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WEBOS SYSTEM TUTORIAL

How to Enable Developer Mode on LG Smart TVs

📅 Updated: October 2026 • ⏱️ Read Time: 6 min • By: ZikkSoft Engineering Team

Introduction: What is Developer Mode on LG webOS?

The LG webOS operating system found on LG Smart TVs (including OLED, QNED, NanoCell, and 4K UHD models) is a secured Linux-based environment. By default, installing custom software packages outside the official LG Content Store is restricted.

To allow developers, enthusiasts, and power users to install applications packaged in .ipk format (such as Vibe IPTV), LG provides an official, free application named Developer Mode. This tool activates a secure SSH service on port 9922 on your TV, enabling package deployment directly from your computer over your local network.

Prerequisites Before You Begin

  • An LG Smart TV running webOS 3.0 or higher (up to webOS 24+).
  • Both your LG TV and computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) connected to the same local Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
  • A free LG Developer Account (takes 2 minutes to create on the official LG portal).

Step 1: Create your Free LG Developer Account

Visit the official LG webOS Developer site (webostv.developer.lge.com), click on Sign In, and select Create Account. Verify your email address via the confirmation link sent to complete the account creation.

Step 2: Install the "Developer Mode" App on Your TV

  1. Turn on your LG TV and press the Home 🏠 key on your Magic Remote.
  2. Open the LG Content Store (or the Apps launcher on webOS 22/23/24).
  3. Select the search icon and type Developer Mode.
  4. Select the official application published by LG Electronics Inc. and click Install.

Step 3: Log In and Enable Key Server

Launch the Developer Mode app from your TV launcher bar:

  1. Sign in using your LG Developer Account credentials from Step 1.
  2. Toggle Dev Mode Status to ON. The TV will prompt you to restart to apply settings; proceed with the reboot.
  3. After the TV reboots, reopen the Developer Mode app.
  4. Toggle the Key Server to ON. This starts the SSH key service needed for your computer to connect securely.
  5. Take note of the displayed connection information on your TV screen:
    • The TV's IP Address (e.g., 192.168.1.45)
    • The Passphrase (a 6-character case-sensitive code)
💡 Pro Tip: Developer Session Timer

LG provides a default active session of 1000 hours. You can simply click the EXTEND button inside the app anytime before it expires to refresh the countdown without losing any installed apps.

Step 4: Next Steps - Installing Your First .IPK Application

With Developer Mode and the Key Server active, your television is ready to receive applications. You now have two straightforward options:

  • Method A (Recommended - GUI): Use the free open-source desktop app webOS Dev Manager to install .ipk packages via drag and drop without terminal commands. Read our webOS Dev Manager Installation Guide.
  • Method B (Command Line CLI): Use the official LG webOS CLI tools with the ares-install command.

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