How to enable Developer Mode on an iPhone or iPad

Did you know iOS has a Developer Mode? This security feature was released in an effort to help developers run code and test their apps on an actual device. It’s also an essential step if you’re trying to sideload apps using the AltStore. If you can’t figure out how to do this, today we’ll show you how to enable Developer Mode on an iPhone or iPad.

Warning: iOS Developer Mode is meant for developers, and it is not recommended for regular users. Be sure to do your research and know what you’re getting into before going through with this. We’re not responsible if anything happens to your device.

Editor’s note: We used an HONOR MagicBook 14 running Windows 11 and an Apple iPhone 12 Mini running iOS 17.2 to formulate these steps. Some steps may differ depending on your device and software version.

How to turn on Developer Mode on an iPhone or iPad

Apple has removed the ability to enable Developer Mode starting with iOS 16, so chances are many of you can no longer access Developer Mode from the settings. Regardless, here are the steps if you want to give it a try. It might show up for you!

Enable Developer Mode on an iPhone using the settings:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll down and tap on Developer Mode.
4. Toggle on Developer Mode.
5. Hit Restart. The phone will reboot.
6. When the phone turns back on, you will be asked again if you really want to turn on Developer Mode. Select Turn On.
7. Enter your passcode.

Again, this option may not show up for you if you have iOS 16 or later. You can still enable Developer Mode on an iPhone using tools like Xcode. Xcode is a bit too complex for most users, though. It also doesn’t help much unless you are actually a developer, in which case you probably already know how to use it. Not to mention, Xcode is only available for macOS.

Instead, we will use a more user-friendly software called UltFone iOS Data Manager. By the way, you will need a computer, and the software is available for Windows and macOS.

Enable Developer Mode using UltFone iOS Data Manager:

1. Download and install UltFone iOS Data Manager.
2. Launch the app and connect your iPhone to your computer.
3. Under Quick Access, click on Developer Mode.
   1. If you can’t find the option, click on the More Tools pencil icon and add it, then hit Save.
   2. You may be asked to trust your PC using the iPhone. Hit Trust.
4. You will be asked if you really want to enable Developer Mode. Hit Open.
5. Select Next.
6. Now, you can move to your iPhone and follow the instructions above to enable Developer Mode. The option should appear this time.

How to turn off Developer Mode on an iPhone or iPad

Thankfully, turning off Developer Mode is much easier!

Turn off Developer Mode from the iPhone settings:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll down and tap on Developer Mode.
4. Toggle off Developer Mode.
5. You will have to restart the iPhone manually. No restart request will appear this time.

FAQs