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Step by Step Guide for Setting Up Developer Mode

How to Put a Chromebook into Developer Mode: Step-by-Step Guide

⚠️ Warning: Enabling Developer Mode will wipe all local data, including files, apps, and settings. Be sure to back up anything important before you begin.

✅ Step 0: Prepare

  • Backup your data (Google Drive, USB stick, or external hard drive).
  • Make sure your Chromebook is charged or plugged in.
  • Know that Developer Mode disables verified boot, so you’ll see a scary screen every time you start up — this is expected.

🧑‍💻 Step 1: Enter Recovery Mode

  1. Turn off your Chromebook.

  2. Press and hold these keys simultaneously:

  3. Esc + Refresh (🔁), then press the Power button.

  4. Release all keys when you see a white screen with a yellow exclamation mark or a message like "Chrome OS is missing or damaged."

⚙️ Step 2: Enable Developer Mode

  1. On the recovery screen, press Ctrl + D.
  2. You will be prompted: “To turn OS verification OFF, press ENTER.”
  3. Press Enter.

🧹 Step 3: Wait for Powerwash (Device Reset)

  • The system will reboot and begin the transition to Developer Mode.
  • This takes 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll see a screen that says:

"Preparing system for Developer Mode. This may take a while."

This process erases all local data (Powerwash), and once complete, the device will reboot again.

⚠️ Step 4: Startup Behavior in Developer Mode

Every time you boot, you’ll see a “OS verification is OFF” screen.

  • To continue booting: press Ctrl + D or wait 30 seconds.
  • To go back to normal mode: press Spacebar, then confirm.

🛠️ Step 5: Access the Linux Shell (Crosh and Bash)

  1. Once booted, sign into Wi-Fi.
  2. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open Crosh (Chrome Shell).
  3. Type shell and press Enter.
  4. Now you are in a full Bash shell and can run commands like sudo, install dev tools, or run scripts.

🧯 Optional: Disable Root File System Verification

If you're doing root-level development:

1
2
sudo su
/usr/share/vboot/bin/make_dev_ssd.sh --remove_rootfs_verification

Then reboot.

🔄 To Exit Developer Mode (Re-enable Verified Boot)

  1. Reboot your Chromebook.
  2. On the "OS verification is OFF" screen, press Spacebar.
  3. Confirm when prompted — this will Powerwash again and return to normal mode.

✅ Developer Mode Enabled!

You’re now ready to:

  • Install custom Linux distros
  • Sideload APKs (on supported Chromebooks)
  • Access full root shell
  • Modify system files and services

References

YouTube Video Showing Steps to Put Chromebook into Developer Mode