Enabling USB Debugging on an Android Device


The steps to enable USB debugging depend on the version of Android running on the target device, as indicated in the following table:

Android Device Instructions

Android 4.0 and newer (Jelly Bean)

Enable the USB Debugging option under Settings > Developer options.

For Android 4.2 and newer, Developer options is hidden by default; use the following steps:

  1. On the device, go to Settings > About <device>.
  2. Tap the Build number seven times to make Settings > Developer options available.
  3. Then enable the USB Debugging option.
    Tip: You might also want to enable the Stay awake option, to prevent your Android device from sleeping while plugged into the USB port.
  4. If you are running Windows 8, you must configure the USB connection as Camera (PTP). Depending on your Android version, you must do either of the following:
    • Drag down the status bar, tap Connected as <connection type> under Notifications, and select Camera (PTP).
    • Go to Settings > Storage > Menu > USB computer connection, and select Camera (PTP).

For more information, see Unlocking Jelly Bean and Higher Devices

Kindle Fire devices

Select Settings > Security and set Enable ADB to On.
For more information, see the Amazon documentation.


If you are running Android 4.2.2 or later, you may see the following dialog when you connect your device to your PC running RAD Studio:

AndroidEnableUSBDebuggingDialog.png

Click OK to allow USB debugging on your PC. If you accidentally click Cancel, disconnect your device from your PC and connect it back to make the dialog show up again on your device.

Troubleshooting

  • If your Android device is not correctly detected by RAD Studio or the system Device Manager, follow the steps above to verify that USB debugging is enabled.
  • There are many help resources on the internet that can help you solve Android device detection issues, such as the answers to the ADB No Device Found question in StackOverflow.

See Also