Enabling Developer Mode

To install and test applications on a HP webOS device, you need to enable developer mode. Note that this is not necessary for the Emulator.

Once developer mode is enabled, you can then open a device shell and get full access to the file system.

Note:

Locking the phone with a PIN does not protect data on the device in developer mode. When developer mode is enabled, it is possible to use tools such as novaterm to access the device through the USB even if the phone is locked.

webOS 1.0-1.4.5

  1. In Card view or in the Launcher application, type the following:

    webos20090606 (or upupdowndownleftrightleftrightbastart)

  2. Tap the resulting Developer Mode Enabler icon.

  3. In the application, move the Developer Mode slider to the On position.

  4. Tap Reset the Device. When reset is complete, Developer mode is enabled.

webOS 2.0+

You can enable developer mode either from your phone's keypad (phones) or from Just Type (phones and TouchPad).

On an unactivated phone that has not been through the webOS "first use" (before creating a Palm Profile) procedure, the keypad method is your only option since Just Type is not accessible from a device in this state.

Keypad method

  1. Launch the phone app.

  2. On a GSM phone, press "#*DEVMODE#", followed by the call button.

    On a CDMA phone, press "##DEVMODE#".

    If the device is GSM, and there is no SIM card, a screen might be displayed instructing you to install one. Just begin typing the "#*" and the phone app appears.

    The Developer Mode scene is displayed.

  3. Select "On". You are prompted to reboot the device.

Just Type method

Note that this method is only for activated devices.

  1. From card view (that is, no apps active), type the following:

    webos20090606 (or upupdowndownleftrightleftrightbastart)

    The Developer Mode app icon appears.

  2. Launch the Developer Mode app.

  3. Move the Developer Mode slider at the top to On.

The app dims momentarily and then Developer Mode is set.