About iOS Developer Mode

Developer mode was introduced in iOS 15. When developer mode is turned off, you are unable to develop apps on the actual device, including such as installing and debugging an app under development. This article explains how to turn on developer mode.

Why was the developer mode introduced?

The development function allows developers to install apps without going through the App Store. This is an essential function for app development. However, for general users, it can lead to cases where apps are installed in ways they typically are not. Therefore, the developer mode was introduced to prevent attacks that abuse these developer features.

Apple Developer

Get ready for Developer Mode – Latest News – Apple Developer Developer Mode protects people from inadvertently installing potentially harmful software on their devices, and reduces attack vectors exposed by developer-only…

How to turn on Developer Mode

Follow these steps to enable it.

STEP

Open the “Settings” application and go to “Privacy & Security”.

STEP

Go to “Developer Mode”.

STEP

Turn on and tap “Restart”.

STEP

Tap “Turn on”.

After the device restarts, you will see an alert asking for confirmation to enable developer mode. Tap “Turn On” to turn on developer mode.

Display in Xcode

If you open the “Devices and Simulators” window in Xcode while developer mode is turned off, you will see a message indicating that developer mode needs to be activated.

To use iPhone13Pro for development, enable Developer Mode in Settings → Privacy & Security.

Xcode 14 Device and Simulators Window