Turn on chrome os developer mode to install apps

Chromebooks are fantastic devices. Yet, their capabilities are very limited outside the browser and Google apps.

Chromebooks are affordable and easy-to-use devices that are a great choice for anyone. Since their release, Chromebooks have added many useful features, making the best Chromebooks a great alternative to Microsoft Windows laptops. Even though they are great for web browsing, Chromebooks are a bit limited by nature, and some power users may want a little more out of their devices. The Chromebook operating system, Chrome OS, includes a Developer mode that lets users tailor their Chromebook experience to suit their needs, much like gaining root access on an Android device. Here's a tutorial on what Developer mode is, why you might want to use it, and how to access it.

Turn on chrome os developer mode to install apps

It's a hidden setting on your Chromebook that turns off all the restrictions and protections built into Chrome and gives you relatively direct access to a wealth of features that typically only developers and IT professionals take advantage of. While there are risks with enabling Developer Mode, it's easy to do and to undo if you want to turn it off later. Developer Mode is a Chrome configuration that gives you root access to your Chromebook. Similar to the way you can "jailbreak" an iOS device, putting a Chromebook in Developer Mode means you can install Android apps from any source and bypass security systems ordinarily built into Chrome OS. You can even add a different operating system, so you can run Linux on your Chromebook as well. After enabling Developer Mode, your Chromebook doesn't automatically grant you access to the files and apps already installed, though, so you will need to manually copy existing data from the original configuration into Developer Mode. There are other things to be wary of as well. Not only does the device lose the security protections usually in place, making it susceptible to malware, but Developer Mode also generally voids the warranty of most Chromebooks. If you're ready to enable Developer Mode, be sure that you have backed up any data stored locally on your device. Then do this:. Press and hold the Esc , Refresh , and Power keys simultaneously. When you see your Chromebook start to power on, you can let go of the keys. You'll see the recovery process screen. If you see a message asking you to verify the operating system, press Enter.

Here are a few potential issues with keeping Developer Mode on all the time:. Chromebooks are perfect for most users, but if you want a little more out of your device, Developer Mode may be for you. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more. Chrome OS devices are getting more powerful and capable, allowing for a pretty good albeit simple PC experience. This post will explain exactly how to do that, and what to be aware of. Make sure to research anything you want to try, and keep in mind that unsupported and experimental features can cause problems.

These are Android apps in APK format. Keep reading to find our step-by-step guide on how to install APKs on Chromebook without Developer mode. You can increase control and customization of your Chromebook using the Developer Mode. Chrome OS is known for its unparalleled security features. Again, if you enable Developer Mode for the first time, the bootup process will change drastically. This includes less control over system updates. While you can disable Developer mode to get back your warranty, it will still put you in a difficult position if any damage or defect happens to your laptop.

Turn on chrome os developer mode to install apps

If you are geek, you must be aware of the fact that if you really want to make the most out of a software, you have to tinker with it. So, if you have been using a Chromebook and want to unlock its full potential, you should enable Developer Mode on the device. Developer Mode on Chrome OS gives you root access , which lets you install other operating systems like Linux or other Chromium-based platforms. Moreover, it brings a slew of more options through Crosh commands and also lets you install Android apps through APK files. So, everything on the device will be deleted along with your account details and settings. However, if you have stored your files online via Google Drive, you can recover them along with all your settings when you enter your Google account.

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Developer Mode requires you to turn off OS verification in most cases, making it inherently unsafe. Here's a tutorial on what Developer mode is, why you might want to use it, and how to access it. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. Most warranties cover normal usage, and Developer Mode technically doesn't fall under normal use. Read More. Not only does the device lose the security protections usually in place, making it susceptible to malware, but Developer Mode also generally voids the warranty of most Chromebooks. Highlight Boot from internal disk and press enter yes, again. Make sure to research anything you want to try, and keep in mind that unsupported and experimental features can cause problems. Computing Chromebooks. Try out new Chromebook features early. Readers like you help support Android Police. When highlighted, press enter.

Although many users pick up a quality Chromebook because of the simple browser-based experience, there's much more you can do with it if you're comfortable tweaking more advanced settings. For example, you can join the Beta or Dev channel or enable Chrome Flags to try out new features before they launch. If you're a developer, you can also put your Chromebook into Developer Mode to install applications and gain overall deeper access to the ChromeOS system.

Read More. Anyone with access to your Chromebook can press the Space key followed by Enter to disable developer mode and wipe all your data. The Chromebook will disable developer mode and turn on its OS-verified status. Since their release, Chromebooks have added many useful features, making the best Chromebooks a great alternative to Microsoft Windows laptops. Most warranties cover normal usage, and Developer Mode technically doesn't fall under normal use. If you see a message asking you to verify the operating system, press Enter. Chromebooks are affordable and easy-to-use devices that are a great choice for anyone. Travel Angle down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Some Chromebooks may require you to turn OS verification off. Chrome OS devices are getting more powerful and capable, allowing for a pretty good albeit simple PC experience. One way to make it harder to turn off developer mode is to set the language of the boot screen to a different language. Readers like you help support MUO. First, make sure you back up and save any important files stored on your device.