adb not finding my device / phone (MacOS X)

Question

Doing Android development on a Mac and this very new phone I have doesn't show up in the devices list in adb. Lots of other phones and devices work fine for me so I know my setup is good.

I have debugging enabled (Settings --> Applications --> Development --> USB debugging) on the phone, but it just doesn't show up when I run adb devices

Answer 1

In case, like me, none of the above worked for you, I figured out a very stupid solution.

I'm using a HTC One X on a 2011 Macbook Pro. I just disabled NFC in Settings > Wireless & Networks > More > NFC and viola! Working normally.

Answer 2

I had a similar issue. I've discovered that MTP is not supported in OSX. I changed it to PTP, I was promoted to approve my laptop and then my device was finally listed (LG G3).

Answer 3

This only worked for me after I've enabled developer usb debugging on the phone:

On your android phone, go to Settings > About, then tap repeatedly on Build Number until Developer Options is enabled.

Answer 4

NOTE TO FOLKS WHO CANT GET ANY OF THIS ADVICE TO WORK

Try launching Console.app and watching for errors when you plug in your device. I was getting

# The IOUSBFamily is having trouble enumerating a USB device that has been plugged in. It will keep retrying.

It persisted after reboots, so I eventually reset my PRAM and that got it working again.

HOW TO PERFORM A PRAM RESET

1. Shut your machine down completely.
2. Briefly hit the power button
3. Hold down Command + Option + P + R
4. Wait until you hear the boot chime for a 3rd time
5. Release all keys and let the machine continue to boot completely

Answer 5

Another tricky thing with modern Android is you set the device behavior by selecting "Use for" of the device.

If it is set as "Use for" charging for example the device won't be detected by ADB. switching to PTP/MTP other behavior which is more 'active' will auto-magically make your device detectable.