After this, be it for flashing custom ROMs, recoveries like TWRP, or even rooting the device via Magisk (either by flashing Magisk App or patching and flashing boot.img), all these make use of Fastboot Mode. And for booting your device to Fastboot– you will need to use the ADB Commands. So this is a vicious cycle that is extremely hard to escape, and one which tech enthusiasts would like to escape from as well. With that said, these commands aren’t free from their fair share of issues. Talking about issues, there are a plethora of them. While I have covered the most important ones [refer to the end section of this guide], I still get a few more near about every other day in the comments. After doing a few research, I came to the conclusion that nearly all the ADB or Fastboot errors have the same set of fixes. While there is no universal fix, (there are 5-6 methods to fix these issues), one thing stays the same. These five-six methods are known to rectify all these command errors. So rather than documenting each of them under separate guides, I decided to document them under one roof. Without any further ado, let’s get started with this tutorial to fix all the ADB and Fastboot Errors.
How to Execute Android ADB Fastboot Commands WirelesslyRun ADB Fastboot Commands directly on Android without RootHow to Use ADB and Fastboot Commands on Android Without PCList of Useful ADB and Fastboot Commands
How to Fix All ADB and Fastboot Errors
Given below are the various methods to fix the ADB issues. However, there’s no universal fix as such. You will have to try each one of them until you are able to achieve success. Furthermore, we will start off with the basic fixes before moving on to the slightly advanced ones. Follow along.
Use USB 2.0 Port and Official USB cable
First and foremost, you should use the USB 2.0 Port of your PC or laptop. There have been numerous instances of the USB 3.0 Ports causing issues while executing ADB commands. So make sure you plug the device into a 2.0 Port. Since we are discussing USB, make sure to use the official USB cables that shipped with your device.
If that is not possible, then for alternatives use a cable that shipped in with other Android devices. Never try with a standalone USB cable as there are some that are only for charging purposes, and are unable to carry out any advanced functionalities. So use a USB 2.0 Port and an official USB cable and see if it fixes the ADB and Fastboot errors or not.
Enable USB Debugging
It goes without saying that to execute an ADB command, you will have to enable USB Debugging on your device beforehand. This helps your PC is identifying that the device is booted to this mode. So head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times [MIUI Number in case of Xiaomi] > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.
Install Android SDK Platform Tools
There are a plethora of ADB tools across the web. However, most of them have a missing binary or two. Hence you should always stick with the official ADB drivers provided by Google. So download the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC and see if it fixes the ADB and Fastboot errors or not.
Launch CMD inside ADB directory
Firstly, maintain a safe distance from PowerShell and try executing all the commands in the Command Prompt itself. Furthermore, you should only launch the Command Prompt window inside the ADB directory. So once you have downloaded the Android SDK, extract it to any convenient location on your PC.
You should then get the platform-tools folder. Head over to its address bar, type in CMD, and hit Enter. This shall launch the Command Prompt window inside the ADB Directory (platform-tools). Now try executing the desired command and verify if it fixes the ADB and Fastboot errors or not.
Authorize USB Debugging
You might get an unauthorized ADB error when you haven’t responded to the prompt on your device to authorize the computer’s RSA key. So to authorize the connection, you could refer to our comprehensive guide on How to Fix Unauthorized Device with ADB Commands [3 methods]. The shorter instruction is to type in adb devices inside CMD and you should get the prompt on your device. Tap Allow and the connection stands authorized.
Restart ADB Server
Prefer PTP Mode over MTP
As strange as it may sound but the Media Transfer Protocol mode of USB connection has known to conflict with ADB commands. Hence you should consider switching over to the Picture Transfer Protocol mode. Here’s how it could be done:
Now try executing the desired command in the CMD window and see if it fixes the ADB and Fastboot errors or not.
Install Android ADB Interface Drivers
Nowadays these drivers are automatically installed the first time you connect your device to the PC via USB cable. But there have been a few instances where the drivers needed to be manually installed. Maybe your PC falls in this domain as well. So refer to our detailed guide to How to Install Google’s Android Bootloader Interface Drivers. Once done, check if it was able to fix the underlying ADB and Fastboot errors or not.
Set Up ADB Environmental Variables
The first time the ADB and Fastboot Drivers are installed, they automatically pick up the system variables. However, if at any point in time you had another instance of any ADB-related tools, then the environmental variables would overlap. As a result, your PC wouldn’t ne able to understand which ADB.exe file should it use. The fix for that is fairly simple, though a little lengthy. You will have to manually provide the ADB Environmental Variables to your system and delete all the other ones. Here’s how it could be done: So these were the various methods to fix all the ADB and Fastboot errors. We will be updating this guide with more fixes as and when get hold of the same. Likewise, if you are also aware of any other method, do share with us in the comments section below. Furthermore, all your queries pertaining to the aforementioned instructions are welcome in the comments.
Most Common ADB and Fastboot Errors and their Fixes
Here are some specific ADB and Fastboor Errors that I have covered separately since they are known to be among the most frequently faced ones.
Fix Waiting for Device Error in ADB or Fastboot CommandsHow to Fix Android Device stuck in Fastboot ModeFix adb server version doesn’t match this client; killing.How to fix ADB Device not found [List of Devices Attached is blank]Detailed Steps to Fix adb is not recognized ErrorHow to Fix Unauthorized Device with ADB Commands [3 methods]How to Fix Nokia Device Stuck in No Command ScreenFix Failed (remote: ‘flashing is not allowed for critical partitions)Fix FAILED (remote: Partition should be flashed in fastbootd)How to Fix FAILED (remote: Command not allowed)Fix fastboot: error: Couldn’t parse partition size ‘0x’How to Fix FAILED (remote: Check device console)Fix Fastboot Erase System Command Not Working
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