Turning on Developer Mode on your Chromebook allows you to access advanced settings, install Linux, or run custom code. However, enabling Developer Mode will erase all data on the device, so it’s important to back up any important files before proceeding.
Here’s how to enable Developer Mode on a Chromebook:
Step 1: Back Up Your Data
Before turning on Developer Mode, make sure you back up any important data on your Chromebook, as the process will wipe all local files and settings.
Step 2: Boot Chromebook into Recovery Mode
- Turn off your Chromebook.
- Press and hold the Esc key and the Refresh key (usually the F3 key or the circular arrow key on the top row), then press the Power button.
- Release the buttons when you see the Chrome OS is missing or damaged screen (or “Please insert a recovery USB stick” message).
Step 3: Enable Developer Mode
- At the recovery screen, press Ctrl + D on your keyboard.
- You will see a message saying “To turn OS verification off, press ENTER.” Press Enter.
- You will see a warning screen that says “OS verification is OFF.” Press Ctrl + D to skip this screen or wait 30 seconds, and the Chromebook will automatically reboot.
Step 4: Wait for Developer Mode to Set Up
After pressing Ctrl + D, your Chromebook will wipe all local data and enable Developer Mode. This process can take about 10–15 minutes. Once complete, the device will reboot.
Step 5: OS Verification Off Warning Screen
Every time you boot your Chromebook, you’ll see a screen warning that “OS verification is OFF.” To continue booting, press Ctrl + D or wait for the device to automatically boot after a short delay.
Step 6: Use Developer Mode
Once your Chromebook boots up, you will be in Developer Mode. You can now access features like the Linux shell, side-load apps, or modify the operating system.
Important Considerations:
- Security: Developer Mode disables certain security features, so your Chromebook will be more vulnerable to attacks.
- Boot Warnings: Every time you boot, you will need to bypass the “OS verification is OFF” warning by pressing Ctrl + D.
- Re-enabling OS verification: If you want to go back to regular mode, you can do so by turning OS verification back on, which will factory reset the device again.
How to Turn Off Developer Mode
If you decide to turn off Developer Mode and return to the default mode, simply reboot your Chromebook, press Space when you see the “OS verification is OFF” screen, and follow the prompts to reset the device.
This is the process to enable Developer Mode on your Chromebook!
