How to Enable USB Debugging on Samsung, Xiaomi and Pixel
USB debugging is the switch that lets a computer talk to your Android phone through ADB. You need it to install test builds, read logs, mirror the screen or use any ADB tool, including ADB Kit in your browser.
The setting is hidden by default, and every brand tucks it in a slightly different place. Below are the steps for Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy and Xiaomi (including Redmi and POCO), followed by fixes for the most common problems.
Note: menu names and locations change between Android versions, One UI and HyperOS releases, and regions. If a label does not match exactly, use the search bar at the top of Settings and type “build number” or “developer”.
How it works on every Android phone
Every brand follows the same pattern:
- Find the build number (or OS version on Xiaomi) in the About section of Settings.
- Tap it seven times. The phone asks for your PIN, pattern or password, then says you are now a developer.
- Open the newly visible Developer options menu.
- Turn on USB debugging.
- Connect to a computer and allow the debugging prompt on the phone.
Only the location of each item changes.
Google Pixel
- Open Settings > About phone.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Build number seven times.
- Enter your screen lock when asked. A message confirms that you are now a developer.
- Go to Settings > System > Developer options.
- Turn on USB debugging and confirm.
Pixel phones run close to stock Android, so this path also applies to many other phones with a near-stock interface.
Samsung Galaxy (One UI)
- Open Settings > About phone > Software information.
- Tap Build number seven times.
- Enter your PIN, pattern or password.
- Go back to the main Settings screen. Developer options appears at the bottom, just below About phone.
- Open it and turn on USB debugging.
The master switch at the top of Developer options turns every developer setting on or off at once. If you switch it off, USB debugging goes off too.
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (HyperOS and MIUI)
Xiaomi phones use the OS version instead of the build number.
- Open Settings > About phone.
- Tap OS version (HyperOS) or MIUI version (older MIUI) seven times.
- Enter your screen lock if asked.
- Go to Settings > Additional settings > Developer options.
- Turn on USB debugging.
Some Xiaomi devices also show extra toggles such as Install via USB and USB debugging (Security settings). These control whether a computer can install apps or change certain settings over ADB. On some models they require you to be signed in to a Xiaomi account and may require a SIM card. If an APK install from your computer is rejected, these toggles are the first place to check.
Other brands at a glance
Most brands put the build number under Settings > About phone, sometimes inside a Software information submenu. After unlocking it, check the bottom of Settings, System, or Additional settings for Developer options. When in doubt, search Settings for “developer”.
Connect and authorize the computer
Turning on USB debugging is half the job. The phone must also trust the computer.
- Use a data-capable USB cable. Some cheap cables only charge.
- Plug the phone into the computer and unlock the screen.
- When the phone shows Allow USB debugging?, check the RSA fingerprint if you want, tick Always allow from this computer on a machine you own, and tap Allow.
- Open adbkit.com/app in Chrome or Edge and connect. The browser asks you to pick the device, and ADB Kit opens a workspace with the live screen, logcat, files and APK install.
For a full walkthrough of the browser connection, read use ADB in your browser with WebUSB.
Prefer no cable at all?
On Android 11 and newer, Developer options also has Wireless debugging, which pairs with a code or QR code. ADB Kit supports it through a small local agent on your computer. See ADB over Wi-Fi with ADB Kit for the steps.
Troubleshooting
The authorization prompt never appears. Unlock the phone, unplug and plug the cable back in, and try a different port or cable. On the phone, pull down the notification shade and make sure the USB mode allows data transfer (often labelled File transfer), not charging only.
The device shows as unauthorized. You dismissed or missed the prompt. In Developer options, tap Revoke USB debugging authorizations, reconnect and allow the prompt again.
The browser cannot claim the device. Another ADB program on the same computer may already hold the connection. Close other Android tools, then reconnect. Only Chromium-based desktop browsers support WebUSB, so Firefox and Safari cannot connect over USB.
Developer options disappeared. Some updates or a factory reset hide it again. Repeat the seven taps.
Work or school phone. Device management policies can block Developer options entirely. Ask your IT team rather than trying to work around it.
Security checklist
- Authorize only computers you own or trust.
- Never approve a debugging prompt you did not expect.
- Turn USB debugging off when you are done, especially on your personal phone.
- Use Revoke USB debugging authorizations after using a shared or borrowed computer.
Summary
Find the build number (or OS version on Xiaomi), tap it seven times, open Developer options and turn on USB debugging. Then connect with a data cable and allow the prompt. From there, ADB Kit gives you screen mirroring, logcat, APK install and file transfer straight from your browser, free and without an account.
Next step: learn how to install an APK from your browser.
FAQ
Is it safe to leave USB debugging on?
It is safe while you use it on a trusted computer, but it gives any authorized computer deep access to the phone. Turn it off when you are finished, and revoke old authorizations from Developer options.
Why don't I see Developer options after tapping Build number?
Make sure you tapped the right entry seven times and entered your screen lock when asked. On Samsung it is under About phone > Software information, on Xiaomi you tap the OS or MIUI version instead. Then look at the bottom of Settings, or under System or Additional settings.
Does enabling USB debugging void my warranty or root my phone?
No. Developer options and USB debugging are standard Android settings. They do not root the device or unlock the bootloader.
A local-first workspace for Android in your browser and on your phone: mirror and control a device, capture screenshots and recordings, install APKs, stream logcat and move files over USB or Wi-Fi.