How to Enable USB Debugging on Any Android Phone
To display and control your phone on your Mac, Android requires one-time permission. Select your phone brand below for step-by-step instructions.
Unlock Developer Options
Go to Settings → About Phone, locate Build Number (or OS version), and tap it 7 times consecutively. Your phone will say “You are now a developer!”.
Toggle USB Debugging
Return to Settings → System (or Additional Settings) → Developer Options. Scroll down and turn on the toggle for USB Debugging.
Brand-Specific Instructions
Choose your device manufacturer to see exact menu names and manufacturer-specific quirks:
Samsung Galaxy (One UI 4 / 5 / 6 / 6.1)
Galaxy S, Z Fold/Flip, A-SeriesApplicable to all Samsung devices running Android 10 through Android 15.
- Open Settings and scroll to the very bottom to tap About phone.
- Tap Software information.
- Find Build number and tap it repeatedly 7 times. If prompted, enter your lock screen PIN or pattern.
- Go back to the main Settings screen. Below “About phone”, tap the newly revealed Developer options menu.
- Scroll down to the Debugging section and switch USB debugging to On. Tap OK when asked to allow USB debugging.
Samsung introduced a feature called Auto Blocker which blocks USB commands by default. If your Mac does not recognize the phone, go to Settings → Security and privacy → Auto Blocker and temporarily switch it Off while connecting to MirrorDroid.
What to do when “Allow USB debugging?” appears
The cryptographic RSA handshake between your phone and your Mac.
The moment you connect your phone to your Mac via USB with USB Debugging enabled, a popup dialog will appear on your phone screen:
Allow USB debugging?
The computer's RSA key fingerprint is:
9A:4F:2E:88:12:BC:73:90:D1:44:E2:0F:55:A9:1B:3C
Two vital actions:
- Check “Always allow from this computer”: This prevents Android from prompting you every time you unplug and replug your phone.
- Tap “Allow”: MirrorDroid will immediately mirror your screen upon confirmation.
What if the “Allow USB debugging” dialog never appears?
1. Switch USB Mode
Swipe down the notification shade on your phone. Tap “Charging this device via USB” and switch the mode to File Transfer / MTP.
2. Revoke Authorizations
In Developer Options, tap Revoke USB debugging authorizations, tap OK, then unplug and re-plug your USB cable.
3. Check Cable Integrity
Some charging cables omit data pins entirely. Try a different USB cable or a direct USB-C port on your Mac without hubs.