diff --git a/packages/rn-tester/react-native.config.js b/packages/rn-tester/react-native.config.js
index 449669b10b91..fc3cf8b99569 100644
--- a/packages/rn-tester/react-native.config.js
+++ b/packages/rn-tester/react-native.config.js
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ module.exports = {
       manifestPath:
         'packages/rn-tester/android/app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml',
       packageName: 'com.facebook.react.uiapp',
+      watchModeCommandParams: ['--mode HermesDebug'],
     },
   },
 };