USB debugging on Samsung: how to enable it in 5 minutes (all models 2018-2026)

Mode USB debugging on smartphones Samsung is a hidden function, without which it is impossible to perform most technical operations: from firmware via Odin to debugging applications via Android Studio. Despite the fact that the option is hidden in the menu for developers, any user can enable it - the main thing is to know the exact sequence of actions and nuances of the interface One UI.

In this article you will find up-to-date instructions for all modern models Samsung Galaxy (from S10 to S24 Ultra), including devices on Android 12-15 with shell One UI 4.0-6.1. We will look at not only the standard way to turn it on, but also alternative methods for cases when the Suddenly developer menu disappears or the phone is not detected by the computer. We will pay special attention a common error with the absence of the “Build number” item in the settings —its solution is often missed even in the official documentation.

If you plan to use USB debugging for rooting, unlocking the bootloader or installing custom firmware, be sure to read the article to the end. In the last section, we have collected critical security and compatibility warnings that will help you avoid device bricking.

What is USB debugging and why do you need it on Samsung

USB debugging (USB Debugging) is a communication protocol between an Android device and a computer that allows:

• 🔧 Install and debug applications via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) without publishing to Google Play.
• 📱 Recover data after a system reset or damage (for example, via Dr.Fone or Tenorshare).
• 🔄 Flash the device via Odin, Heimdall or Fastboot.
• 🛠️ Unlock the bootloader (bootloader) to install custom recovery (TWRP) or kernels.
• 🖥️ Manage your smartphone from a PC via scrcpy, Vysor or TeamViewer QuickSupport.

On devices Samsung this mode works in conjunction with drivers Samsung USB Driver for Mobile Phonesthat must first be installed on the computer. Without them, even with debugging enabled, the system may not recognize the phone or give an error. data-i="63">⚠️ Attention: Enabling USB debugging disables some of the device unauthorized.

⚠️ Attention: Enabling USB debugging disables some protections Knoxprotections, which may trigger the Knox 0x1flag. This will void your warranty and block access to Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and some corporate functions.

If you only use debugging for file transfers or backups, consider alternatives:

• 📁 For file transfers: mode MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) or Samsung Smart Switch.
• 🔄 For backups: built-in function Backup and restore v Settings → Accounts and archiving.
• 🖱️ To control from a PC: Samsung DeX or Microsoft Your Phone.

Preparation: checking the version of Android and One UI

Before enabling USB debugging, make sure that your device is running a supported version of the software. The developer menu interface may differ depending on:

• 📱 Version Android (12, 13, 14 or 15).
• 🎨 Shell versions One UI (4.0, 5.0, 5.1, 6.0 or 6.1).
• 🏷️ Regional firmware (for example, SER for Russia or XAA for USA).

To find out the exact version:

1. Open Settings → About phone.
2. Scroll down to the block Software information.
3. Remember or write down the values:
   • Android version (for example, 14).
   • One UI version (for example, 6.1).
   • Build number (for example, UP1A.231005.007).

If your model is older Galaxy S9 (released before 2018), the interface may differ. For such devices, we recommend using special instructions at the end of the article.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware for corporate devices (Samsung Knox) the developer menu may be blocked by the administrator. In this case, you can enable USB debugging only through ADB with superuser rights.

Step-by-step guide: how to enable USB debugging on Samsung

Follow these instructions if your device is working. on Android 12–15 with shell One UI 4.0–6.1. For models up to Galaxy S10 see section about old versions.

Charge the phone at least 50%|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|Install Samsung drivers PC|Prepare a USB cable (preferably original)-->

Step 1. Activating the developer menu

By default, options for developers are hidden. To unlock them:

1. Open Settings → About the phone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Software information.
3. Find the item Build number (in One UI 6.0+ it may be called Software version).
4. Tap on it 7 times in a row. After 3-4 taps, the notification “You are almost there!” will appear, and after the 7th - the message “You have become a developer!”.

If item Build number is missing:

• 🔄 Try updating the software through Settings → Software update.
• 📱 On some firmware (for example, for Galaxy Tab S8) you need to tap on MIUI version - this is a localization error, can be corrected by resetting the settings.
• 🔧 For devices with corporate policy (Knox) may require a reset via Recovery.

Step 2. Enable USB debugging

After activating the developer menu:

1. Return to the main menu Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Developer options (may be called One UI 5.0+ may be called Developer mode).
3. Find section Debugging and activate the switch USB debugging.
4. In the window that appears, confirm the action by clicking OK or Allow.

On One UI 6.0+ the system may request additional confirmation via PIN code, graphic key or fingerprintThis is a measure of protection against unauthorized access.

Step 3. Connecting to a computer and authorization

Now connect the phone to the PC via a USB cable:

1. Select the connection mode File transfer (MTP) or Charging only (debugging will work in any case).
2. A request will appear on the phone screen Allow USB debugging? with a key devices.
3. Tick the checkbox Always allow from this computer and click Allow.

