In order to install the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and connect your device to a computer, you need to perform two steps:
- Install ADB on your PC.
- Enable Developer Mode.
ADB is an Android project tool available for free on the Android SDK. We suggest a stripped-down version like the "15 seconds ADB installer" to avoid downloading the very large sized full SDK.
Installing ADB
- Once you have downloaded the application, double-click it to start the installation process. If you have never installed the ADB on your PC, answer ‘Y’ to all questions.
- After the installation, run the ADB command in the command line to check the installation.
- Start the Command Prompt application and type "ADB" finishing with the enter key. You should see the ADB help text as shown below:
With the ADB installed, it is time to enable Developer Mode on your Android device and connect it to the PC.
Enabling Developer Mode
- In your Android device, go to Settings and click on the “About tablet/phone/device” option.
- Scroll down to see the Build number entry and click on it seven times. As you click, you will see messages stating that you are about to become a developer.
- When you are in Developer Mode, hit "back" and click on the newly appearing “Developer options” option.
- Scroll down to the Debugging section and enable the "USB debugging" option.
- A confirmation dialog box will pop-up. Confirm with “OK”.
- Connect your device to the PC with a USB cable. You will be prompted with an authorization dialog box. Check “Always allow from this computer” and confirm with “OK”.
- At this point, your device is ready to use the ADB. Open the Windows Command Prompt and type "adb devices". The connected device should be listed.
