How to Turn On Developer Mode on Your Chromebook

Developer Mode lets you run your own code on a Chromebook

Developer Mode is a special state that removes some of Chrome OS's built-in protections so you can install and run software that Google doesn't verify. Once enabled, you can use the Linux terminal, install programming tools, and test code directly on your device instead of in a browser.

The tradeoff is real: Developer Mode makes your Chromebook less secure because it disables verified boot and allows unsigned code to run. You should only enable it if you actually plan to develop on the machine. If you just want to write code in a browser-based editor or use Chrome extensions, you don't need Developer Mode.

The process itself is straightforward and takes about five minutes, though your Chromebook will restart and wipe local data during the transition.

Key Takeaways

Developer Mode removes Chrome OS security features, so only turn it on if you plan to write and test code on your Chromebook.
Enabling Developer Mode erases all local files and user data on your Chromebook, so back up anything you need first.
The process involves pressing Escape + Refresh + Power at the login screen, then confirming you want to proceed.
Once enabled, you can open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and install programming languages, text editors, and development tools.
You can turn Developer Mode off the same way you turned it on, which will again erase local data and restore Chrome OS protections.

Back up your files before you start

Enabling Developer Mode erases everything stored locally on your Chromebook — documents, downloads, photos, settings, everything. Your Google account data (Gmail, Drive, Photos) stays safe because it lives in the cloud, but anything saved only to your device is gone.

Before you begin, download any files you need to a USB drive or upload them to Google Drive. If you have a lot of data, this step can take longer than the actual Developer Mode process.

The three-key combination to enter Developer Mode

Start by signing out of your Chromebook or restarting it so you're at the login screen. You don't need to be logged in to enable Developer Mode.

At the login screen, press Escape + Refresh + Power all at the same time. The Refresh key is the one with the circular arrow icon (usually in the top row of your keyboard, where F3 would be on a regular computer). The Power key is the button you normally use to turn the device on and off.

Your Chromebook will show a message saying "Chrome OS is missing or damaged." This is normal. Press Ctrl + D to proceed. The screen will ask you to confirm — press Enter or Space to continue.

Your Chromebook will restart and begin the transition to Developer Mode. This takes a few minutes. You'll see a spinning icon and possibly hear a beep. Do not turn off the device during this process.

What happens after Developer Mode is enabled

When your Chromebook restarts, you'll see a different boot screen that says "OS verification is OFF" at the bottom. This is the sign that Developer Mode is active. You'll also hear a beep during startup — this is expected and happens every time you boot in Developer Mode.

Log back into your Google account. Your Chromebook will download and reinstall your apps from the Chrome Web Store, but your local files and settings are gone.

To open a terminal and start developing, press Ctrl + Alt + T. A terminal window will open. From here you can install programming languages (Python, Node.js, Go, Rust, etc.), text editors, and development tools using the Linux package manager.

Installing development tools in the terminal

Once the terminal is open, you can install software using the apt package manager. For example, to install Python 3, type sudo apt install python3 and press Enter. To install Node.js, type sudo apt install nodejs npm.

You'll need to enter your password (the one you use to log into your Chromebook) when prompted. After that, the package manager downloads and installs the software automatically.

Different Chromebooks have different amounts of storage and RAM, so development tools may run slower than on a full laptop. If you're doing heavy development, a Chromebook with at least 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage will be more comfortable than a basic model.

Turning Developer Mode off if you change your mind

If you decide you don't want Developer Mode anymore, the process is the same as turning it on: press Escape + Refresh + Power at the login screen, then press Ctrl + D to confirm. Your Chromebook will restart and return to normal Chrome OS, and all local data will be erased again.

Your Google account and cloud data are unaffected. Once you're back in normal mode, Chrome OS's security features are restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my Google account or cloud data when I enable Developer Mode?

No. Your Google account, Gmail, Drive, Photos, and other cloud services stay intact. Only files stored locally on your Chromebook are erased. When you log back in, your apps and cloud data sync back down automatically.

Can I use Developer Mode on any Chromebook?

Yes, any Chromebook can be put into Developer Mode. The process is the same across all models. However, older or lower-spec Chromebooks may run development tools more slowly than newer ones with more RAM and storage.

Is it safe to use Developer Mode?

Developer Mode is less secure than normal Chrome OS because it disables verified boot and allows unsigned code to run. Only enable it if you trust the code you're installing. Don't enable it just to browse the web or use regular apps — normal mode is safer for everyday use.

What if I mess up the terminal and can't fix it?

You can always turn Developer Mode off and back on again, which will erase everything and give you a fresh start. This is one advantage of Chromebooks — you can reset to a clean state without needing recovery media or a second device.

Can I run a full Linux desktop environment on my Chromebook?

Developer Mode gives you terminal access and the ability to install command-line tools, but it's not the same as running a full Linux desktop. Some newer Chromebooks support Crostini, which is a more complete Linux environment you can turn on in Settings without needing Developer Mode. Check your Chromebook's settings to see if Crostini is available.

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