Developer Mode lets an iPhone run apps that aren’t from the App Store, such as test builds from Xcode or apps you install yourself with a sideloading tool. It was added in iOS 16, and it’s turned off and hidden by default to protect regular users. If you’re building apps or testing software on an iPhone 13, here’s how to make the setting appear, turn it on, and turn it off again when you’re done.
Quick answer
On iOS 16 or later, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode, turn it on, and tap Restart. After the iPhone restarts, unlock it, tap Turn On in the alert, and enter your passcode. If you don’t see Developer Mode, connect the iPhone to a Mac running Xcode first.
Before you start
- Update iOS. Developer Mode exists in iOS 16 and later. Check your version in Settings > General > About, and update in Software Update if needed.
- Know why you need it. Developer Mode is for running development builds. Everyday users don’t need it, and it slightly lowers your phone’s protection against harmful software.
- Have your passcode ready. You’ll need it to confirm the change.
Step 1: Make the Developer Mode option appear
On most iPhones, Developer Mode doesn’t show up in Settings until the phone has been connected to developer tools.
- Install Xcode on a Mac from the Mac App Store.
- Connect your iPhone 13 to the Mac with a USB cable, unlock the phone, and tap Trust if asked.
- In Xcode, choose your iPhone as the run destination. Xcode will tell you that Developer Mode is required.
Installing a developer-signed app with a sideloading tool can also make the option appear. Use only tools and apps you trust.
Step 2: Turn on Developer Mode
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Scroll to the Security section near the bottom and tap Developer Mode.
- Turn on the switch.
- Tap Restart in the pop-up.
Step 3: Confirm after restarting
- After the iPhone restarts, unlock it.
- An alert asks whether to turn on Developer Mode. Tap Turn On.
- Enter your passcode.
Developer Mode is now active. You can run apps from Xcode and other development tools on the phone.
Run your first app from Xcode
- Open your project in Xcode and select your iPhone 13 at the top of the window.
- Under Signing & Capabilities, choose your Apple ID team. A free Apple ID works for personal testing.
- Click the Run button. Xcode builds and installs the app.
- The first time, iOS may say the developer isn’t trusted. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, tap your developer profile, and tap Trust.
Apps installed with a free Apple ID stop opening after about a week and need to be reinstalled from Xcode.
What Developer Mode does and doesn’t do
| Does | Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Allows development-signed apps from Xcode to run | Jailbreak your iPhone |
| Enables some debugging and testing features | Let you install any app without signing |
| Supports sideloaded test builds | Change your data or apps |
Your apps, photos, and settings stay exactly as they were. TestFlight beta apps don’t require Developer Mode.
How to turn off Developer Mode
When you’re done testing, go back to Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode, turn off the switch, and restart if asked. Apps that need Developer Mode will stop opening until you turn it back on.
If Developer Mode is missing
- Connect to Xcode again. The option only appears after the iPhone has been used with developer tools.
- Check for device management. iPhones managed by a school or company may have Developer Mode blocked by a management profile. Look in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
- Update iOS. Older versions don’t have the Developer Mode setting at all.
- Restart the phone after connecting it to Xcode, then check Settings again.
Security tips
Only run apps you built yourself or got from developers you trust. Turn Developer Mode off when you’re not actively testing, and avoid downloading app files from random websites. If your iPhone holds sensitive work data, check your organization’s policy before enabling it.
Related: Fixing low volume on an iPhone 14.
Frequently asked questions
Does Developer Mode void my warranty?
No. It’s an official Apple setting, and you can turn it off at any time.
Do I need a paid Apple Developer account?
Not to turn on Developer Mode or run your own apps from Xcode for testing. Distributing apps to other people through the App Store or TestFlight requires a paid membership.
Is the process different on other iPhone models?
No. The steps are the same on any iPhone running iOS 16 or later.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.