30 November 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
Experiencing an “unauthorized” error message when connecting your Android device to ADB (Android Debug Bridge) can be frustrating. This issue often arises after reinstalling development environments or changing configurations. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to resolve it. Here, we guide you through the steps to reauthorize your device with ADB, ensuring seamless connectivity.
Identify the Problem
The primary indication of an unauthorized device is when executing adb devices
in the terminal results in an output similar to:
List of devices attached 4df798d76f98cf6d unauthorized
This signals that your device is not authorized to communicate with your development environment via ADB.
Solutions to Authorize Your Device
Below are practical steps to resolve the unauthorized device error:
Revoke USB Debugging Authorizations
- On your Android device, navigate to Settings > Developer options.
- Tap Revoke USB debugging authorizations.
Restart ADB Server
- Open a terminal on your computer.
- Execute the following commands to restart the ADB server:
adb kill-server adb start-server
Reconnect Your Device
- Reconnect your device to the computer via USB.
- Look for the authorization prompt on your device and confirm the connection.
Check USB Connection Settings
Ensure that your device is set to the correct USB connection mode. For some devices, changing the connection type to Camera (PTP) instead of Media Device (MTP) has resolved the issue.
Advanced Steps
If the above solutions do not work, consider the following advanced troubleshooting steps:
- Force ADB to create new keys by renaming existing key files in the
~/.android/
directory (Linux/OSX) or%USERPROFILE%\\.android\\
(Windows), and then restarting the ADB server. - Ensure that your Android SDK path is correctly set in your environment variables.
- Try using different USB ports or cables, as faulty hardware can sometimes be the culprit.
Enhancing Your Testing Workflow with Repeato
For developers seeking to streamline their testing process, Repeato offers a powerful solution. As a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android, Repeato simplifies the creation, execution, and maintenance of automated tests. Its integration of ADB commands through script steps allows precise control over device interactions, making it an ideal choice for managing device authorizations and other ADB-related tasks. To learn more about how Repeato can enhance your testing workflow, visit our Android Testing Tool page.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the unauthorized device error and continue your development activities smoothly. For more detailed guides on ADB and Android development, explore our documentation.