How to Fix iOS 26/18 Developer Mode Not Showing: Useful Tips

For developers and enthusiasts, the iPhone Developer Mode acts as a portal to unleash the complete potential of the iPhone, providing advanced tools and functionalities for app development and customization. Nonetheless, it can be frustrating when the iPhone Developer Mode fails to appear, impeding access to vital development options. In this updated manual, we will explore effective remedies for activating Developer Mode on iPhone/iPad with iOS 26/iOS 26 Beta.

What is Developer Mode on iPhone?

Developer Mode for iPhone is a novel feature crafted to bolster security on Apple devices. Its primary objective is to shield users from inadvertently installing potentially harmful software and mitigating risks linked to developer-specific functions. Unlike conventional app installations from the App Store or engagement in TestFlight, Developer Mode caters to scenarios specific to developers, such as conducting builds and runs in Xcode or deploying development-signed applications.

What can you do with Developer Mode?

Activating iPhone Developer Mode unlocks a plethora of functionalities that transcend regular user operations. It's crucial to recognize that enabling iOS 16, iOS 26, or iOS 26 Beta Developer Mode on your device diminishes its security. To avert potential security breaches, it is advisable to disable Developer Mode post the completion of your tasks or development endeavors.

Encountering difficulties locating Developer Mode on your iPhone or observing its absence in iOS 26/iOS 26 Beta? If standard methods fail, it may be due to deeper system glitches. For a quick and secure solution, consider using a dedicated iOS repair tool like FoneTool Repair to resolve underlying system issues and restore missing features.

How to enable Developer Mode on iPhone/iPad

If Developer Mode is visible, you can easily activate it within the Settings App sans a computer. Here's a stepwise guide:

Step 1. Go to Settings app > Privacy > Security > Developer Mode > Toggle on the option.

Step 2. Restart your iPhone upon receiving a prompt.

Step 3. Press the Turn On button and input your passcode to activate iPhone Developer Mode.

Why does iOS 26 Developer Mode not showing?

The primary reason behind this issue is the alteration in Developer Mode functionality with the advent of iOS 16. Previously, you could enable it directly from device settings. Nonetheless, Apple eliminated this choice to heighten security for general users.

Given that iOS 26 Beta or iOS 26 Developer Mode is not visible, resort to alternative methods like Xcode, or try a system repair tool to fix iOS irregularities causing the option to disappear.

Fix iOS 26 System Issues with FoneTool Repair

If enabling Developer Mode via Settings or Xcode doesn’t work, your device may have system-level issues. FoneTool Repair offers a professional and user-friendly way to fix various iOS system problems — including missing Developer Mode — without data loss.

Step 1. Download and install FoneTool Repair on your Windows PC.

Step 2. Launch the software and connect your iPhone via USB. Select “iOS System Repair” from the homepage.

Step 4. Choose “Standard Repair” (recommended for feature restoration).

Step 5. Download the firmware and click “Start Repair” to begin.

How to fix when iPhone Developer Mode not showing iOS 26

To rectify Developer Mode's invisibility on iOS 26, 18 Beta, or subsequent versions, Xcode offers an alternative to enable Developer Mode—a common practice among developers. Follow these steps to activate Developer Mode on your iPhone:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable > Launch Xcode on your Mac.

Step 2. Navigate to the Window menu in Xcode and select Devices and Simulators > Choose your connected iPhone from the list.

Step 3. In the Settings app on your iPhone, locate the Enable Developer Mode or similar option in the device information section.

Step 4. Click on this option to enable Developer Mode on your iPhone.

Step 5. Confirm the activation of Developer Mode when prompted.

Bonus: How to protect iPhone data from loss

Frequent iOS system failures often result in sudden data loss. To prevent such mishaps, it is essential to regularly back up iPhone data. For Windows users, FoneTool will be a very useful software.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the PC with a USB cables > If prompts, click Trust on your device.

Step 2. Open FoneTool on your computer > Go to Phone Backup > Full Back > Click Get Started to continue.

Step 3. Check Enable Backup Encryption to encrypt your private data > Choose a storage path from the Backup Storage Path option > Click Start Backup to begin the task. 

Conclusion

From this passage, you can know why and how to fix when iOS 26 Developer Mode not showing. If standard methods like Xcode don’t help, consider using FoneTool Repair — a dedicated tool that fixes system glitches, recovers missing features, and supports iOS upgrades/downgrades safely.

Once the issue is resolved, use FoneTool to backup your iPhone data regularly and avoid future data loss. Both tools offer a complete solution to keep your iOS device running smoothly and securely.