How to Enable Developer Mode on iPhone (iOS 16–18)

Apple introduced Developer Mode in iOS 16 as a security gate for sideloaded apps. If you want to install apps via AltStore, Sideloadly, or Xcode — or test your own apps on a real device — you need this enabled first.

It takes about two minutes. Here's exactly how.

What Is Developer Mode?#

Developer Mode is a toggle Apple added in iOS 16 that must be manually enabled before your iPhone will run apps installed outside the App Store (via Xcode or device management profiles).

Without it enabled, attempting to open a sideloaded app shows: "App" requires developer mode to run.

Important: Enabling Developer Mode doesn't jailbreak your phone, doesn't void your warranty, and can be turned off at any time. It does slightly increase your attack surface if someone with physical access to your phone tries to install malicious apps.

Requirements#

• iPhone running iOS 16 or later
• The device must have been connected to a Mac or PC running Xcode at least once OR you're installing via AltStore/Sideloadly (they handle this differently — see below)

Method 1: Enable via Settings (Standard)#

This is the method if you've already sideloaded an app and see the Developer Mode prompt, or if you connected to Xcode.

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page
4. Tap Developer Mode
5. Toggle it ON
6. Tap Restart when prompted
7. After restart, tap Turn On on the confirmation dialog

That's it. Developer Mode is now active.

Method 2: Enable via AltStore#

AltStore handles Developer Mode differently — it uses the Apple developer certificate system so you don't need to interact with Xcode at all.

1. Install AltStore on your iPhone (see our AltStore guide)
2. When you first install an app via AltStore, iOS will prompt you to enable Developer Mode
3. Follow the on-screen prompts — it will restart your phone and ask you to confirm

AltStore PAL (EU) works the same way.

Method 3: Via Xcode (Mac Required)#

If you're a developer testing your own apps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a cable
2. Open Xcode → Window → Devices and Simulators
3. Select your iPhone from the sidebar
4. Click Enable next to "Developer Mode"
5. Follow the prompt on your iPhone to restart

Troubleshooting#

"Developer Mode" option isn't showing in Settings#

This happens when the device has never been paired with Xcode or a development environment. Either:

• Connect to Xcode once (run any project to your device), or
• Install AltStore/Sideloadly, which trigger the option to appear

Toggle is greyed out#

Your device may be under Mobile Device Management (MDM) — common on school or work devices. MDM profiles can prevent Developer Mode from being enabled. Contact your IT administrator or remove the profile (Settings → General → VPN & Device Management).

Error after enabling: "Developer Mode must be enabled on this iPhone"#

This appears if you try to open a sideloaded app immediately after enabling but before the required restart. Restart your phone first, then open the app.

Should You Leave Developer Mode On?#

For active sideloaders: yes, leave it on. It's annoying to toggle repeatedly.

For casual users who enabled it for a one-time install: turn it back off after. Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode → toggle OFF. You'll need to re-enable it if you sideload again.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Does Developer Mode appear on iPads too? Yes. Same path: Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode. Works identically on iPadOS 16+.

Will enabling Developer Mode affect my App Store apps? No. Your existing App Store apps continue to work exactly the same.

Does Developer Mode survive iOS updates? Usually yes. Major iOS version upgrades occasionally reset it. If your sideloaded apps stop working after an update, check this toggle first.

Can Apple see that I have Developer Mode enabled? Apple can see your device's diagnostic state, yes. Having Developer Mode on is not against Apple's Terms of Service — it's an officially supported feature. It's only apps you install that may violate Terms of Service.

I get a prompt every time I restart saying apps installed via Developer Mode are not trusted. How do I dismiss this? Tap Turn On — this is expected. iOS shows this reminder after every reboot to ensure you intentionally have Developer Mode active.

Is Developer Mode required for TrollStore? TrollStore uses a different installation method and doesn't require Developer Mode. See our TrollStore installation guide for details.