21 May 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
Many Android developers encounter a situation where their device is not detected by the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) when connected to a macOS system. This can be frustrating, especially when everything appears to be set up correctly. In this guide, we will walk you through several potential solutions to resolve this issue.
Common Solutions to Detect Your Android Device
1. Verify USB Debugging and Developer Options
Ensure that USB debugging is enabled on your device. To enable USB debugging:
- Navigate to Settings > Developer Options.
- If Developer Options are hidden, go to Settings > About device and tap on the Build number seven times to make it visible.
- Once visible, return to Developer Options and enable USB debugging.
2. Check USB Cable and Port
Sometimes the issue lies with the USB cable or port. Ensure you are using a data-capable USB cable and try different USB ports on your Mac. A cable that only supports charging will not work for ADB connections.
3. Update ADB and Restart the Server
Updating ADB and restarting the server can resolve many connection issues:
- Open a terminal and navigate to the Android SDK platform-tools directory.
- Run the following commands:
adb kill-server
adb start-server4. Add Vendor ID to adb_usb.ini
If your device is not recognized, you may need to add its Vendor ID to the adb_usb.ini file:
- Open System Profiler and find your device under USB to locate its Vendor ID.
- Edit or create the
~/.android/adb_usb.inifile and add the Vendor ID (e.g., 0x2bb8 for Motorola devices). - Restart the ADB server using the commands mentioned above.
5. Change USB Connection Mode
Changing the USB connection mode can help detect your device:
- On your device, swipe down the notification shade and select the USB options.
- Switch the connection mode to PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) from MTP (Media Transfer Protocol).
6. Disable Conflicting Software
Some software like EasyTether can interfere with ADB. If you have such software installed, disable it temporarily:
- Run the following command in the terminal:
sudo kextunload -v /System/Library/Extensions/EasyTetherUSBEthernet.kextAdditional Resources
For more detailed troubleshooting, you can refer to our other articles:
- Troubleshooting ADB Device Unauthorized Issue
- Setting Up ADB on macOS: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Managing ADB Shell with Multiple Connected Devices
Streamlining Your Testing Process with Repeato
If you’re looking for a more efficient way to manage your Android testing, consider using Repeato. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android that allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests for your apps quickly. It leverages computer vision and AI to ensure accurate and reliable testing. Additionally, Repeato comes with ADB on board, enabling you to execute ADB commands via script steps effortlessly.
To learn more about how Repeato can enhance your testing workflow, visit our Android Testing Tool page.
For any further assistance or inquiries, feel free to contact us.
