How to Turn on OS Developer Mode on a Chromebook

Turn On OS Mode Developer is a powerful tool that can give you access to additional features and functionality. However, it also makes your device less secure and can cause data loss.

It’s important to understand the risks before proceeding. It disables many security protections and voids the warranty on most Chromebooks.

Enabling developer mode in an operating system (OS) often grants users advanced access and control, empowering them to modify system settings, debug applications, and perform various development-related tasks.

Windows:

1. Accessing Developer Mode:
   • Navigate to Settings by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
   • Choose “Update & Security.”
   • Click on “For developers” from the left sidebar.
   • Under the “Use developer features” section, select the developer mode radio button.
2. Confirmation and Installation:
   • A confirmation dialog will appear; click “Yes” to enable developer mode.
   • Windows will prompt you to install developer mode components if needed. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Utilizing Developer Mode:
   • Once enabled, you can access developer settings like Device Portal, SSH, and other developer-related options.

MacOS:

1. Terminal Access:
   • Open Terminal. You can find it in Applications > Utilities or use Spotlight (Cmd + Space, then type “Terminal”).
   • Enter the following command: sudo nvram boot-args="debug=0x146" and press Enter.
   • Input your administrator password when prompted.
2. Restart in Developer Mode:
   • Restart your Mac.
   • Upon restart, you’ll notice additional developer options and settings accessible.
3. Developer Tools:
   • As developer mode in MacOS provides access to deeper system functions, use it cautiously to avoid unintended consequences.

Linux (Ubuntu for demonstration):

1. Terminal Commands:
   • Open the Terminal.
   • Enter the following command: sudo apt-get install gnome-devel and input your password.
   • Next, type sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade to ensure your system is up to date.
2. Activate Developer Mode:
   • Open “Settings” and navigate to “Details.”
   • Click on “About” and locate the “Developer Mode” section.
   • Toggle the switch to activate Developer Mode.
3. Utilize Developer Options:
   • With Developer Mode enabled, you can access advanced settings, debug tools, and repositories to install development-related software.

Android:

1. Activate Developer Options:
   • Open “Settings” on your Android device.
   • Scroll down and select “About phone” or “About device.”
   • Tap “Build number” or “Software information” seven times. You’ll see a message saying, “You are now a developer!”
2. Developer Settings:
   • Go back to the main Settings menu.
   • Scroll down to find “Developer options” now visible above “About phone” or in the main settings menu.
3. Utilizing Developer Options:
   • Inside Developer Options, you can access USB debugging, OEM unlocking, and various debugging tools useful for app development and system modifications.

iOS (Jailbreaking):

1. Jailbreaking Process:
   • Jailbreaking iOS devices allows access to the root file system and removes software restrictions imposed by Apple.
   • Note: Jailbreaking can void your device’s warranty and pose security risks.
2. Jailbreak Tools:
   • Several tools like Checkra1n, Unc0ver, or Chimera can help jailbreak iOS devices.
   • Visit the respective tool’s website for detailed instructions on how to jailbreak your specific iOS version.
3. Post-Jailbreak:
   • After jailbreaking, you’ll have access to various tweaks, customization options, and third-party app stores.

Configuration

Using Developer Mode on a Chromebook gives you more control of the operating system. It is similar to jailbreaking an iPhone or rooting an Android device. Developer Mode allows you to sideload apps and install other operating systems on the device.

The process of enabling Developer Mode is simple, but there are risks involved. You should back up your local data and understand the consequences of turning on Developer Mode. You also lose all of the security features that are normally in place. It is not recommended for beginners, and it voids most of the manufacturer’s warranty.

One of the biggest risks is that the Chromebook could be sabotaged by hackers, resulting in the loss of personal information and files. You can enable Developer Mode on any Chromebook, including the newest devices. Fortunately, the process is easy to do and relatively safe if you follow these steps. It also allows you to unlock the full potential of your Chromebook.

Boot

In Chromebook   Mode, the device can be booted from any image, even if it’s not signed by Google. This allows tinkerers to run any arbitrary Linux program with root access.

Although this opens up a lot of possibilities, it also removes many security features and increases the risk that your device will be sabotaged. As such, it is only recommended for advanced users and developers that are familiar with the risks.

Enabling this mode will wipe your local data and disable all security features, so make sure you backup everything before proceeding. You’ll also need to enable Developer Mode each time you want to reboot the device, as it’s not permanent. To do this, press and hold the Esc + Refresh keys while pressing the Power button. This will open the Recovery screen and let you enable Developer Mode by pressing Ctrl+D. To exit the Recovery screen, press the Space key when prompted. It will then reboot to normal mode.

Restart

Once you’ve enabled Developer Mode, it’s possible to poke around on a command shell (as root if desired), install Chromium OS, or even try out other operating systems. Developer mode does disable some security protections, though, and it generally voids most Chromebook warranties so don’t enable it unless you’re an experienced tinkerer or plan to get warranty support for your device. Google

Fortunately, it’s easy to deactivate Developer Mode once you’re done with it. Just head to the Settings menu, find the Developer options, and click the toggle to turn it off. You’ll also need to restart your device before it reverts to normal mode. Be sure to back up your data before doing this, too, since disabling Developer Mode will also factory reset your device.

Verification

Developer Mode allows you to access advanced features and experiment with your Chromebook in a way that isn’t possible on any other platform. However, it also makes your device less secure and can lead to data loss. This is why it’s important to backup your Chromebook and understand the risks before enabling developer options.

It may seem strange that Google’s Chromebook has a setting similar to the one available on Android devices, but the two settings have different purposes. The Android version is designed to let users tinker with new features, while the Chromebook developer mode removes restrictions and gives people more freedom to install software on their devices (but still requires verification). If you want to return your device to its original state after enabling this mode, shut it down, turn off the battery, flip the switch, and restart. This process erases the stateful partition, which can take up to 40 seconds on some devices.