Resolving “Device Unauthorized” Error in Android ADB

30 November 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Encountering a “device unauthorized” error while using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to debug or test your applications. This article will guide you through a structured approach to resolve this issue, ensuring a seamless connection between your development machine and Android device.

Understanding the Configuration

This issue typically arises on Windows systems with specific ADB versions and Android devices. In the example scenario, the user is using Windows 8.1, ADB version 1.0.32, and a OnePlus One smartphone. The problem occurs when the ADB command adb devices returns an “unauthorized” status, preventing further device interactions.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Revoke USB Debugging Authorization

• Open your Android device’s Developer Options.
• Select Revoke USB debugging authorizations.
• Disable and then re-enable USB Debugging.

This simple step often resolves the issue by resetting the device’s authorization status.

2. Delete ADB Key Files

• Navigate to the .android directory on your computer (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\.android).
• Delete the adbkey and adbkey.pub files.
• Reconnect your device to the computer.

This action forces the system to regenerate new key files, prompting a new authorization request on your device.

3. Restart ADB Server

• Open a command prompt or terminal.
• Execute adb kill-server to stop the ADB server.
• Run adb start-server to restart the server.
• Check the device status again with adb devices.

Restarting the ADB server can clear any lingering issues that prevent device authorization.

4. Ensure Device Authorization

• After performing the above steps, a prompt should appear on your device asking for USB debugging authorization.
• Select Always allow from this computer and tap OK.

This step is crucial as it establishes a trusted connection between your device and computer.

Additional Resources

If you continue to face issues, consider exploring our detailed guides on handling ADB-related problems:

• Resolving ADB Device Authorization Issues
• Resolving ADB Device Detection Issues on macOS

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