To enable Developer Mode on an iPhone, you’ll first need to become an Apple Developer and install Xcode on your Mac. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you enable Developer Mode:
- Sign up for an Apple Developer account: Go to the Apple Developer website (https://developer.apple.com) and sign up for an account using your Apple ID. It’s free to sign up, but if you want to access additional developer tools and submit apps to the App Store, you’ll need to enroll in the Apple Developer Program, which has an annual fee.
- Download and install Xcode: Xcode is Apple’s official development environment for creating apps for macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Download Xcode from the Mac App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xcode/id497799835) and install it on your Mac.
- Launch Xcode: Open Xcode on your Mac, and you’ll be prompted to install additional components if necessary. Complete the installation process.
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac: Using a Lightning cable, connect your iPhone to your Mac. You may need to unlock your iPhone and tap “Trust” to allow your Mac to access the device.
- Add your Apple ID to Xcode: In Xcode, go to Xcode > Preferences > Accounts. Click the “+” button in the bottom-left corner and sign in with your Apple Developer account.
- Create a development team: If you haven’t already, create a development team by selecting your Apple ID and clicking “Join a Team.” Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Enable Developer Mode: In Xcode, go to the “Window” menu and select “Devices and Simulators.” In the Devices and Simulators window, click on your connected iPhone in the left sidebar. If your device is not recognized, unplug it and plug it back in. Once the device is recognized, Xcode will automatically enable Developer Mode on your iPhone.
With Developer Mode enabled, you can now install and test your own apps, access development tools like the Console and Instruments, and run other developer-specific tasks on your iPhone.