The only visible change u will see is phonebook & dialler. But I noticed that call quality is got little bit better. B4 this upgrade the call quality was very poor, sometimes I wasn't able to hear the person on the other side.

      But this may also be due to improvement in my service provider.

      Motorola hasn't released any upgrade after4.4.2 for moto g, I got upgrade by a leaked version from xda-developers. But I advise u to wait for official upgrade

  • What kinds of apps will u suggest for a new empty moto g which only has preinstalled default apps?

    • It all depends on your usage. There are so many apps in the play store.

      My suggestion is you should install the apps with good reputation. For example, apps with average score higher than 4.

      You should only install apps that you are going to use. Good apps may be not useful for you at all.

  • thanx for reply. I don't have internet pack on my phone, so I downloaded i in my pc (don't have wi-fi). copied ES file explorer in downlods, and other folders by usb cable. But when I opened the main screen of moto g, I wasn't able to decide where I look for it. I tried gallery but didn't find it. If I tap on playstore then it asks to add an account but I can't do that since I neither have wi-fi nor I m able activate internet on my bsnl sim ( and everyone knows bsnl's customer care, so I hvn't ask them).
    But if I tap on "Install certificates from storage" it shows me the full content of internal storage but I can't use any file from here.

    So I think there must be some other way also to open the internal storage and can also use files like we are able to do in any other phones.

    Is there any way through which I can install apps without creating an account?

    • It's possible, but it's too difficult. You may use ADB from your pc to control the phone. But as mentioned it's better to find a temporal network.

      The major cause of the problem is Motorola stopped shipping a file explorer.

    • Motorola stopped providing any PC suite. You have to find apps for such jobs, e.g., sms backup. For contact, it is synced with Google.

  • Hei Simon! I m not able to install any app in my moto g through my pc. In which folder should I copy the apk files? Not even the ES file explorer. Problem is that when I remove data cable and go to phone's interface or gallery the files are not there, I even try in setting in app but no help.
    Also I m not able to see any doc, xls,ppt files in the phone. I also have copied a .flv file in movies folder and same the case I m not able to find it too.
    So how to access its internal memory in itself i.e. via moto g? I m using 16 gb version of moto g.

    • You just tap and hold blank area in home screen, then you have the option to setup wallpapers.

      You can also do this at Settings--Display--Wallpaper.

  • HI,
    I m Facing Problem to connect my Moto G phone to my PC, for 1st time when I connected this phone message was display saying some hardware related problem due to which I’m unable to access internal memory as drive is not showing under my computer as Hard Disk Drives.
    Please suggest me the procedure to access internal memory in easy step.

  • Moto G have been dead totally not working when I have change some options from the developer options.
    Android OS is not working at all. Even not receive the call also.
    Please help me how to reset the developer settings using Desktop PC.
    There are no any MOTO G service centers in Nearby my area.
    Please please... help me...

    • If it is not responding to power button, you have to visit service centre.

      Did you try to press and hold power button for about 7-10 seconds to see whether it can reboot?

      If it can reboot, but you still cannot use it. You probably have to reset your Moto G (this will erase all your data on the phone!!): Press and hold volume down button for 3 seconds then power button then release. Among different boot options, scroll (using volume down button) to Recovery and select it (using volume up button)

    • USB debugging if you need run ADB commands on PC.
      Show CPU usage (like top command in Linux/Unix).
      Animation control, Show Touches ....

      Of course, most frequently used one is still USB debugging.

  • how do i store my stuff in external storage in my moto g ...pls specify path...and how my system recognises external memory

    • Moto G does not support external SD card. You are limited to the internal storage (8GB or 16GB).

      If you have some media files, you can try to get a USB OTG adapter so that you can store them in the USB thumb drive or portal USB disk. You can connect the USB storage to Moto G with the adapter. But this is NOT for system files.

      In some regions, I heard the USB OTG function is not available.

  • Thanks a lot.. And kindly please help. Can't use my otg after updating to kitkat. I am an indian user. And am up to date. What elae should i do?

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