Where is the device manager on Android: all methods of access and settings

Device Manager on Android is a hidden tool that allows you to manage connected accessories and check their status and troubleshoot. Unlike Windows, where the device manager is built into the system and is available in two clicks, on Android its location depends on the firmware version, manufacturer, and even smartphone model. Many users are faced with a problem: either it is not in the menu, or it is hidden under unobvious names like “Developer Options” or “Accessibility.”

In this article we will analyze all the possible ways to find and open the device manager on Android - from standard paths in the settings to hidden commands through the engineering menu. We will pay special attention to the differences between MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi), One UI (Samsung), EMUI (Huawei) and “pure” Android. You will also learn what to do if the device manager is missing in your firmware, and what alternative applications can replace it.

What is a device manager on Android and why do you need it?

Device Manager (English Device Manager) is a system tool that displays a list of all physical and virtual devices connected to the smartphone. This includes:

• 🔌 Accessories: headphones, keyboards, gamepads, USB devices.
• 📶 Network adapters: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC modules.
• 🔋 Internal components: battery, sensors (gyroscope, compass), cameras.
• 🖥️ Virtual devices: emulators, VPN adapters, MIDI devices.

Using it you can:

• 🔍 Check connection status (for example, why the headphones are not detected).
• 🔄 Update drivers for external devices (on some firmware).
• ⚙️ Configure connection priority (for example, for Bluetooth devices).
• 🚫 Disable unused modules to save charge.

It is important to understand that on Android there is a device manager not so powerfulas on a PC. There is no way to install drivers manually or deeply configure the hardware. However, it is indispensable for diagnosing problems with connecting accessories or checking the functionality of sensors.

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones (especially budget models Realme, Oppo or Nokia) the device manager can be completely removed by the manufacturer. In this case, its functions are partially duplicated in sections Settings → Connected devices or Developer options.

Method 1: Standard path through settings Android

On most smartphones with “pure” Android (for example, Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia), the device manager is hidden in the menu "For Developers". Here's how to find it:

1. Open Settings (gear in the applications menu).
2. Scroll down and select About phone (or Phone information).
3. Find the item Build number and click on it 7 times in a rowuntil the notification “You have become a developer!” appears.
4. Return to the main menu Settings and open a new section For developers (usually at the bottom of the list).
5. Scroll down to the block Network or Debugging —there should be an item Device Manager (or USB Device Manager).

On some firmware (for example, One UI 5.0+ on Samsung) the path may be different:

Settings → Device maintenance → Diagnostics → Device Manager

⚠️ Attention: If, after activating developer mode, the item Device Manager is not present, then your firmware does not support it. Try alternative methods from the following sections.

Activate developer mode (7 click on "Build number")

Check the "For Developers" section in the settings

Update the firmware to the latest version (if available)

Install a diagnostic application (for example, DevCheck)

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Method 2: Through the engineering menu (codes and hidden commands)

If the device manager is not displayed in the settings, it can be called through engineering menu (Engineer Mode). This method works on most smartphones, but requires entering special codes. Important: incorrect commands can be broken. phone operation!

Here are universal codes for different manufacturers:

How to enter codes:

1. Open the application Phone.
2. Go to the tab Keyboard (do not dial the number!).
3. Enter the code (without spaces) and press the call button.
4. In the engineering menu, find the section with the names Device, Hardware or USB.

If the code did not work, try an alternative option for your brand. For example, on Samsung sometimes a combination of *#0011# (menu of service modes) helps.

Method 3: Using ADB commands (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not help, you can try calling the device manager via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and installing Platform Tools from Google.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (see Method 1).
2. Connect your smartphone to the PC via a USB cable (select mode Transfer files).
3. Open a command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to test the connection:

   adb devices

   The serial number of your device should appear.

5. Run command to open the device manager:

   adb shell am start -a android.settings.DEVICE_INFO_SETTINGS

   Or an alternative (on some firmware):

   adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.deviceinfo.HardwareInfo

If the command did not work, try to get a list of all available activities:

adb shell dumpsys package | grep "device"

Look in the output for lines with DeviceManager or HardwareInfo.

⚠️ Attention: Usage ADB can cause failures if you enter incorrect commands. Do not experiment with parameters that are unknown to you.

Through the Android settings|Through the engineering menu (codes)|Through ADB commands|No, I’ll just find out|Another method-->

Method 4: Third-party applications for managing devices

If the built-in device manager is missing or does not provide the necessary functions, you can install third-party utilities. They not only show a list of connected devices, but also allow you to test sensors, check performance and troubleshoot problems.

Top 5 applications to replace the device manager:

• 📱 DevCheck —shows complete information about the equipment, including sensors, processor and memory. There are tests to check the functionality of the modules.
• 🔧 CPU-Z —analogue of the well-known PC utility. Displays details about the processor, battery, sensors and connected devices.
• 🔌 USB Device Info —specializes in USB devices, shows data transfer speed and supported ones. protocols.
• 📡 Network Signal Info — for diagnosing network modules (Wi-Fi, mobile network, Bluetooth).
• 🛠️ TestM —an engineering application for testing all components of a smartphone (camera, speakers, microphone, etc.).

How to use DevCheck:

1. Install the application from Google Play.
2. Open tab Hardware —all sensors and modules are displayed here.
3. Go to System → USB to view connected accessories.
4. In the tab Tests you can check the functionality of each component.

The advantage of third-party utilities is that they work even on firmware where the standard device manager has been removed. However, they cannot replace it completely, since they do not have access to system drivers.

Method 5: Device Manager on custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If you are using custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Resurrection Remix), then the standard device manager may be replaced by an extended version. In such firmware, it is usually available through:

Settings → System → About phone → Hardware information

Features of custom firmware:

• 🔧 More options for configuring equipment (for example, adjusting the sensitivity of sensors).
• 📊 Detailed information about each module, including temperature and voltage.
• 🔄 Ability to force a reboot of individual components (for example, the Bluetooth module).

If the device manager is missing even on custom firmware, it can be added through modules Magisk:

1. Install Magisk Manager.
2. Download the module Hardware Info Module or Device Manager Enabler from the Magisk repository.
3. Install the module and reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Installing Magisk modules may disrupt the system if they are not compatible with yours firmware. Always make a backup copy before experimenting!

Common problems and their solutions

Even if you found the device manager, it may not work correctly. Here are typical problems and ways to solve them:

If the device manager shows that the module (for example, NFC or Gyroscope) missing, but you are sure that it should be:

• Check the specifications of your model on the manufacturer's official website.
• Update the firmware to the latest version.
• Reset the settings to factory settings (make a backup first!).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

adb shell dumpsys usbstats