USB Debugging – Enable USB Debugging Mode in Android

If you’re an Android user and ever tried to search for solutions to a certain problem or tried to root, hack or tinker with your device, you’ve probably come across the term “USB Debugging” every once in awhile. You may even have seen it in Settings app on your Android phone/tablet. In this guide we’ll talk about what USB debugging in Android is and how to enable USB debugging mode in Android phone/ tablet… One beauty of the Android OS is that it comes with tons of built-in features and USB Debugging is one of such feature that users can benefit from, though, one should know what it does and when to use it.

What is USB Debugging Mode?
USB debugging is a mode that is enabled on Android devices when connected directly to a computer. Its primary function is to facilitate a connection between a computer with Android SDK installed and an Android device. It can be used to transfer data between device and the computer, it lets you install applications on your device without notifications, and read log data. Debug mode can allow you to pull up all sorts of useful information about your device. After coding app in Android SDK, USB debugging mode allows developers to transfer their coded app directly to their devices for testing purposes. In some Android versions, USB debugging mode can be found under developer options which makes it easy to think that you don’t need to deal with this aspect if you never plans to develop anything. That’s not exactly true. Even if you’re not a developer, you’d need to enable USB debugging mode before rooting your device, installing custom recoveries or custom ROMs.

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How to Enable USB Debugging Mode On Android

Method to enable USB debugging on Android 4.0+ is different from the older Android version. We’ll discuss both ways.

For Android 4.0+

  1. Go to “Settings” app on your phone/tablet (can be found in app drawer or by pressing the menu button on your device).
  2. In Settings, scroll down to the bottom and go to “Developer Options” (and turn them ON) and then checkmark “Android Debugging”. (If you don’t see developer options under Settings, then you need to enable developer options first.)

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That’s it! you’ve successfully enabled USB debugging mode on Android 4.0+.

On Older versions of Android

  1. Go to Settings app on your phone/tablet (can be found in app drawer or by pressing the menu button on your device).
  2. Now go to “Applications” > “Development” and check mark the “USB Debugging” option.

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Now whenever you’d connect your device with your computer, an alert stating USB debugging connected should appear on your device. please note that, with USB debugging enabled, you can still mount your device as storage device to transfer the data.

6 thoughts on “USB Debugging – Enable USB Debugging Mode in Android

  1. david yepez

    well im stuck on bootloader mode but adb thing is there i have the files for the 4.4 update because that was the reason i got in to this mess but i forgot to do the usb debugging and i cant get out and go to main menu you know like the play store and txt messages and apps there but i cant go there every time i reboot or restart my device it just goes back i just want to know if you can help me to get my usb debugging on and i will be on my way thanks

    Reply
    1. Grammar Nazi

      @David Yepez

      Learn to use proper grammar, man. No one likes to read long winded statements or questions that have absolutely no punctuation, mainly because it either makes them look like a grade-school dropout or a fool. Just because its the internet doesnt mean you should skip the basic fundamentals of the english language.

      Reply
  2. Pingback: How to Unlock Nexus 5 Bootloader

  3. Steven Schulz

    I cannot enable USB debugging because my phone cannot boot. I can get to the flash menu but can’t change the settings. Am I screwed?

    Reply

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