If request does not appear:

• 🔌 Try another USB port (preferably USB 3.0 on the back panel of the PC).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and computer.
• 🛠️ Update drivers Samsung USB Driver via Samsung Smart Switch.
• 🔐 Disable your antivirus (for example Kaspersky or Avast), which may be blocking ADB.

adb kill-server
adb start-server

This will restart the service and often solves connection problems.-->

Common errors and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, users often encounter problems. We have collected the most common errors and ways to eliminate them.

Error 1: The "Build number" item is missing

If there is no item in the menu O phone or Build number or Software version:

• 🔄 Update the software to the latest version via Settings → Software update.
• 📱 On some models (for example, Galaxy A13) the item is hidden under Software information → Android version - tap on it.
• 🔧 Reset settings via Settings → General management → Reset → Reset settings (data not will be deleted).
• 🛠️ For devices with Knox you may need to unlink from a corporate account.

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings

Error 2: The phone is not detected in ADB ("device unauthorized")

If when you enter the command adb devices you see the status unauthorized:

1. Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.
2. A request for debugging permission will appear on the phone - confirm it.
3. If the request does not appear:
   • Delete the file adbkey.pub in the folder %USERPROFILE%\.android on the PC.
   • Run adb kill-server and reconnect the phone.
   • Try another USB cable (preferably the original one from Samsung).

Error 3: The developer menu disappeared after the update

After major updates (for example, From One UI 5.0 to 6.0) the developer menu may be reset. To return it:

1. Tap again 7 times on Build number.
2. If that doesn’t help, reset the settings via: Settings → General management → Reset → Reset settings Attention: On some firmware Settings → General management → Reset → Reset settings.
3. For devices with Knox A full reset may be required (Wipe Data through Recovery).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware for Galaxy S22/S23 after resetting, you need to re-authorize your account Samsung, otherwise USB debugging will not be enabled.

Alternative ways to enable USB debugging

If the standard method does not work (for example, due to damaged screen or locked menu), try one of the alternative methods.

Method 1: Via ADB (if debugging was enabled previously)

If USB debugging has already been activated at least once, you can enable it again via ADB:

adb shell settings put global adb_enabled 1
adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS
adb shell input keyevent 3

After executing these commands, the developer menu will become available and you can enable manual debugging.

Method 2: Through Recovery Mode (for flashed devices)

If you have custom recovery installed (TWRP), you can enable debugging through it:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select Mount → Enable ADB.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and use commands ADB.

This method only works on devices with unlocked bootloader!

Method 3: Through Samsung Smart Switch (for older models)

On some models (for example, Galaxy S7/S8you can enable debugging via Samsung Smart Switch:

1. Install Smart Switch on PC.
2. Connect your phone and wait for recognition.
3. In the app menu, select Advanced → Developer options.
4. Activate USB debugging.

This method does not work on all firmware and may require additional drivers.

1. Integrity of the USB cable (try another one).

2. Availability of the latest drivers Samsung on. PC.

3. No physical damage to the USB port on the phone.

4. Bootloader status (on locked bootloader some ADB commands do not work).-->

USB debugging on older Samsung models (until 2018) year)

If you have an older device Galaxy S9 (for example, S8, Note 8, J5 2017), the interface for enabling debugging may be different. Here are universal instructions for Android 7–9 with a shell Samsung Experience or One UI 1.0:

1. Open Settings → About phone.
2. Tap on Build number 7 times (on some models you need to tap on Android version).
3. Return to the main menu Settings - a new item will appear there Developer options.
4. Go to Developer options and enable USB debugging.
5. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm permission for debugging.

On devices with Android 5–6 (for example, Galaxy S6, Note 5) the path may be different:

• 📱 Settings → General → About phone → Build number (7 taps).
• 🔧 Settings → Advanced → Developer options → USB debugging.

For models Galaxy J and Galaxy A (2016–2017) you may need to:

• Installing the old version Samsung USB Driver (for example, 1.7.45.0).
• Disable Knox via Package Disabler (root access required).

Security: risks and how to minimize them

Enabling USB debugging opens up potential vulnerabilities for:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Remote access data through malware.
• 📱 Installation of spyware applications without your knowledge.
• 🔓 Bypass screen lock via ADB.
• 💣 System damage with incorrect commands.

To protect the device:

Enable debugging only on trusted PCs|Disable after use|Do not connect to public USB ports (in airports, cafes)|Use cables protected from "juice jacking"-->

How to disable USB debugging

To deactivate the mode:

1. Go to Settings → Options Developer.
2. Disable the switch USB debugging.
3. For complete security, disable the developer menu:
   • In Settings → Applications find Settings and reset the data.
   • Or run the command:

     adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0

What to do if your phone is stolen or lost

If you turned on USB debugging and lost the device, an attacker can:

• 📱 Unlock the screen via ADB (if there was no complex PIN).
• 📂 Copy data from the internal memory.
• 🔄 Install malicious software Software.

Immediately:

1. Remotely lock the device via Find My Mobile (findmymobile.samsung.com).
2. Reset data remotely (if the function is activated).
3. Change passwords from Google i Samsung Account.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ i One UI 4.0+ remote reset via Find My Mobile disables USB debugging, but does not completely delete data. For reliable erasing. use fastboot erase userdata (requires unlocked bootloader).

Frequently asked questions