Would you believe me if I told you that you are not using your iPhone to its maximum potential? It is because you can optimize your device settings by turning on the developer mode.
Developer mode can give you access to advanced system settings and tools primarily used for testing, debugging, and optimizing applications on your iPhone. (Apple Developer: Enabling Developer Mode on Device)
If you are also wondering how to turn it on in order to enjoy the extra benefits and device protection from it, then this article is for you. Here I will tell you everything you need to know about it. So, read on to get the answers to all your queries about accessing developer mode on iPhone.
What is Developer Mode?
Doing anything you see on the internet is not the right approach to do things, first, you should understand and figure out what you’re dealing with. By activating Developer Mode on your iPhone, you will be able to utilize advanced tools and functionalities on your mobile.
It doesn’t matter if you are not professional and just curious about your iPhone’s highest potential, you’ll surely find it valuable. So, for your better understanding, I have prepared a short list of what Developer Mode enables users to do:
Run and troubleshoot apps directly on your iPhone.
Customize configurations and features that are usually hidden in standard iOS.
Facilitate options like USB debugging or logging for app development.
Load apps that aren’t usually available on the App Store.
Discover your device’s UDID for development or testing purposes.
In case you wish to turn on the developer mode on your iPhone for professional use but do not have enough time to study the instructions and follow the guide yourself, the best solution would be to contact someone who will perform this task efficiently and quickly. You can contact agencies that search for developers instead of you. Such an IT outstaffing company provides services of hiring employees on a permanent or temporary basis for projects of any scale. These experts would be well-equipped with the knowledge of turning on Developer Mode on your device and performing other tasks related to developing and testing mobile applications on iOS.
DO YOU KNOW? There were more than 1.5 billion iPhone users worldwide in 2023.
How to Enable Developer Mode on iPhone?
Now that we have a basic understanding of it, let’s get to the point and learn how to turn on Developer Mode on an iPhone. Developers often use it to test apps, debug software, or experiment with different tools and settings.
For those of you who wish to delve into a programming language or enhance your development skills, this guide will walk you through the process step by step:
Step 1: Unlock Your iPhone
The first step, of course, is to start by unlocking your iPhone. Enter your passcode or use Face ID or Touch ID. If you forgot your password, it’s certainly a problem, but can is still solvable. Although I would recommend avoiding such cases. Then, make sure your iPhone is all prepared and connected to a stable power source if needed, as some steps might require a restart.
Step 2: Open the Settings App
Navigate to the Settings app on your home screen, recognizable by its gray gear icon. Tap it to open. This app is like the epicenter for configuring your iPhone and enabling the necessary options.
While working on the task: how to get Developer Mode on iPhone, remember that some settings vary a little bit depending on the iOS version.
Step 3: Privacy and Security
Scroll down to the Privacy and Security section. It includes features and options related to your iPhone’s security and permissions. Tap on it to access the menu, where you’ll find the Developer Mode setting.
Step 4: Locate Developer Mode
Go to the bottom, where you can see how to activate Developer Mode on iPhone. If you can’t find it there may be a possibility that you are using the outdated version of your iPhone, so ensure your device is running the latest iOS version.
Older ones may not have this feature readily available. For additional assistance, you can refer to Apple’s official documentation.
Step 5: Enable Developer Mode
Tap on Developer Mode and toggle the switch to turn it on. A warning message will appear, presenting all the features and risks associated with Developer Mode. This is standard and doesn’t require any advanced action—just follow the instructions and confirm your decision. Enabling this mode is especially important if your goal is to test apps or connect development tools.
Step 6: Restart Your iPhone
If you have activated Developer Mode, you’ll likely be prompted to restart the device. Be patient while your iPhone reboots. The Developer Mode might get disabled after a software update, but you can repeat the process to re-enable it.
Step 7: Confirm the Changes
During this step, you should confirm that you do want to know how to get into Developer Mode on your iPhone and actually activate it on your device. Disapproving will leave the feature inactive. Tap ‘Turn On’ to finalize the activation.
Step 8: Verify Developer Mode is Active
To check if the developer mode is effectively enabled, return to Settings > Privacy and Security and check the toggle. It should remain in the ON position. If it’s off, you will need to repeat the steps to re-enable it.
These steps will allow you to activate developer mode, which is quite handy for developers who connect their devices to programming tools or require testing environments.
FUN FACT By adjusting animation scales in developer mode, you can make your phone’s interface move in slow motion, allowing you to observe transitions and interactions in detail.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Are you testing new app prototypes or debugging software? If yes, then Developer Mode can help you adapt to the latest industry demands. With other trends like AI integration, low-code platforms, and cross-platform development, it helps you remain updated and competitive.
As you can see, the issue of how to enable Developer Mode iOS is simple enough, and you will surely be able to solve it. However, there is a possibility of some challenges occurring, to prepare you better for it, I have listed down some common problems and their solutions:
Problem:
The Developer Mode option does not appear in the Privacy and Security section.
Solution:
Check for updates and install them if available.
Verify that your iPhone model supports Developer Mode.
Restart your device and check again.
If the issue persists, consult Apple’s official documentation or contact their support team for assistance.
Problem:
You have finished operating on how to turn on Developer Mode iPhone, and your device behaves unexpectedly later.
Solution:
Disable Developer Mode temporarily.
Restart the device, then re-enable it if necessary.
Clear unnecessary apps or cached data.
If the problem continues, restore your device to factory settings.
Problem:
Tools or features enabled through Developer Mode do not work as expected.
Solution:
Verify that your device is connected correctly to your development environment.
Ensure you’ve configured the required settings or permissions for the specific tools you’re using.
Check for updates to your development tools.
Some of you may be wondering why this feature is not available by default. Well, it is because, this way, the system protects the user’s device from potential viruses and attacks caused by downloading applications not through the App Store but, for example, through Apple Configuration. Therefore, by activating developer mode, you confirm that you are aware of these risks.
Conclusion
After all that I shared in this article, I hope that now you know how to get into Developer Mode on your iPhone. It allows you to connect your device to development tools, test apps, and access advanced configurations.
However, do not forget that with great power comes great responsibility, so use this feature wisely to avoid unintended changes or security risks.
