How to enable USB debugging on Android

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To enable USB debugging on Android, navigate to 'Settings', select 'About phone', tap 'Build number' seven times to unlock Developer options, then go back to 'Settings', select 'Developer options', and toggle 'USB debugging' on. This allows your device to communicate with a computer for development purposes.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before enabling USB debugging, ensure you have the following:
  • •An Android device running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or later.
  • •A USB cable compatible with your device.
  • •A computer with ADB installed (optional for advanced users).
  • •Sufficient battery charge on your device (at least 50%).
  • •Backup important data, as enabling developer options can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior.

Method 1: Enabling USB Debugging via Settings

This is the most straightforward method for enabling USB debugging on Android devices.
  • •Step 1: Open the 'Settings' app on your Android device. This can usually be found in the app drawer or by swiping down the notification shade and tapping the gear icon.
  • •Step 2: Scroll down and tap on 'About phone' or 'About device'.
  • •Step 3: Locate 'Build number' and tap it seven times. You will see a message that says 'You are now X steps away from being a developer!' after a few taps.
  • •Step 4: Go back to the main 'Settings' menu and tap on 'System' (if applicable) or directly on 'Developer options'.
  • •Step 5: Find 'USB debugging' in the list and toggle it on. You may receive a warning message; tap 'OK' to confirm.
  • •Step 6: To verify it worked, connect your device to a computer using a USB cable and check if the computer recognizes the device.
  • •Step 7: If it doesn't work, ensure that your USB cable is functional and try a different USB port on your computer.

For Windows 11

If you're using Windows 11, ensure that you have the latest drivers installed for your Android device.
  • •Step 1: Connect your Android device to your PC using a USB cable.
  • •Step 2: Open 'Device Manager' by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it from the menu.
  • •Step 3: Look for your device under 'Portable Devices' or 'Other devices'. If it has a yellow exclamation mark, right-click and select 'Update driver'.

For Windows 10

For Windows 10 users, the process is similar but may require additional driver installations.
  • •Step 1: Connect your Android device to your PC using a USB cable.
  • •Step 2: Open 'Settings' > 'Devices' > 'Connected devices' to check if your device is recognized.
  • •Step 3: If not recognized, go to 'Device Manager' and update the drivers as mentioned in the Windows 11 section.

Method 2: Enabling USB Debugging via ADB

This method is useful for advanced users who prefer command-line tools.
  • •Step 1: Ensure you have ADB installed on your computer. You can download it from the Android Developer website.
  • •Step 2: Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
  • •Step 3: Open a command prompt or terminal window.
  • •Step 4: Type 'adb devices' and press Enter. This will prompt you to authorize your computer on your Android device.
  • •Step 5: On your Android device, a prompt will appear asking for permission to allow USB debugging. Tap 'OK'.
  • •Step 6: To enable USB debugging via ADB, type 'adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1' and press Enter.
  • •Step 7: Verify by typing 'adb shell settings get global development_settings_enabled'. If it returns '1', USB debugging is enabled.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while enabling USB debugging, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Device not recognized' - Solution: Check your USB cable and try a different USB port. Ensure that the device drivers are installed correctly.
  • •Issue: 'USB debugging option is greyed out' - Fix: Make sure you have unlocked Developer options by tapping 'Build number' seven times.
  • •Problem: 'Authorization prompt not appearing' - Workaround: Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable, or restart both your Android device and computer.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, consider these tips to enhance your experience:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + Esc - Opens Task Manager quickly to check if ADB is running.
  • •Command line: adb kill-server - Stops the ADB server if you encounter connection issues.
  • •Hidden feature: Developer options - Explore additional settings like 'Stay awake' and 'Show touches' for better debugging.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For optimal performance, always keep your Android device and ADB tools updated to the latest versions.