USB debugging is an important feature for Android phones that allows users to connect their device to a computer and transfer data between them. However, there may be instances when your Android phone gets locked and you cannot access the settings to enable USB debugging, making it difficult to transfer or recover data. In this blog post, we will discuss a few methods to enable USB debugging on locked Android phones.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Enabling USB Debugging on Locked Android Phone
When an Android phone gets locked, it is usually because of a forgotten password or pattern lock. While there are ways to reset the device and regain access, this method may erase all the data on your phone. This makes it difficult to enable USB debugging, which requires access to the phone’s settings. With that said, it is still possible to enable USB debugging on a locked Android phone if you follow the right steps.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
– An Android phone with USB Debugging turned off and locked
– A computer with Android SDK Platform Tools installed
– A USB cable
Method 1: Via ADB Command
Explanation:
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a command-line tool that allows developers to communicate with an Android device. By using ADB, we can enable USB debugging on a locked Android phone.
1. Download and install "Android SDK Platform Tools" on your computer.
2. Connect your locked Android phone to the computer using a USB cable.
3. Open the "platform-tools" folder in the "Android SDK" folder.
4. Hold the shift key and right-click on an empty space within the folder. Select "Open PowerShell window here" or "Open Command window here" from the drop-down menu.
5. In the command prompt or PowerShell window, type the command "adb devices" and press Enter.
6. If your device is detected, type the command "adb shell" and press Enter.
7. Next, type the command "su" and press Enter.
8. If the Superuser access is granted, type the command "setprop persist.service.adb.enable 1" and press Enter.
9. Finally, type the command "exit" and press Enter to close the shell.
Pros:
– This method is compatible with most Android devices
– It is a simple and easy-to-use method
– No data loss or reset required
Cons:
– It requires the installation of additional software
– It may not work for some devices
Method 2: Via OTG Cable and USB Mouse
Explanation:
This method requires an OTG (On-The-Go) cable and a USB mouse. By connecting the mouse to the Android device via the OTG cable, we can navigate to the settings and enable USB debugging.
1. Connect the OTG cable to the locked Android phone.
2. Next, connect the USB mouse to the OTG cable.
3. Using the mouse, click on the "Emergency Call" option on the phone’s lock screen.
4. Dial "112" and call it immediately.
5. As soon as the call is connecting, hang up to exit the call. This will take you back to the lock screen.
6. Swipe down from the top of the lock screen to bring up the notification panel.
7. Using the mouse, click on the "Settings" icon in the notification panel.
8. In the settings menu, navigate to "Developer Options".
9. Enable "USB Debugging" and disconnect the USB mouse and OTG cable.
Pros:
– The method uses readily available hardware
– It is beginner-friendly and easy to use
– There is no requirement for a computer or additional software
Cons:
– It may not work for all Android devices
– You need an OTG cable and USB mouse to use this method
Method 3: Via Custom Recovery
Explanation:
Custom recovery is an alternative to the default recovery mode on Android devices. By flashing a custom recovery onto the device and using a file manager, we can enable USB debugging mode on the locked phone.
Note: This method may not be applicable for all Android devices and it requires a certain level of technical expertise. Proceed with caution.
1. Download and install the custom recovery TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) for your Android phone from their website.
2. Boot your phone into TWRP recovery mode.
3. In TWRP, select the "Mount" option and ensure that "System" is checked.
4. Connect your phone to the computer via USB cable.
5. In the computer’s folder directory, find the TWRP folder and open the "data" folder.
6. Next, navigate to the "adb" folder and copy the "adb" file to the "temp" folder.
7. Go back to the TWRP main menu and select "Advanced" and then "Terminal".
8. In the terminal, type the command "./adb shell".
9. Once the shell is open, type the command "cd temp" and press Enter.
10. Finally, type in the command "setprop persist.service.adb.enable 1" and press Enter.
11. Reboot your device and USB debugging should be enabled.
Pros:
– This method does not require a computer
– It does not require unlocking the phone
– No data loss or reset is required
Cons:
– This method may damage your phone if not done correctly
– It is not compatible with all Android devices
Why Can’t I Enable USB Debugging on My Locked Android Phone?
1. You have forgotten your password or pattern lock, and cannot access the phone’s settings.
2. The "Developer Options" menu is not enabled on your device.
3. The phone’s bootloader is locked, preventing custom recovery and other methods from working.
Fixes:
1. Use one of the methods discussed in this article to enable USB debugging.
2. To enable "Developer Options", go to "Settings" > "About Phone" and tap the "Build Number" 7 times.
3. To unlock the bootloader, consult your device’s documentation or search online for instructions.
Additional Tips
– It is important to use the correct method for your Android phone to prevent data loss or damage to your device.
– Remember to disable USB debugging once you have finished transferring data to your computer, as leaving USB debugging enabled can be a security risk.
– Always follow the instructions carefully to ensure successful execution of the method.
5 FAQs about Enabling USB Debugging on Locked Android Phone
Q1: Can I enable USB debugging on my Android phone without connecting to a computer?
A: Yes, you can enable USB debugging on your locked Android phone using an OTG cable and a USB mouse.
Q2: Will enabling USB debugging on my locked Android phone erase my data?
A: No, none of the methods discussed in this article require data erasure or reset.
Q3: I tried enabling USB debugging using Command Prompt, but my phone is not detected. What should I do?
A: Make sure you have installed the correct drivers for your phone and that it is set to "File Transfer" mode.
Q4: Can I enable USB debugging on any Android device?
A: Not all Android devices have the same settings and options. Some methods may not be compatible with all devices.
Q5: Is enabling USB debugging on my phone safe?
A: Enabling USB debugging can be a security risk if not used properly. It is important to disable USB debugging once you have finished transferring data or performing any other tasks.
In Conclusion
Enabling USB debugging on a locked Android phone can be a daunting task, but with the right method and a little bit of patience, it is possible. Whether you choose to use ADB commands or an OTG cable and USB mouse, make sure to follow the instructions carefully to prevent any data loss or damage to your device. Remember to disable USB debugging once you have finished transferring data or performing any other tasks.