Beginner 4 min read Updated: 2026-08-25

How to Enable USB Debugging on Android (All Versions)

Step-by-step guide to unlocking Developer Options and enabling USB Debugging on Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Motorola devices.

Prerequisites & Requirements

  • An Android smartphone or tablet (Android 4.4 through Android 16)
  • USB-C or Micro-USB data cable (not charge-only)
  • A computer with a modern web browser (Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Open Android Settings

Pull down the notification shade and tap the gear icon, or open the "Settings" app from your application drawer.

2

Locate "About Phone" or "About Tablet"

Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings menu and tap "About phone" (on Samsung devices: Settings > About phone > Software information).

3

Tap "Build Number" 7 Times

Find the "Build number" entry and tap it 7 times in rapid succession. You will see a toast notification saying "You are now a developer!" Enter your lock screen PIN/password if prompted.

4

Open Developer Options

Go back to the main Settings menu. Tap "System" > "Developer options" (on Samsung: Settings > Developer options at the very bottom; on Xiaomi: Additional settings > Developer options).

5

Toggle "USB Debugging" to ON

Scroll down to the "Debugging" section and flip the toggle switch for "USB debugging". Tap "OK" on the confirmation prompt.

6

Connect USB Cable and Authorize RSA Key

Plug your Android device into your computer with a USB data cable. Unlock your phone. When the "Allow USB debugging?" dialog appears, check "Always allow from this computer" and tap "Allow".