To unlock your Chromebook’s full potential, however, you’ll need to use developer mode.
What Is Developer Mode on Chromebook?
In essence, developer mode gives you root (or admin) access to your Chromebook.
Enabling developer mode on your Chromebookis a simple process, too.
This ensures that you won’t lose any data if something goes wrong.
Why Should I Use Developer Mode on My Chromebook?
Generally, developer mode is only worth using if you have a reason in mind.
When the installer window appears, just follow the on-screen prompts to install your new app.
Many recent versions of ChromeOS support sideloading Android apps outside of developer mode.
You should only consider installing Windows if your Chromebook is powerful enough to run it efficiently, though.
Not all Chromebooks work well with alternate operating systems.
Many Android apps are perfectly functional on Chromebooks, so you might have success with ano-coding app maker website.
Otherwise, you should considerlearning a language like Kotlin or Javato start your journey.
Official resources byAndroidprovide excellent insight into what you should probably know to make your apps function on ChromeOS.
Here are some of the cons you should know before enabling developer mode on your Chromebook.
You May Void the Warranty
Google doesnotofficially support developer mode.
As the name suggests, the reason it exists is for Chromebook developers to tinker.
Ask your warranty provider if you’re not sure that it covers use of developer mode.
You’ll Wipe Your Laptop
Part of the process for enabling developer mode involves putting your machine through aPowerwashcycle.
It’s one of the two main ways to reformat your unit.
However, working through all the controls and re-adding passwords for everything is a time-consuming and thankless task.
In other words, just one accidental key press during boot could erase all of your data.
The Operating System Is Less Secure
Chromebooks have developed a well-earned reputation for safety and security.
Enabling developer mode removes some of these features.
The most noteworthy loss involves the self-checking OS verification.
You have to pressEnterto proceed without the verification.
This is part of a larger issue.
Enabling developer mode gives youChronos privileges.
Finally, developer mode also lets you turn onread-write rootfs.
It’s not on by default, but a malicious app or hack could enable it without your knowledge.
If you enable developer mode, you’re free to kiss goodbye to such efficient start-ups.
There are ways to change the developer mode warning screen, but they’re extremely complex.
As long as you’re cautious, there are a lot of great reasons to use developer mode.
