Troubleshooting ADB: No Devices Found

Troubleshooting ADB: No Devices Found

22 April 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Encountering the “ADB No Devices Found” error can be frustrating when you’re trying to install an Android app on your device. This issue can arise for various reasons, including driver problems, incorrect settings, or even faulty USB cables. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you resolve this issue.

Verify Device Settings

  1. Enable USB Debugging: Make sure USB debugging is enabled on your device. You can find this option under Settings > System > Developer Options. If Developer Options isn’t visible, go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number seven times to unlock the Developer Options menu.
  2. Change USB Configuration: Sometimes the device may not be visible if it is in the wrong USB mode. Try changing the USB configuration to Camera (PTP) mode. This can be done from Settings > Storage > Menu > USB Computer Connection.
  3. Check “Unknown Sources”: Ensure that the “Unknown Sources” setting is checked to allow the installation of apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.

Driver and Connection Checks

  1. Use the Correct USB Cable: Some USB cables are designed for charging only and do not support data transfer. Ensure you’re using a cable capable of transmitting data.
  2. Install or Update Drivers: Your computer needs the correct drivers to communicate with your Android device. Install the Google USB Driver from the Android SDK Manager and ensure it’s up to date. If you’re on Windows, you may need to manually update the driver through the Device Manager.
  3. Connect as a Camera (PTP): On your device, go to Settings > Storage and tap the menu icon. Then, select USB Computer Connection and change it to “Camera (PTP)”.
  4. Try Different USB Ports: Sometimes, simply trying a different USB port on your computer can resolve the issue.

Software and ADB Commands

  1. ADB Commands: Ensure you’re running adb devices from the correct directory where ADB is installed. If ADB is not added to your system path, you’ll need to navigate to the platform-tools directory of the Android SDK to execute ADB commands.
  2. Restart ADB Server: At times, the ADB server may need to be reset. This can be done using the following commands in your terminal or command prompt:
    adb kill-server
    adb start-server
        

Productivity with Repeato

While the above steps should help resolve the “ADB No Devices Found” error, ensuring smooth and efficient development and testing workflows is also essential. Repeato, a No-code test automation tool for iOS and Android, can enhance your productivity by simplifying the creation, execution, and maintenance of automated tests for your apps.

With Repeato’s computer vision and AI capabilities, you won’t need to delve into ADB commands for every test iteration. It’s compatible with various app frameworks, such as React Native, Flutter, and Unity. Moreover, Repeato comes with ADB onboard, allowing you to execute ADB commands via script steps easily.

For developers and testers who often rely on ADB for device interaction, Repeato can be a time-saving addition to your toolkit, streamlining test automation while maintaining compatibility with your existing workflow.

Visit our article on running, installing, and debugging Android apps over WiFi for more insights into efficient Android development and testing.

Like this article? there’s more where that came from!