How to Enable Developer Mode on a Chromebook

Plus, how to disable this mode once you're done

Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: February 21, 2025

Developer Mode gives you a lot more freedom on a Chromebook. It can be used to install a new OS and complete other tasks related to the OS that you wouldn't be able to do on a Chromebook that isn't in Developer Mode.

How to Enable Developer Mode on Chrome: Brief Overview

Back up any files or data you want to save.
Push the Escape, Refresh, & Power buttons on your keyboard at the same time.
Press Ctrl and D simultaneously, then press Enter.
Wait for your Chromebook to start up, then sign in with your Google account.

Steps

Download Article

This process will remove all your accounts and files. Then turn off your Chromebook.
2
Push the Escape, Refresh (circular arrow), and Power buttons on your keyboard at the same time. Wait for the computer to enter recovery mode.
- You should see an orange exclamation mark and text saying "Chrome OS is missing or damaged."
Advertisement
When it's done, you should see a screen saying that OS verification is off with a picture of a laptop with an orange exclamation mark. This is there to warn you that your system is less secure in Developer Mode.
Then sign in with your Google account.
To do this, reboot your Chromebook, then hit the Spacebar when you see the "OS verification is off" message.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

On a scale of 1-10, how risky is this?

Mariah

Community Answer

It all depends on what you decide to do when in Developer Mode. For example, doing things such as changing your OS may result in damage to your setup, whilst doing something more simple is less risky. However, it also depends on how much you know about the task you are going to complete. It's really all up to the person.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 22
Question

What if I do it on a school Chromebook?

Community Answer

You'd probably get in trouble. Don't do it. It can be difficult to revert back to being school-managed.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 31
Question

What do you do if your Chromebook says something along the lines of "you are not allowed to use developer mode because your administrator blocked it"?

Community Answer

You can't enable developer mode, so you can contact your school, or whoever manages your Chromebook to get permission to do this.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 12

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Things You'll Need

A Chromebook

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Tinkering with the computer in Developer Mode can have unexpected results; be careful to avoid damaging your setup.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
This will erase all your data and accounts.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Some changes you may make will void your warranty.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0