Developer Mode is a security feature. It will prevent unsigned code from running on your device — apps that are not on the App Store, app marketplaces nor TestFlight. Most people can enjoy the added layer of security for free. But, this also means that if you’re writing your own apps in Xcode, you will need to enable Developer Mode on your iPhone or iPad before running your app.
There are also a few apps you can only install by side loading onto your device from a Mac, using an app like Sideloadly. These could include apps that aren’t allowed on the App Store, such as Hot Tub, a porn app; or apps that are no longer available from their original developers, like Apollo, the former Reddit client. For side loading to work, you’ll need Developer Mode enabled as well.
Read on to see how to turn it on.
How to enable Developer Mode on iPhone and iPad
App development for iPhone is pretty simple. Apple’s own Swift language is a modern and well-lauded language; the SwiftUI framework makes building user interfaces super simple. You can use the same code to build native apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac — and even Apple Watch, Vision Pro and Apple TV.
You can do your development using the same tools Apple itself uses, Xcode. It has built-in simulators to run apps on a virtual iPhone on your Mac — but nothing beats using the real thing. To run your apps on your own iPhone, you’ll need to enable Developer Mode first. Here’s how to do it.
Turn on Developer Mode in Settings
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Enabling Developer Mode is a simple switch you can turn on, but you have to find it buried in Settings.
Go to Settings, scroll down to Privacy & Security and then tap Developer Mode at the very bottom. Enable Developer Mode. You will get a warning:
When Developer Mode is turned on, your device security will be reduced. Restart your device to turn on Developer Mode.
Tap Restart and your phone will instantly restart with Developer Mode enabled; tap Cancel and nothing will happen.
Developer mode security
Your device security is only compromised insofar as any app you’re installing to your device via Xcode or side-loading will run unchecked. If you’re just learning Swift or testing an app you wrote, this doesn’t weaken your device to malware, unless you have bizarrely decided to write malware for yourself in Xcode.
Note: Some malicious Xcode projects copy or mimic legitimate open-source projects, only to add in spyware. If you are following along with directions to install an app and you are here because you have to enable Developer Mode to finish installing it, you should carefully consider whether you can trust the source. It could be using private APIs or break App Store rules. It’s possible you’re being pushed to install something you shouldn’t.
Do another search to double check what you’re installing isn’t a scam of some kind.
Enable Developer Mode again after rebooting
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
After restarting, you will be asked again whether you really want to enable Developer Mode. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to choose. Tapping Turn On one last time and entering your passcode will enable it. Otherwise, you can tap Don’t Enable and it’ll remain turned off.
To turn Developer Mode off later, just go back to Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode and uncheck Developer Mode. The change will happen instantly.
More iPhone pro tips
- Create Focus modes to customize notification settings for different times of day, like work, vacation, driving, personal time and more.
- Reset your iPhone with your old passcode — for up to three days later — if you forget your new one.
- Customize the Action button to toggle the flashlight, open the camera, run a custom Shortcut and more.
- Hide and lock apps with Face ID (or Touch ID) so they can’t be opened (or seen on your phone) by anyone else.
- Play ambient music and background sounds while you work for distraction-free tunes and vibes.
- Enable Game Mode for higher performance while you’re playing a mobile game.
We originally published this article on iPhone developer mode on August 24, 2022. We updated the article with new information on October 21, 2025.
