1---
2title: iOS Developer Mode
3hideTOC: true
4description: Learn how to enable iOS developer mode on iOS 16 and above to run internal distribution builds and local development builds.
5---
6
7import ImageSpotlight from '~/components/plugins/ImageSpotlight';
8import { Step } from '~/ui/components/Step';
9
10> This does not apply to builds signed using enterprise provisioning, or to any builds installed on an iOS Simulator.
11
12Devices running iOS 16 and above need to enable OS-level **Developer Mode** setting before they can run [internal distribution](/build/internal-distribution) builds (including those built with EAS) or local development builds after installing them on the device.
13
14## Prerequisites
15
16The instructions specified below need to be followed once per device. **You'll also need to install your development build on your device before you can enable the Developer Mode.** When the build is created, follow the instructions from the Expo dashboard to install it on your iOS device.
17
18## Enable Developer Mode
19
20<Step label="1">
21
22Once the build is installed on your device, press the app icon. This will open an alert asking you to enable Developer Mode. Press **OK**.
23
24<ImageSpotlight
25  alt="Navigating to Developer Mode setting"
26  src="/static/images/ios-dev-mode/ios-16-developer-mode-0.jpg"
27  style={{ maxWidth: 240 }}
28/>
29
30</Step>
31
32<Step label="2">
33
34Go to the Settings app, and navigate to **Privacy & Security** > **Developer Mode**.
35
36<ImageSpotlight
37  alt="Navigating to Developer Mode setting"
38  src="/static/images/ios-dev-mode/ios-16-developer-mode-1.png"
39  style={{ maxWidth: 480 }}
40/>
41
42</Step>
43
44<Step label="3">
45
46Enable the toggle. You will receive a prompt from iOS to restart your device. Press **Restart**.
47
48<ImageSpotlight
49  alt="Developer Mode restart prompt"
50  src="/static/images/ios-dev-mode/ios-16-developer-mode-2.png"
51  style={{ maxWidth: 480 }}
52/>
53
54</Step>
55
56<Step label="4">
57
58After the device restarts, unlock your device. A system alert should appear. Press **Turn On** and then, when prompted, enter your device's passcode.
59
60<ImageSpotlight
61  alt="Alert and passcode prompt"
62  src="/static/images/ios-dev-mode/ios-16-developer-mode-3.png"
63  style={{ maxWidth: 480 }}
64/>
65
66</Step>
67
68Developer Mode is now enabled. You can now interact with your internal distribution builds and local development builds.
69
70You can turn off Developer Mode at any time, however, note that you'll need to follow this same process again to re-enable it.
71
72## Alternate method to enable Developer Mode
73
74If you're unable to enable Developer Mode using the steps above, and you have a Mac, connect your device to your Mac and follow the instructions from [Apple's documentation](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode/enabling-developer-mode-on-a-device).
75