Developer mode lets you access deeper parts of Chrome OS. Here's how to enable it!
At first glance, it may not look like you can do much tinkering on a Chromebook. Open the device, sign in, and enjoy the security of the sandboxed operating system. But if you do want to do more with your Chromebook — run other operating systems, install full Linux programs or sideload Android applications — you'll need to enable developer mode first.
Keep in mind this doesn't have anything to do with the of the OS itself, despite the similar name. The developer channel is for testing brand new features with a major cost to stability: the developer channel is updated a few times a week with new features and bug fixes.
Enabling developer mode is analogous to : you have deeper access to the OS, letting you turn on cool stuff or potentially break things.
How to enable developer mode
Before we get started, make a backup of any local files you have on the Chromebook. Your Chromebook will be in the process, erasing any accounts and local data. With that all done, let's enable developer mode!
Since developer mode is not verified by Google, you will need to turn it off before selling the device or returning it for warranty purposes. Here's how to disable developer mode!
Do you use developer mode on your Chromebook? Let us know down below!
At first glance, it may not look like you can do much tinkering on a Chromebook. Open the device, sign in, and enjoy the security of the sandboxed operating system. But if you do want to do more with your Chromebook — run other operating systems, install full Linux programs or sideload Android applications — you'll need to enable developer mode first.
Keep in mind this doesn't have anything to do with the of the OS itself, despite the similar name. The developer channel is for testing brand new features with a major cost to stability: the developer channel is updated a few times a week with new features and bug fixes.
Enabling developer mode is analogous to : you have deeper access to the OS, letting you turn on cool stuff or potentially break things.
How to enable developer mode
Before we get started, make a backup of any local files you have on the Chromebook. Your Chromebook will be in the process, erasing any accounts and local data. With that all done, let's enable developer mode!
- Boot your Chromebook into by powering off the device, then holding the Esc and Refresh (the circular arrow) keys while pressing the power button. If you are using a Chromebook or Chromebit, there will be a hole on the device that has the recovery button inside. Stick a paperclip or similar object inside to hold down the recovery button, then press the power button.
- Press Ctrl + D on your keyboard when asked to insert recovery media.
Press Enter to confirm.
- When your device reboots, you'll see a screen stating the OS verification is off. This screen will appear every time you turn the device on to warn you that the device isn't as secure as it would be out of the box. When you see this screen, press Ctrl + D to continue booting, or wait a few seconds and the device will boot on its own.
Since developer mode is not verified by Google, you will need to turn it off before selling the device or returning it for warranty purposes. Here's how to disable developer mode!
- Reboot your Chromebook.
- Press the spacebar to re-enable verification when you see the "OS verification is off" screen. This will wipe the device and it will be secure again!
Do you use developer mode on your Chromebook? Let us know down below!