Chromebook developer mode · Settings guide
How to turn developer mode on or off on a Chromebook
Sources checked · how we check
Developer mode unlocks the Chromebook's system for development. Turning it on or off erases everything stored on the device, and Google warns it disables security features.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Back up your files first: switching into or out of developer mode wipes the device's local data.
- Chromium warns that developer mode disables security features and may leave the device open to attack; only turn it on if you understand the risks.
- Changes you make in developer mode aren't supported by Google and may void the warranty.
02 · Change the setting
Step by step, by device
Step 1: enter recovery mode
Hold Esc + Refresh, press Power
- Press and hold Esc + Refresh, then press Power. Let go of Power.
- When a message shows on the screen, let go of the other keys.
On some models, hold Esc + Maximize instead of Esc + Refresh.
Source: Google: recover your Chromebook
Step 2: turn on developer mode
At the recovery screen: Ctrl + D → Enter
- At the recovery screen, press Ctrl + D, then press Enter to accept.
- After that, a warning screen appears every time the Chromebook starts. Press Ctrl + D to boot, or wait: it times out after 30 seconds with a warning beep.
Source: Chromium: debug button shortcuts
Turn developer mode off
At the startup warning screen: press Spacebar
- Restart the Chromebook.
- At the firmware warning screen, press the Spacebar to go back to normal mode.
This also wipes the device's local data.
If the setting doesn't change
Chromium notes that if you changed the system's root filesystem while in developer mode, you may have to use the recovery process to restore the Chromebook to its factory condition.
Frequently asked questions
Does developer mode erase my Chromebook?
Yes. Chromium says switching into or out of developer mode wipes the device's local data, so back up your files first.
How do I turn off developer mode on a Chromebook?
Restart it and press the Spacebar at the startup warning screen. That returns it to normal mode and wipes local data.