How to Fix ADB Device Not Found Error on Windows 10/11 (6 Solutions)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is an invaluable tool for Android developers and enthusiasts. It allows you to connect your Android device to your PC and run various debugging commands.

However, you may encounter the frustrating “ADB device not found” error when trying to use ADB on your Windows 10/11 computer. In this guide, we will walk through the common causes and solutions to fix this issue.

What Causes the ADB Device Not Found Error?

There are a few potential reasons why your Windows PC cannot detect your Android device via ADB:

• Outdated or corrupt ADB drivers – The drivers that allow communication between your device and PC may need updating or reinstallation if they have become damaged.
• USB debugging not enabled – USB debugging is an option that must be enabled on your Android device for ADB to detect it.
• Wrong USB connection type – ADB requires a data transfer USB connection. Connecting via a charging-only USB cable will not work.
• Conflicts with other programs – Other programs accessing the ADB server can sometimes interfere and cause connection issues.
• Device not authorized – If you have connected to the device before, you may need to re-authorize the device-to-PC connection.
• Firewall blocking access – Your firewall settings may be blocking the connection without you realizing it.

Now that we know what can prevent ADB from detecting devices properly, let’s go through the steps to troubleshoot and fix it on Windows.

How to Fix ADB Device Not Found Error on Windows 11/10

Method 1: Update or Reinstall ADB Drivers

If you’re encountering the ‘ADB Device Not Found’ error on your Windows 10/11 system, one of the first steps you can take to resolve it is by using the Device Manager. This built-in Windows utility allows you to manage hardware devices and their drivers. Follow these steps to update the ADB device driver through Device Manager:

Step 1: Find your SDK manager in the Start menu. Right-click on it and choose ‘Run as administrator.’ Click ‘Yes’ when prompted by User Account Control.

Step 2: In the SDK manager window, locate and expand the ‘Extras’ folder. Within the ‘Extras’ folder, find and check the box next to ‘Google USB Driver.’ Then, click on ‘Install 1 package’ at the bottom right.

Step 3: Once the driver installation is complete, connect your Android device to your computer.

Step 4: Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Device Manager” from the menu that appears.

Step 5: Expand the “Android Device” or “Other Devices” section in the Device Manager window. You should see your connected Android device listed.

Step 6: Right-click on the Android device and select “Update driver.”

Step 7: Select “Search automatically for updated driver software” and let Windows search for and install the necessary drivers.

Step 8: If Windows finds and installs a driver update, follow any on-screen instructions to complete the process.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your Android device is recognized and properly connected to your Windows system.

Also Read: How To Fix Run as Administrator Option not Showing up on Windows 11

Method 2: Use Advanced Driver Updater

For a more comprehensive approach to resolving the ‘ADB Device Not Found’ error, consider using a dedicated driver updater tool like Advanced Driver Updater. This software streamlines the process of identifying and updating outdated drivers on your system. Follow these steps to use the Advanced Driver Updater tool and update the Android device driver:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Advanced Driver Updater tool and download the software. Follow the installation instructions provided.

Step 2: Open the Advanced Driver Updater tool.

Step 3: Click on the “Start Scan Now” button.

Step 4: Once the scan is complete, review the list of outdated drivers.

Step 5: Locate the Android device driver in the list and select it. Then click on the “Update driver” button.

Now restart your computer to apply changes.

These two methods should help you resolve the “ADB Device Not Found” error on Windows 10/11. If not then you can try the below-listed workarounds.

Method 3: Use a Data Transfer USB Connection

ADB relies on a USB data transfer connection rather than a charging-only connection. Try switching cables to the data sync cable that came with your Android device. Or if using a third-party cable, ensure it supports data transfer.

You can also change your USB connection type on your phone by swiping down from the top and tapping the Charging notification to switch from Charging to Transfer files / Android Auto.

Method 4: Re-Authorize USB Debugging Access

If you have previously connected the Android device to your PC, you may need to re-authorize the debug access. On your phone, go to Settings > Developer options and revoke USB debugging authorizations. Then turn off and reconnect the USB cable to trigger the authorization popup again.

Also read: How to Fix Can’t Run Command Prompt as Administrator in Windows 10

Method 5: Reset the ADB Server via Command Prompt

Some software that interacts with ADB like Android Studio or adbLink can cause connection issues. Try temporarily uninstalling or closing these programs and see if ADB starts detecting your device. You can also try restarting the ADB server via Command Prompt with the commands:

adb kill-server

adb start-server

Method 6: Factory Reset Device

As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your Android device to wipe out any software issues leading to connectivity problems. Just be sure to backup data first, as this will erase everything.

ADB is a vital tool for Android power users, but the “device not found” error can quickly halt your progress. With the right mix of USB debugging toggles, driver updates, cable switches, and firewall permission changes, you should be able to get ADB functioning again on Windows.

Just be sure to methodically work through each step to identify and resolve whatever is blocking the detection and connection.

Also read: How To Create And Run Batch Script File On Windows 11

Conclusion

Troubleshooting the frustrating “ADB device not found” error involves methodically working through various steps like enabling USB debugging, updating drivers, using data transfer cables, re-authorizing connections, checking for software conflicts, and configuring firewall settings.

With developer options toggled on, updated drivers, proper cabling, and firewall access allowed, ADB should successfully detect and interface with your Android device on Windows 10/11. If issues persist after trying these steps, a factory reset may be required to wipe any underlying software bugs causing the connectivity problems. Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram  and YouTube.