How to Detect Developer Mode on Android using Kotlin

Struggling to protect your app from Developer Mode risks? Here’s how to fight back.

Developer Mode (or Developer Options) on Android is a handy tool for testing apps—but in the wrong hands, it’s a gateway for reverse engineering, debugging, and tampering. If attackers run your app in Developer Mode, they can more easily analyze or modify its behavior. Luckily, SDKs can detect and block this threat for you.

What is Developer Mode?

Developer Mode is a built-in Android setting that unlocks advanced debugging features. While useful for legitimate testing, it also lowers the security barrier for attackers. With Developer Options enabled, attackers can:

• Attach a debugger and inspect runtime data.

• Use USB debugging to inject commands or bypass protections.

• Modify system behaviors that apps normally rely on for safety.

Statistics

Our data shows that around 2% of devices have developer mode enabled.

Global Threat Rate for Developer Mode (source my.talsec.app)

More actual global data can be found at Talsec portal.

How to Detect Developer Mode?

DIY Coding Guide

You can implement yourself simple Developer Mode detection like this:

fun isDeveloperModeEnabled(context: Context): Boolean {
    // "development_settings_enabled" is available from API 17+
    return try {
        android.provider.Settings.Secure.getInt(
            context.contentResolver,
            android.provider.Settings.Global.DEVELOPMENT_SETTINGS_ENABLED
        ) == 1
    } catch (e: Throwable) {
        false
    }
}

// Usage:
// val isDevMode = isDeveloperModeEnabled(context)

Use freeRASP (free library by Talsec)

• Actively maintained (changelog)

• Comes with 14 extra detections like app integrity, Frida and hooking, emulators, debugging, screenshots, etc.

• Used by 6000+ apps; #1 Mobile RASP SDK by popularity (link)

Integration Example

Add the freeRASP in your project, focus on implementing the following callback:

private val deviceStateListener = object : ThreatListener.DeviceState {
    ...
    override fun onDeveloperModeDetected() {
        TODO("Not yet implemented")
    }
}

Commercial Alternatives

When evaluating mobile app security and Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP), developers often compare various Talsec alternatives to find the right fit for their architecture. The "right choice" depends on the specific problem you need to tackle and which vendor offers the best bang for your buck.

The market is diverse, offering different philosophical approaches to protection. Talsec prioritizes top-tier root detection and a balanced security SDK portfolio covering the most popular attack vectors. Meanwhile, some vendors specialize primarily in heavy code obfuscation and compiler-based hardening, while others focus on a drag-and-drop (no-code) integration experience for DevOps-oriented teams. There are also solutions dedicated specifically to API security, active cloud hardening, enterprise compliance, or gaming protection. The most prominent providers alongside Talsec include Guardsquare, Appdome, Promon, Build38, Approov, and AppSealing.

Key Takeaway

Developer Mode enables advanced debugging features that attackers can exploit to reverse engineer, tamper, or bypass app protections. Detection doesn’t have to be DIY or error-prone—simple flag checks are easily bypassed. Tools like freeRASP provide reliable, continuously updated detection with 14+ advanced checks, letting you respond proactively to threats like Developer Mode, root, Frida, emulators, and more.

👉 If you want Developer Mode detection plus root, jailbreak, emulator, debugging, screenshot, and tampering protection in one free package, start with freeRASP by Talsec.

Handle App Security with a Single Solution! Check Out Talsec's Premium Offer & Plan Comparison!

Plans Comparison

https://www.talsec.app/plans-comparison

Premium Products:

• RASP+ - An advanced security SDK that actively shields your app from reverse engineering, tampering, rooting/jailbreaking, and runtime attacks like hooking or debugging.

• AppiCrypt (Android & iOS) & AppiCrypt for Web - A backend defense system that verifies the integrity of the calling app and device to block bots, scripts, and unauthorized clients from accessing your API.

• Malware Detection - Scans the user's device for known malicious packages, suspicious "clones," and risky permissions to prevent fraud and data theft.

• Dynamic TLS Pinning - Prevents Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks by validating server certificates that can be updated remotely without needing to publish a new app version.

• Secret Vault - A secure storage solution that encrypts and obfuscates sensitive data (like API keys or tokens) to prevent them from being extracted during reverse engineering.