Pro account does not show Developer mode / custom app creation for remote MCP app testing

ChatGPT Apps SDK
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1

Hi, I’m trying to test a live ChatGPT app before delivering it to a client, but my ChatGPT Pro account does not show the Developer mode / custom app setup UI.

What I’m seeing:

  • In Settings → Apps, I only see enabled apps and Add more
  • I do not see Advanced settings
  • I do not see a Developer mode toggle
  • I do not see any Create app / custom remote MCP app flow

I’ve attached a screenshot of the Apps settings page:

dev-mode-missing
dev-mode-missing2320×1790 182 KB

Important context:

  • This is a live remote app, not a local dev server
  • The MCP server is reachable and validated externally
  • The app is read-only and does not require account linking for basic testing
  1. Should a personal Pro account currently have access to Developer mode and custom remote MCP app testing?
  2. If yes, is the missing UI likely due to rollout, region, browser, workspace context, or another account flag?
  3. If no, what is the correct way to test a full ChatGPT app with UI before client delivery?

I’m asking because current OpenAI documentation seems to suggest that Pro users can test remote MCP flows, but the necessary UI is not visible in my account.

Thanks.

2

Hi @ossianravn, totally get why this is confusing… it feels like you should just see the toggle and be good to go.

Short answer: yes, Pro accounts are expected to have access to Developer mode. When it’s missing, it’s usually not your plan, it’s something more subtle.

What’s been happening for a few folks is the UI just doesn’t show up because of session or browser quirks. Not ideal, but it happens.

A few quick things that have worked:

  • Clear cache and cookies
  • Try a different browser
  • Open in incognito/private mode

Sometimes that alone makes the toggle appear.

If it’s still not there after that, it’s likely tied to an account flag or rollout edge case. At that point, reaching out to support@openai.com is the fastest way to get eyes on your specific account.

-Mark G.