Troubleshooting "adb devices list of devices attached empty" on Windows 7
The dreaded "adb devices list of devices attached empty" error message can be incredibly frustrating. This issue, commonly encountered on Windows 7 (and other Windows versions), prevents your computer from recognizing your Android device, making debugging and development impossible. But don't despair! This comprehensive guide will walk you through several troubleshooting steps to resolve this problem.
Understanding the Problem
Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand why you're seeing this error. The Android Debug Bridge (adb) is a command-line tool that allows communication between your computer and your Android device. When the list is empty, it means your computer isn't properly communicating with your device. This could stem from various factors, including driver issues, USB connection problems, or incorrect adb setup.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
This guide provides solutions in order of common occurrence and ease of implementation.
1. Check USB Connection and Drivers:
- Restart your Device and Computer: The simplest solution is often the most effective. A quick restart can resolve temporary glitches.
- Different USB Cable and Port: Try a different USB cable, ensuring it's a data cable (not just a charging cable). Also, test different USB ports on your computer. Some ports might not provide adequate power or data transfer.
- USB Debugging Enabled: On your Android device, go to Settings > Developer options > USB debugging. Ensure this is checked. (If you don't see "Developer options," you may need to enable it by going to About Phone and repeatedly tapping on the Build number until a message appears indicating developer options are enabled).
- Device Drivers: Windows 7 might not automatically install the correct drivers for your Android device. You might need to manually install them from your device manufacturer's website. Search for your device model and look for downloads related to drivers or USB connectivity.
2. Install or Update ADB and Fastboot:
- Download Platform-Tools: Download the latest Android SDK Platform-Tools zip file (from a reputable source). Extract its contents to a folder (e.g., C:\platform-tools). Important: Ensure you are downloading from an official or trusted source to avoid malware.
- Environment Variables (Advanced): Add the path to the platform-tools folder to your system's PATH environment variable. This allows you to run
adbcommands from any command prompt or terminal. This involves modifying system settings, so proceed with caution and research the steps if you're unfamiliar.
3. Restart ADB Server:
- Open Command Prompt: Open a command prompt as an administrator (right-click and select "Run as administrator").
- Restart ADB Server: Type
adb kill-serverand press Enter. Then, typeadb start-serverand press Enter. This restarts the adb server, which might resolve connection problems.
4. Check for Conflicting Software:
- Antivirus/Firewall Interference: Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software. If your device is detected after this, adjust your security software settings to allow adb.exe to communicate freely. Remember to re-enable your security software afterward.
- Other ADB Installations: Make sure you're using the correct and most up-to-date ADB installation. Remove any older or conflicting installations before proceeding.
5. Device Manager Check:
- Check for Errors: Open Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar). Expand the "Portable Devices" section (or similar). Look for any devices with yellow exclamation marks, indicating a driver problem. Right-click the device and try "Update driver."
6. Reinstall USB Drivers (Advanced):
- Uninstall and Reinstall: In Device Manager, locate your Android device, right-click, and select "Uninstall device." Disconnect and reconnect your device. Windows might automatically reinstall the drivers.
If none of the above steps work, consider:
- Different Computer: Try connecting your device to another computer to rule out hardware problems on your own machine.
- Android Device Issues: Your Android device itself might have a software problem impacting USB connectivity. Consider a factory reset (as a last resort and after backing up your data).
By following these steps methodically, you should be able to resolve the "adb devices list of devices attached empty" error and regain control over your Android device's debugging capabilities. Remember to always download software from trusted sources and proceed cautiously when modifying system settings.
