You’ve installed the Vue.js Chrome Devtools extension but your Vue app isn’t detected? You’re not alone. This happens often with Vue 3 (and sometimes Vue 2) due to missing configurations, production mode or misplacement of the Devtools script.
Here’s why this happens and how to fix it.
Common Reasons & Solutions
The DevTools needs to find a properly configured Vue app. Here’s why it might not and what to do:
1. Production Build
- Reason: DevTools disables itself in production builds for performance/security.
- Solution: Run a development build.
- Vue CLI: Use npm run serve.
- Vite: Use npm run dev.
- CDN: Use vue.js (development version), not vue.min.js.
- Check: process.env.NODE_ENV in console should return "development".
2. DevTools Extension Issues
- Reason: Extension might be disabled, buggy or outdated.
- Solution:
- Verify extension is enabled in chrome://extensions/.
- Toggle it off/on.
- Restart Chrome.
3. Incompatible DevTools Version
- Reason: DevTools versions are specific to Vue major versions.
- Solution:
- For Vue 3: Use DevTools v6.0.0 or higher.
- For Vue 2: Use DevTools v5.x.
Also Read: Why Choose Vue.js: Key Benefits for Developers and Businesses
4. Vue App Not Mounted or Not Loaded
- Reason: Vue instance isn’t properly initialized or attached to the DOM.
- Solution:
- Ensure app.mount('#app') (Vue 3) is called and the #app element exists in your HTML.
- Confirm Vue is loaded by checking window.VUE_DEVTOOLS_GLOBAL_HOOK.apps (Vue 3) or window.VUE_DEVTOOLS_GLOBAL_HOOK.Vue (Vue 2) in console.
5. DevTools Explicitly Disabled in Vue Config
- Reason: devtools option set to false.
- Solution:
- Vue 3: Check app.config.devtools = false; in main.js and remove or set to true.
- Vue 2: Check Vue.config.devtools = false; and remove or set to true.
6. Browser Caching Issues
- Reason: Old cached files might be served.
- Solution:
- Hard refresh (Ctrl + Shift + R or Cmd + Shift + R).
- Clear site cache.
Key Takeaway
Running a production build is the main reason Vue DevTools can’t detect your app. Always be in development mode. If still issues, check extension versions and Vue config.
