If you’ve ever come across the USB Debugging option in your Android device’s settings, you may have wondered what it actually is. If you activate the setting option and connect your smartphone or tablet to your PC using a USB cable, you have extended access options to your own Android device. We’ll tell you what it is exactly and how to turn it on.

USB debugging –

USB debugging is a hidden feature in the Android operating system that developers can use to debug software errors on a mobile device. “Debugging” is English and means something like “removing errors”. This process is mainly used to repair faulty application programs on your end device. If USB debugging is activated and your smartphone or tablet is connected to your computer via a USB cable, the debugging mode is activated.

• In this mode, for example, error logs can be viewed, you can access log files or change files on your smartphone.
• Even if you are not a developer, USB debugging could be interesting: If you want to root or flash your own smartphone as a private user, you may have to activate the debugging function in the settings of your Android device beforehand.
• Also keep in mind that activating this feature also involves risks. If your smartphone is stolen, strangers can break your smartphone lock with activated USB debugging and access protected data. So only switch the function on if you really have to.

Enable USB debugging

To get access to USB debugging, the first thing you need to do is enable developer options on your Android device. You can then switch on debugging.

Follow our step-by-step instructions or take a look at the brief instructions .

Step 1: Open the settings on your smartphone or tablet and select the entry ” About the phone ” or ” Phone info “.

Step 2: An overview of the basic data of your device will now open. Here you have to tap 7 times on the point ” Build number ” and, if necessary, enter the unlock pattern or the unlock code on your device. You are then in developer mode .

Step 3: Open the settings on your device again. The ” System & Updates ” item takes you to the system settings. Now tap on ” Developer Options “. On newer Android models, you can reach the developer options directly in the settings. If you are using an older device, you will find the developer options under the menu item ” Apps “.

Step 4: In the developer options scroll down a bit until you reach the sub-item ” Debugging “. Here you will find the entry ” USB debugging “, which you can activate by tapping on it.

Step 5: You will then see the warning ” Allow USB debugging? ” Confirm the warning with ” OK ” to activate the function. Tap on ” USB Debugging ” again if you want to deactivate the function.

Quick Start Guide

1. In the settings of your smartphone (or tablet) select the item ” About the phone ” or ” Phone info “.
2. Then tap ” Build Number ” 7 times and enter your unlock pattern or code if necessary. This activates the developer options .
3. In the settings of your Android device, now tap on the entry ” System & Updates “. Then select the item ” Developer Options “. With older Android versions you will find the developer options under the menu item ” Apps “.
4. In the ” Debugging ” sub-item, tap once on ” USB Debugging ” to activate it.
5. Confirm the warning ” Allow USB debugging? ” With ” OK “. USB debugging is now active.