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How to turn on Chrome OS Developer mode?

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how to turn on chrome OS developer mode

You can find a physical switch to enter developer mode, which is available in the first Chromebooks. With modern Chromebooks, Developer Mode is the option you must enable in recovery mode. Similarly, it would help if you booted your Chromebook into recovery mode to activate developer mode. Below are some steps for “How to turn on Chrome OS developer mode“.

By default, Chrome OS devices are designed to allow minimal changes to the software. It is an attempt to maintain security standards, and Chromebooks are known for their inherent simplicity. Activating developer mode in Chrome gives you root access to the system, which allows you to go beyond the necessary capabilities of the device.

This guide will help you understand what developer mode is, what allows you to do this, and the risks associated with it. The guide also explains the steps you need to follow to activate developer mode on the Chromebook.

What is Chrome OS Developer Mode?

Enabling Developer Mode on Chrome OS can be compared to rooting an Android device or jailbreaking an iPhone. Enabling this mode gives you more control over the device, allowing you to make more changes than you would in factory mode.

data-preserver-spaces=”true“>Developer mode allows you to change the system and enable you to install applications from ”unauthorized” sources. However, making it more active will ”powerwash” the Chromebook.

This means that your login information and any data stored locally on the device will be lost. However, developer mode offers many benefits to Chrome; you have to give it a try.

What can you do with Developer Mode Chrome?

Activating developer mode on your Chromebook device gives you root access and allows you to edit system files on your device. Switching to Developer Mode gives you access to the Chrome OS Developer Shell (also known as Crosh).

To open a crosh in the Chrome browser, you must press Ctrl + Alt + T while in developer mode. Access to the Developer Shell allows you to perform advanced tasks such as connecting to a secure shell (SSH) server, pinging a website or IP.

In developer mode, you can also install the Linux desktop environment on the device. Similarly, you can retain the Chrome OS interface and still switch to the full Linux environment. Although you can access the Developer Shell on your Chromebook without enabling Developer Mode, you can only run advanced Linux commands in Developer Mode.

Read More: How to allow Chrome to access the network in your firewall

How to enable Chromebook Developer Mode

For security and simplicity reasons, Google limits what you can do with your Chromebook device. The process of activating developer mode varies from one model to another. For example, older Chromebook models, such as the Samsung Series 5 and CR-48, have a physical developer mode switch.

Search online to see if your model has a virtualized developer switch. On other models, you must boot the device into recovery mode to activate developer mode. Either way, you must first back up the important files stored on the device.

This is because switching to developer mode will erase your login information and some locally stored data. When you’re done, the following steps will help activate developer mode for Chrome OS:

Step 1: Boot into Recovery Mode

When the Chromebook is turned off, press and hold the Esc + Refresh keys simultaneously with the power button. This action automatically powers the device into recovery mode. On the recovery screen, you may receive an error notification saying, “Chrome OS is missing or damaged.”

How to turn on Chrome OS Developer mode

You must skip the error screen to proceed.

Step 2: Enable Developer Mode

To skip the recovery screen, press the Ctrl + D key combination on the keyboard. This will take you to the screen with a notification that says, “To turn OS Verification OFF, press ENTER.” When you see this message, press the Enter key to enter Developer Mode.

How to turn on Chrome OS Developer mode

By doing so, you disable the ”Operating System verification” feature. Similarly, you can edit OS system files without any problems.

Step 3: Boot with the Developer Mode Enabled 

While you boot your Chromebook into developer mode enabled, you will see an error screen saying, “OS Verification is Off.” This means that the system cannot verify the files because the device is in developer mode.

How to turn on Chrome OS Developer mode

To ignore this message, boot the device and press the Ctrl + D key combination on this error screen. If this is the first time you have started the device by enabling Developer Mode, the system will notify you that you are preparing for Developer Mode. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Step 4: Enable additional debugging features.

When you activate developer mode and boot your Chromebook for the first time, you’ll see the Setup Wizard, especially Chrome 41 and higher. You need to click on the ”Enable Debugging Features’Features’ link in the Setup Wizard window’s lower-left corner.

This feature allows you to add additional features that are useful for Chromebook Developer Mode. For example, it will enable you to disable root file system verification and booting from a USB device.

This enables an SSH daemon, which allows you to remotely access the Chromebook via an SSH server and set a custom root password.

Possible Disadvantages of Chromebook Developer Mode

Enabling Developer Mode in Chrome gives you extra control over the system, which can cause a lot of problems for your device. Here are some risks that Chromebook Developer Mode can cause to your widget:

Data loss

Booting the device with enabled developer mode erases your login information and data stored locally on the Chromebook. Again, this increases the risk of accidentally wiping the hard drive when the device boots.

Not Encouraged by Google 

Google Chromebook does not encourage users to enable Developer Mode to modify system files. As a result, using the device in this mode will void your warranty.

Low security

Generally speaking, enabling developer mode and booting the Chromebook makes the PC less secure. This mode automatically disables some security features built into Chrome OS, making your computer vulnerable to attack.

The device slows down.

Chromebook may take some time to boot when developer mode is enabled. This may be due to the time spent on the warning screen.

Also Read: Facing Your connection was interrupted on Chrome? 

How to Disable Developer Mode 

In this internet-connected world, it is better not to turn developer mode on for too long. To disable this mode, you must first close your Chromebook. Now turn it on again and let it boot until you see the ”OS Verification Off’Off’ screen.

When you get this notification, tap the space bar on your keyboard. Follow the on-screen instruction to set up the Chromebook device once again.

Conclusion

If you want to modify system files or install unauthorized applications for operating systems, you must turn on developer mode. Enabling this feature allows you to open the Crosh, run the Linux command line, and install the Linux desktop environment.

On older Chromebook machines, you can activate developer mode with a physical developer switch. On newer Chromebooks, this operation can only be completed by booting the device into recovery mode.

Activating developer mode comes with some risks, and you should only try it if you know what you are doing.