Other reasons you can’t use ADB include your PC having the wrong ADB path, USB debugging being disabled on your device, an incorrect connection mode being used, your system lacking ADB drivers, and more.
Define ADB’s Path Variable on Your PC
If you’re getting an “adb is not recognized as an internal or external command” error, you don’t have ADB’s path listed as an environment variable on your PC. You can fix this by adding the correct ADB path to your system settings. Here’s how to configure it. From now on, you can run the adb command regardless of where you open a Command Prompt window.
Enable USB Debugging on Your Android Device
You must have USB debugging enabled on your Android phone to use it with ADB on your computer. If the option is disabled, ADB won’t be able to find your device on your computer. Here’s how to toggle on USB debugging on Android:
Use the Appropriate Connection Type on Your Android Device
Your Android phone offers multiple connection options when you connect the phone to your computer. You must use an ADB-supported mode to allow the ADB tool on your computer to interact with your device.
Install ADB Drivers on Your Windows 11 Computer
Windows 11 requires ADB driver software to interact with your ADB-enabled devices. The lack of these drivers can cause your PC not to detect your phone. In this case, download and install the universal ADB drivers, and your issue will be fixed. You’ll update the driver if your PC already has older drivers installed.
Restart the ADB Server
If ADB still doesn’t work or find your device, give the ADB server a reboot to fix minor issues with it. Doing this turns off all ADB features and then reloads those features.
Fix ADB Device Not Found by Changing Your USB Port
If your Windows 11 PC still doesn’t communicate with your Android device via ADB, your PC’s USB port may have an issue. A faulty port can prevent your computer from recognizing your connected device, resulting in various error messages. An easy way to fix that is to use an alternate USB port on your machine. Modern computers have multiple USB ports, so this fix isn’t too difficult.
Make ADB Discover Your Android Device on Windows 11
ADB failing to work or find your Samsung or other Android device essentially means you can’t use any of ADB’s features with your Android device. There are many reasons this tool can’t detect your device. Once you’ve used the above solutions, ADB should start working and communicating with your phone. You’ll then be able to use all of ADB’s functions with your device, including remotely installing apps on your Android phone.
