As you know, the USB debugging mode has recently been activated not only by developers, but also by ordinary users. Someone uses it to connect a computer mouse to the device, and someone uses it to transfer files from the phone. Everyone knows that the smartphone is quite a fragile device, so it is easy to break the display on it. In addition, a person may encounter a system failure or breakdown. If any of these things happened, then it is simply impossible to put the device in the right mode. Let's figure out how to enable USB debugging on a locked Android phone.
Why USB debugging is needed
USB debugging is mainly used by developers to test applications, evaluate the stability of the operating system, and check for crashes that have occurred. The average person can also activate this mode to delete system programs from the smartphone or to transfer files and folders. More details about the purpose of the function can be found below:
- Obtaining root rights;
- Installing different firmware or updating the firmware you already have on your phone;
- Restore the device after a system failure or error;
- Installation of special applications;
- System Capability Management;
As we can see, mode is used in all spheres, both by ordinary people and developers. The phone can turn into a "brick" whenever you want, so it is desirable for everyone to know how to enable USB debugging.
When this tutorial comes in handy
If your smartphone or tablet stops functioning normally, you will need the following instructions. This is most often caused by a dropped device, a system failure, or a damaged display. Note that in order to successfully execute this manual, the phone must have the custom firmware installed on it.
Not many people know, but every Android device has a recovery menu that allows you to do various things with your smartphone. For example, you can reset your phone to factory settings, remove viruses, or update the firmware. By default, every device is equipped with Stock Recovery, installed by the manufacturer from the factory. Some users install Custom Recovery, which is a recovery menu containing a number of additional features. The most common types of custom recovers are TWRP and CWM.
If your smartphone has the stock repaver installed, then you should not get upset. This article will also discuss a way to enable debugging by USB on almost any device. There is only one nuance - it is desirable to have a wireless USB mouse, as well as an OTG cable.
Enabling USB debugging on a locked phone
Before proceeding to the instructions, note that the presented method requires a computer as well as a MicroUSB cable. We recommend you to be patient and attentive so as not to make any mistakes. The main thing is to follow the instructions of the manual step by step, and not to skip any steps.
Instructions for Android 5.1 and below
The first thing we do is start the computer and download two files to it: "platform-tools.zip" и "QtADB-cwm_edition.zip". The downloaded archives are unpacked to the root folder of drive C. To do this, right-click on the file and in the menu that appears select "Extract files". On the line "The extraction path" specify the root folder of the C drive, i.e. C:\. At the end we start the procedure by pressing the key "Ok".
Now in the root directory of drive C create a folder named "Sqlite3_Windows".
You will need to unpack the archive into it "Sqlite3.zip"which is preloaded on the computer. As in the previous case, right-click on the file, then select "Extract files", specify the path and start the process by pressing "Ok".
Let's go back to the smartphone. It needs to be put into Recovery mode, which is done differently depending on the model and manufacturer:
- Samsung. At the same time, press the "HomeThe "Volume Up Button", the Volume Up Button, and the Power Button.
- HTC. Hold the power button and the volume key down.
- Simultaneously press the power button and the volume up key.
- Hold down the power button and the volume up key.
- Huawei and Honor. Simultaneously press the power button and the volume key down or up (depending on the phone model).
After loading the smartphone in the desired mode, connect it to the computer. To do this, use a regular charging cable. On the PC Start the QtADB program. Just go to the folder with the application and double-click the file "QtADB.exe".
If you want to specify the path to the ADB and AAPT utilities, click on the button "Review"and select the folder "platform-tools". This is where the necessary components to start the program are found.
In the application, click on the tab "Advanced" and make sure to mount the partition /data completed successfully.
Now click on the button "Files"and on the left side of the program open the folder "Sqlite3_Windows", and in the right one, respectively, "/data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/". Then move the object "settings.db"from your smartphone's memory to your computer.
After completing the copying procedure, start the command line on the PC. To do this, open the menu "Start" and in the search, type "cmd". Then open the first program from the search results. Now enter the following commands into the command line in turn, after each of which press the button "Enter":
- cd C:\Sqlite3_Windows;
- sqlite3 settings.db;
- update secure set value=1 where name='adb_enabled';;
- .quit;
Note that each of the commands in the list ends with a semicolon. If there are two punctuation marks, then one of them belongs to the query.
Return to the program and move the edited file "settings.db"back into the smartphone's memory. Confirm the replacement and disconnect the device from the computer. After the procedure is finished, you can start the phone and make sure that USB debugging is activated.
Instructions for Android 6 and higher
If your device has Android 6.0 and above, the principle is simpler. In general, just follow the step-by-step instructions:
- Connect the phone to the computer in recovery mode. Recall that the smartphone must have the custom recovers installed.
- Download QtADB file manager on your PC from the link above. Then start it and make sure that the partition is /data was successful.
- Go to "Files"and on the right side of the program enter the address "/data/system/users/0/".
- Find the file "settings_global.xml"and use a text editor to open it. There we find the line "adb_enabled"and change the parameter "value="0″" at "value="1″".
In the end, save all the changes and close the programs. Do the same with the smartphone: disconnect it from the computer and start it up. If you follow the instructions correctly, the USB debugging will be enabled.
Universal instructions without Recovery
The following method is suitable for those users who do not want to perform complex manipulations with the smartphone. Its main advantage is that there is no need for Custom Recovery. All you need is a few things: OTG cable, a computer mouse with a USB connection, and possibly a TV. If the touchscreen doesn't work, but the screen is fine, skip to these instructions:
- Connect one end of the OTG cable to the smartphone and the other end to the mouse.
- Turn on the mouse and check the cursor on the screen.
- Use the mouse to enter the settings.
- Go to "About the phone"and repeatedly click on the build number or firmware version. As a result, a tab for developers should appear.
- Go to the tab "Advanced settings", and then to the section "For developers".
- Move the slider next to "Debugging by USB"to the right and confirm that the mode is on.
If the screen is broken and you can't see anything on it, you need to set up a broadcast from the device's display to the TV. About, How to connect your phone to the TV read in one of our articles. After that go to the right sections to activate USB debugging.
Video tutorial
Answers to popular questions
Q: What should I do if QtADB doesn't see my phone?
First of all, make sure that your smartphone has the custom firmware installed. After that, check if there are drivers available on your computer for the specific model of the device, and inspect the cable for damage.
Q: How do I open the recovery menu on my LG smartphone?
Press the Power button and Volume Up key simultaneously. After the "LG" logo appears on the screen, repeat the procedure again.
Q: Can I install QtADB on Windows 10?
Yes, the program works with the Windows 10 operating system.
To summarize, there are two ways to enable USB debugging. The first of them requires the availability of the Android device custom recovers, and the second one requires a computer USB mouse and OTG cable.