You should be able to add `cider--debug-mode` to the `evil-insert-state-modes` list so that you automatically enter insert state when the debugger is triggered. I tried the following but it doesn't work. (add-to-list 'evil-insert-state-modes 'cider--debug-mode) I haven't dug into why this isn't working, but for the time being I'm using the `cider--debug-mode-hook` which is called whenever you enter or leave the mode. (defun my-turn-on-insert-state () (if cider--debug-mode ;; Checks if you're entering the debugger (evil-insert-state) ;; If so, turn on evil-insert-state (evil-normal-state))) ;; Otherwise, turn on normal-state (add-hook 'cider--debug-mode-hook 'my-turn-on-insert-state) This assumes you want to be in normal-state whenever you exit the debugger.