How to Enable USB Debugging on Google Pixel

By connecting the smartphone to the PC via USB cable, the user can charge the gadget or transfer files, for example. To extend the pairing possibilities, you need to enable USB debugging on the Google Pixel. This will allow access to additional operations when the phone and the PC are communicating.

Why USB debugging is needed

Debugging is most often used by mobile app developers, as it gives access not only to the files stored on the smartphone, but also to the internals of the mobile platform. However, this mode is also used by ordinary users.

In particular, it allows you to flash your smartphone via a computer if the operation cannot be performed using standard means. Also, debugging allows you to connect to a PC without warning. That is, when pairing devices in this mode, no notification will appear on the smartphone screen asking you to select a connection mode ("Charge only" or "File transfer").

Standard activation method

Every Android smartphone, including the Google Pixel, allows you to activate debug mode. But by default this option is hidden, so the activation takes place in two steps.

№1. Switching to developer mode

Debugging is enabled via Developer mode, which is initially hidden. Consequently, the first thing we need to do is to activate the advanced options menu:

Open the phone settings.
Go to "About phone".
Click 5 times on the build number or MIUI version.

The message "You are now a developer" will appear to indicate that you have activated the missing option. You can then move on to the process of activating debugging itself.

№2. Enabling debugging

Having completed the preparatory steps, move on to the main part of the instructions, which look as follows:

Open the Google Pixel settings.
Go to "Additional settings" and then to "Developer options".
Activate the slider next to "USB debugging".
Confirm the operation.

This completes enabling the option, and you can communicate with the smartphone via the computer in debug mode.

How to enable USB debugging on Google Pixel with broken screen

Previously mentioned, the mode in question allows you to connect your phone to a PC without giving permission for file transfer. Therefore, this option is often seen as a means of exchanging data between a PC and a faulty smartphone. However, it can be difficult to activate the mode itself.

To enable USB debugging on the Google Pixel if the screen is broken, you can use optional accessories:

Insert the OTG adaptor into your phone.
Connect your computer mouse to it.
Follow the steps described in the previous instructions with the accessory connected.

This option will help to activate the option in a situation where only the touch screen layer does not work and the information on the matrix remains readable. Otherwise, you will have to proceed at random.

How to enable USB debugging when the Google Pixel is locked

The principle of activating mode on a locked phone is slightly different. In this case, you cannot access the home screen or settings. You can only bypass the restrictions by first resetting the settings via the recovery. Hence, to enable USB debugging on the Google Pixel if the phone is locked, you need to:

Switch off your smartphone.
Press the power button and lower volume knob (you can also try another combination, e.g. "Volume Up" + "Power").
Go to "Wipe data/factory reset" after the Recovery menu appears (use the volume knob to move and the power key to confirm the move).
Confirm the wipe-down.
Go back to the main menu and confirm the "Reboot system now" operation.

After a reboot, the Google Pixel will turn on unlocked and you can activate debugging via the settings menu. However, after resetting via the recovery, all files will be deleted.

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See also:

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Xiaomi Mi4s

Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium

Sony Xperia L (Red)