How to turn on Developer Mode on Android or iPhone

Sometimes you want a little more control over how your phone works—whether you’re building an app, testing new features, or just curious about what’s happening behind the scenes. That’s where Developer Mode comes in. It gives you access to advanced settings so you can tweak, test, and optimize your device.

At Asurion, we want to make your devices feel uniquely "you." Whether you need support during a new phone setup or are looking for recommendations for AI tools and techniques, we've got the answers you need. This guide walks you through how to turn on Developer Mode on iPhone® or Android™. 

What Developer Mode is and when to use it

Developer Mode isn't just the zone that programmers get into when they're cranking out lines of code at 2 a.m. It's a setting on your phone that allows you to access more advanced features. It's designed for app developers, testers, and tech-savvy people who feel comfortable poking around inside their devices. 

For example, you might have hundreds of scenic photos on your Google Pixel® after a trip to Yellowstone National Park. Instead of transferring them to the cloud, you could use Android USB debugging to send them directly to your computer. Or maybe your phone seems sluggish, no matter how many apps you uninstall. With animation scaling, you can speed up visual effects. 

Developer Mode is also perfect for, well, developers. Use it for app testing on your phone, so you can see exactly how your software behaves before it's released. 

How to enable Developer Mode

Using these advanced phone settings takes more effort than downloading Snapchat, but you don't need a computer science degree to figure it out. Here's how to do it. 

How to turn on Developer Mode on Android

If you want to access developer options on Android, follow these steps: 

1. Open the Settings app. Depending on the model, you may need to start on the Home screen and scroll down twice to find the correct settings menu. 
2. Tap About phone and find your Build Number. Tap this button seven times quickly and enter the same PIN you use to unlock your phone screen. 
3. Go back to Settings and tap System to start using the newly unlocked Android hidden settings.

How to access Developer settings on iPhone

Unlocking the developer tools on iOS are relatively straightforward: 

1. On your Mac computer, go to the App Store and download Xcode. 
2. Connect the iPhone to the Mac with a USB cable. 
3. On the iPhone, open Settings > Privacy & Security. 
4. Under Security, tap Developer Mode. You'll arrive on a screen that says Ready to Enable Developer Mode. 
5. Tap Enable and enter your passcode. 

The system may also prompt you to restart your device to complete the switch to Developer Mode. 

Things to be cautious of in Developer Mode

Gaining Android or iPhone developer access can feel like unlocking a brand-new map in a video game, but don't start tweaking things willy-nilly. These Developer Mode safety tips will protect you from hackers and bugs: 

• Avoid OEM unlock: This setting allows you to unlock your phone's bootloader, providing more control over the software. It unlocks all the data on your device and may open security vulnerabilities. 
• Resist the urge to use a mock location: More advanced users can spoof their location. This comes in handy if you're trying to stream a Netflix show that's not available in your country, but it could make it easier for hackers to access your phone. Streaming services may also block your phone if they suspect spoofing. 
• Don't increase animation speeds too much: Your phone may become less responsive or load jerkily if you crank up the speed. 

Don't be too afraid to experiment, though, especially if you have a spare phone to play with. Using the developer features on your phone won't void your warranty, so you're free to explore. However, if you modify your phone too much — like by installing dozens of iPhone advanced features — the manufacturer may not help if something goes wrong. 

When you're done playing with the engine, be sure to disable Developer Mode. On Android, go back to the Settings app and tap Developer options. To exit this mode on iPhone, tap Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode. For both systems, you'll see a switch that you can use to turn it off.