Abstract: An auto-bias developing process for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member which includes the step of storing a detected potential in order to apply a fixed bias potential to a developing electrode plate wherein the surface potential of a photosensitive member is detected through a developing solution by a sensor electrode, and is stored in a memory circuit for subsequent conversion to a fixed bias potential which corresponds to the detected potential and is applied to the developing electrode. The process also includes the step of removing any toner which attaches to the developing electrode plate, by the application of a reverse bias potential thereto when the developing process is not taking place and the step of rendering the developing electrode plate electrically floating for removing toner from the plate and preventing deposition of toner onto the surface of the photosensitive member.