LG TV Developer Mode, as the name suggests, lets users test apps they have developed for webOS platforms. By testing, you can identify an app’s shortcomings and improve it accordingly. This guide discusses the procedure for enabling the developer mode on your LG TV and trial-running the apps.
Note: Connect your LG Smart TV and PC to the same WIFI throughout the process.
1. Sign In & Enable Developer Mode on LG TV
- Download the LG Developer Mode app from the LG Content Store.
- Launch the app and sign in to your LG Developer Mode account. If you don’t have one, create it right away through this link.
- After this, enter your LG account details in the app and sign in to your account.
- Toggle on the Dev Mode Status option.
- Now, your LG TV will reboot and take you back to the Developer Mode screen. If it doesn’t, make sure your LG TV is connected to the WiFi and you are not using the same LG account elsewhere.
- After this, proceed to connect your PC and LG TV.
2. Pair PC & LG TV
- Before getting into this step, ensure you have installed the webOS CLI on your PC using Node.js or npm. After this, run the webOS CLI on your PC.
- Enter the boldened command provided below and then scroll down to hit add.
ares-setup-device
name deviceinfo connection profile
-------- ------------------------ ---------- -------
emulator [email protected]:6622 ssh tv
** You can modify the device info in the above list, or add new device.
? Select: (Use arrow keys)
> add
modify
remove- In the following step, enter all your TV information like Device Name, IP Address, Port, Description, Password, etc.
- Now, enter the below command and verify the above information.
ares-setup-device --list- Then, go to the Developer Mode app and turn on Key Server.
- Now, enter the given command on your PC. Your LG TV will display a Passphrase after this.
ares-novacom --device tv2 --getkey- Enter the Passphrase on your PC exactly as on your TV.
- Now, you can see all your LG TV information on the PC. If the information it displays is correct, it means you’ve established a successful connection.
- After this, you can install and test third-party apps on your LG TV.
3. Test Run Apps on LG Developer Mode (Include extend time)
Here are the steps to install the app and test it on your LG Smart TV. Let your PC be connected to your TV during the entire procedure.
App Installation
- Enter ares – install and choose your LG TV from the list of devices.
- After this, type the following command.
ares-install --device myTV ./com.domain.app_0.0.1_all.ipk- Enter your TV name in place of the myTV.
Note: Convert the test app into web app format and package it into a .ipk file.
- Once the app gets installed, you’ll see a Success message on your PC.
Run the App
- Type in ares – launch.
- Enter your Device Name and App IP in the following steps to launch the app.
- Now, you can use the app on your LG TV. Test the app for all its features.
- If it takes more time, extend it by selecting Extend Session Time on the Developer Mode app.
- To close the app on LG TV and stop the test run, turn off Dev Mode Status on the app. This will disconnect your TV from the PC and remove the test app from your TV.
If you have further doubts regarding the above topic, search for answers in my LG Community Forum.
FAQ
Yes. In the Developer Mode app, click Clear Cache Data on LG TV. This will remove all the cache from your device.
Yes. You can easily enable developer mode even on LG TVs running on webOS 1.0 released around 2014 using the steps above.
