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Android USB Debugging

morgan2476
Grafter
Posts: 284
Registered: ‎13-08-2007

Android USB Debugging

Has anyone got any ideas why I have to use USB debugging to connect both my Android devices to my PC?  All other usb devices are OK.  I am using windows 7.  Thanks.
4 REPLIES 4
MisterW
Superuser
Superuser
Posts: 14,574
Thanks: 5,408
Fixes: 385
Registered: ‎30-07-2007

Re: Android USB Debugging

Most USB devices e.g Memory sticks support USB 'Mass storage mode'. Earlier Andoid devices also supported this, whereas modern ones use MTP or PTP mode ( see this for explanation http://www.howtogeek.com/192732/android-usb-connections-explained-mtp-ptp-and-usb-mass-storage/ ). When in PTP/MTP mode your PC will see the device as a camera rather than a disc. When you enable USB debugging it causes a different USB PID/VID to be used by the device , which does support Mass storage mode

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morgan2476
Grafter
Posts: 284
Registered: ‎13-08-2007

Re: Android USB Debugging

Thanks for that link.  I am assuming that everything should be ok by enabling USB Debugging.
chenks76
All Star
Posts: 3,274
Thanks: 338
Fixes: 12
Registered: ‎24-10-2013

Re: Android USB Debugging

it poses no risk unless you connect your device to a system that you don't trust.
MisterW
Superuser
Superuser
Posts: 14,574
Thanks: 5,408
Fixes: 385
Registered: ‎30-07-2007

Re: Android USB Debugging

USB debugging enabled is seen as a potential security risk by some AV software. In reality it's only a risk if connected via USB to a malicious system so in reality it's not a risk. Take a look here for some explanation http://www.howtogeek.com/177444/4-geeky-tricks-that-reduce-an-android-phones-security/.
If you want to transfer files easily between a Windows PC and an Android device, take a look at Airdroid https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sand.airdroid&hl=en_GB . You run it on the device and then can transfer files ( amongst other things ) using a browser on the PC.

Superusers are not staff, but they do have a direct line of communication into the business in order to raise issues, concerns and feedback from the community.