How to Enable Developer Mode on a Chromebook

Everything you need to unlock Developer Mode on your Chromebook

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Last Updated: January 4, 2024

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.

Steps

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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."
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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A Chromebook

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Warnings

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

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This will erase all your data and accounts.

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Some changes you may make will void your warranty.

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