Ubuntu: Adb Command Cannot Find Device

Word count: 532Reading time: 3 min

 2014/03/25

1. Problem Overview

Recently, while developing for a Nokia project, I encountered the following issue:

When I plugged in a Nokia X, the computer did not respond at all—it wasn’t recognized. My colleague’s Windows machine also failed to detect it. After searching Google for a long time, I finally found a solution. Since I didn’t record it originally and later forgot how to configure it when helping someone else, I decided to document it here for everyone.

2. Solution

If the adb command indicates that no devices are found, please ensure you have already completed these basic steps:

Enable USB Debugging (Settings - Developer Options - USB Debugging). If you don’t see Developer Options, go to “About” and tap the Build Number several times.
Restart Adb with Sudo: Try sudo adb kill-server and sudo adb start-server.

If it still doesn’t work, follow the steps below:

2.1. Run lsusb

Check the USB bus to find the device ID:

~ » lsusb                                                                  
Bus 002 Device 002: ID 8087:0024 Intel Corp. Integrated Rate Matching Hub
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 8087:0024 Intel Corp. Integrated Rate Matching Hub
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0003 Linux Foundation 3.0 root hub
Bus 003 Device 004: ID 1532:0016 Razer USA, Ltd DeathAdder Mouse
Bus 003 Device 003: ID 05d5:624c Super Gate Technology Co., Ltd 
Bus 003 Device 033: ID 0421:06e8 Nokia Mobile Phones 
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub

2.2. Register udev Rules

Edit /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules:

1	vim /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules

Add the following rule (using the IDs found in lsusb, e.g., Vendor ID 0421):

1	SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="0421", ATTR{idProduct}=="06e8", MODE="0666", GROUP="plugdev"

Save the file and run:

1 2	sudo chmod a+rx /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules sudo service udev restart

The output should show udev restarting correctly.

2.3. Restart Adb with Sudo

Navigate to your SDK directory and restart the server:

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cd ~/tools/android-sdk-linux_x86/platform-tools  
sudo ./adb kill-server  
sudo ./adb start-server

Note: Usually, the above steps are sufficient. However, for specific devices like the Nokia X, you might need one more step:

2.4. Update adb_usb.ini

Open ~/.android/adb_usb.ini and add the Vendor ID (in hex):

# ANDROID 4th PARTY USB VENDOR ID LIST -- DO NOT EDIT.
# USE 'android update adb' TO GENERATE.
# 1 USB VENDOR ID PER LINE

# for nokia x
0x0421

After saving, adb devices should now correctly list your device. The process is similar on Windows.

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