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
10On devices running iOS 16 and above, you will need to enable a special OS-level **Developer Mode** setting before you can run [internal distribution](/build/internal-distribution) builds (including those built with EAS) or local development builds installed on the device.
11
12To enable it, you do not need to connect the device to a computer or use Xcode.
13
14> This does not apply to builds signed using enterprise provisioning, nor to any builds installed on an iOS Simulator.
15
16Follow the instructions below (once per device).
17
18<Step label="1">
19Install the build on your device and press the app icon.
20
21<ImageSpotlight
22  alt="Navigating to Developer Mode setting"
23  src="/static/images/ios-16-developer-mode-0.jpg"
24  style={{ maxWidth: 240 }}
25/>
26</Step>
27
28<Step label="2">
29In the Settings app, navigate to **Privacy & Security** > **Developer Mode**.
30
31<ImageSpotlight
32  alt="Navigating to Developer Mode setting"
33  src="/static/images/ios-16-developer-mode-1.png"
34  style={{ maxWidth: 480 }}
35/>
36</Step>
37
38<Step label="3">
39Enable the toggle. You will receive a prompt from iOS to restart your device. Press **Restart** to do so.
40
41<ImageSpotlight
42  alt="Developer Mode restart prompt"
43  src="/static/images/ios-16-developer-mode-2.png"
44  style={{ maxWidth: 480 }}
45/>
46</Step>
47
48<Step label="4">
49After the device restarts, unlock your device; a system alert should appear. Press **Turn On** and then, when prompted, enter your passcode.
50
51<ImageSpotlight
52  alt="Alert and passcode prompt"
53  src="/static/images/ios-16-developer-mode-3.png"
54  style={{ maxWidth: 480 }}
55/>
56</Step>
57
58Developer Mode is now enabled, and you can now run internal distribution builds and local development builds.
59
60You can turn off Developer Mode at any time, but note that you'll need to follow this same process again in order to re-enable it.
61