Resolving ADB Device Unauthorized Error

Resolving ADB Device Unauthorized Error

22 April 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Understanding the Issue

Encountering an “unauthorized” error when using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) can be a stumbling block in the development and debugging process. This issue often arises when attempting to connect to a device via ADB and the device fails to recognize the connection as trusted. While troubleshooting this problem, it’s important to understand that starting with Android 4.2.2, Google introduced enhanced security features to prevent unauthorized access to devices.

Step-by-Step Solution

If you’re facing an “unauthorized” error message when connecting devices, follow these steps to resolve the issue:

  1. Retrieve the public key from the client device (the ADB host) using the following command:
    cat /data/.android/adbkey.pub
  2. Copy the public key to the target device’s /data/misc/adb/adb_keys directory. You might need to stop the ADB daemon first with the command:
    stop adbd
  3. After copying, verify that the public key has been added successfully by checking the adb_keys file on the target device:
    cat /data/misc/adb/adb_keys
  4. Restart the ADB daemon on the target device with:
    start adbd

    Alternatively, simply reboot the device to apply the changes.

In some cases, you may encounter issues with permissions when reading or writing to the ADB keys. If so, try setting the ADB_KEYS_PATH environment variable to a temporary path, such as /data/local/tmp.

Additional Tips

Here are a few more suggestions that users have found helpful:

  • Toggle the USB Debugging option on and off in the device’s developer settings.
  • Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable multiple times until the authorization message appears on the device.
  • Use the commands adb kill-server and adb start-server to reset the ADB connection.

Integrating Repeato in Your ADB Workflow

If you’re developing and debugging Android apps, Repeato can enhance your testing process. This no-code test automation tool supports iOS and Android, working with various app frameworks like React Native, Flutter, and Unity. Repeato is equipped with ADB on board, allowing you to execute ADB commands via script steps, making it a versatile addition to your development toolkit.

When dealing with ADB issues, such as the unauthorized device error, having a reliable testing tool like Repeato can save time and ensure that your automated tests are running smoothly. Once your ADB connection is authorized and secure, Repeato can step in to help you create, run, and maintain automated tests with its fast editing and AI-powered computer vision capabilities.

For further guidance on ADB and automated testing, consider exploring our related articles:

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