Android Tips

Android USB Debugging Greyed out, How to Enable

By FonePaw | Dec 09 , 2019

Have you come across the situation that when you enter the developer option and find your Android USB debugging option greyed out?

Don't worry, let's look at the following solutions and figure out how to fix it if you can't enable USB Debugging on LG G3/V20, Samsung Galaxy, Motorola and more.

USB Greyed Out

Solution 1: Choose MTP/PTP Mode
Solution 2: Disconnect your phone from PC
Solution 3: Select PC Software as a USB connection
Solution 4: Permit USB debugging on KNOX Premium

Solution 1: Choose MTP/PTP Mode

When your USB debugging is disabled, try setting MTP or PTP Mode first.

Connect your Android to the PC via USB;
Swipe down from the top of the screen;
Select USB for MTP or PTP.

MTP Connection

Solution 2: Disconnect your phone from PC

Some users of LG G3 or V20 or other Android devices found that the USB debugging option greyed out when the phone is connecting to a PC with a cable. When the Android phone is disconnected from the computer, it can enable USB debugging without problems.
Therefore, try disconnecting your phone from PC before you enable USB debugging.

Tap "Settings"> "Developer Options"> Turn on "USB Debugging".
Now, plug your phone with PC via USB cable again, and the USB debugging is enabled.

Solution 3: Select PC Software as a USB connection

On an LG phone of an older model, when you connect your phone with a USB cable, try selecting PC Software as the USB connection type.

Go to "Settings" > "Connectivity"> "Default Mode">"PC Software".

PC Software

Solution 4: Permit USB debugging on KNOX Premium

KNOX Premium is installed on most Samsung Smartphones. By default, it does not allow users to enable USB debugging when it creates a secure container.
That's why Samsung users can't turn on USB debugging.

Samsung KNOX Settings

However, IT admins KNOX Premium can enable USB debugging Mode through Admin Portal:

Select "Policies"> Mobile> Samsung KNOX Device Settings > Restriction settings> Permit USB debugging.
After that, you can enable USB debugging on Developer Options. If your "My KNOX" is on, USB debugging mode is not working， you need to root your device and uninstalled "MY KNOX":
Go to "KNOX"> "KNOX Setting apps"> "More information"> Uninstall KNOX. Then turn on USB debugging mode.

Do you have other solutions to enable USB debugging on Android? Share your solution with us in the comments.