Tired of connecting your Android device with a USB cable every time you need to use ADB? Wireless ADB lets you connect to your device over WiFi, making development and debugging much more convenient.
This guide covers two methods: the traditional command-line approach (works on all Android versions) and the easier GUI approach using Andora (recommended for Android 11+).
Prerequisites
- Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC
- Android device with Developer Options enabled
- Both devices on the same WiFi network
- ADB installed (or use Andora which bundles it)
Method 1: Traditional Command-Line (All Android Versions)
This method works on Android 5.0 and above. You'll need a USB cable for the initial setup.
Step 1: Enable USB Debugging
- Go to Settings > About Phone
- Tap Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options
- Go back to Settings > Developer Options
- Enable USB Debugging
Step 2: Connect via USB and Enable TCP/IP Mode
- Connect your device via USB cable
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell
- Run the following command:
adb tcpip 5555
You should see: restarting in TCP mode port: 5555
Step 3: Find Your Device's IP Address
On your Android device:
- Go to Settings > WiFi
- Tap on your connected network
- Find the IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.xxx)
Or use ADB to find it:
adb shell ip route | awk '{print $9}'
Step 4: Connect Wirelessly
- Disconnect the USB cable
- Run the connect command with your device's IP:
adb connect 192.168.1.100:5555
Replace 192.168.1.100 with your device's actual IP address.
You should see: connected to 192.168.1.100:5555
Step 5: Verify Connection
adb devices
Your device should appear with the IP address instead of serial number.
Tip: Make it Persistent
The TCP/IP mode resets when you reboot your device. You'll need to repeat steps 2-4 after each reboot, or use a third-party app to make it persistent.
Method 2: Wireless Debugging (Android 11+)
Android 11 introduced native Wireless Debugging with pairing codes. This method doesn't require a USB cable at all!
Step 1: Enable Wireless Debugging
- Go to Settings > Developer Options
- Enable Wireless debugging
- Tap Wireless debugging to open settings
Step 2: Pair with Pairing Code
- Tap Pair device with pairing code
- Note the IP address, port, and 6-digit pairing code
- On your PC, run:
adb pair 192.168.1.100:37123
# Enter the 6-digit pairing code when prompted
Step 3: Connect
After pairing, connect using the IP and port shown under "IP address & Port" (not the pairing port):
adb connect 192.168.1.100:43567
Note: Two Different Ports
Android 11+ uses two ports: one for pairing (one-time) and one for connecting. Make sure you use the correct port for each command.
Method 3: Easy Setup with Andora Pro
If command-line setup seems complicated, Andora Pro simplifies wireless ADB with a graphical interface:
Andora Pro Wireless Setup
- Open Andora and go to wireless connection settings
- Enable Wireless Debugging on your Android device
- Enter the IP address and port shown on your device
- Click Connect - Andora handles the rest
Andora provides a simple interface for entering connection details. No need to remember command-line syntax.
Skip the Command Line
Andora Pro makes wireless ADB setup simple with a visual interface.
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
"unable to connect" or "connection refused"
- Make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network
- Check that the IP address is correct
- Verify the port number (5555 for traditional, varies for Android 11+)
- Disable VPN if you have one active
- Try disabling and re-enabling Wireless Debugging
"device offline" after connecting
- Run
adb disconnect then reconnect
- Restart ADB server:
adb kill-server && adb start-server
- Re-enable Wireless Debugging on your phone
Connection drops frequently
- Your WiFi network may be unstable
- Some routers have AP isolation enabled - disable it
- Try using 5GHz WiFi instead of 2.4GHz
- Move closer to your WiFi router
Slow file transfers
- Wireless ADB is slower than USB for large files
- For large transfers, USB is still recommended
- For commands, APK installs, and debugging, wireless is fine
Security Considerations
Important: Wireless ADB Security
Wireless ADB is less secure than USB. Anyone on the same network could potentially connect to your device. Only use it on trusted networks (home/office), and disable it when not in use.
Best practices:
- Only enable wireless debugging on trusted networks
- Disable it when not actively using it
- Don't use on public WiFi
- Android 11+ pairing codes add an extra layer of security
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ADB without USB cable?
Yes! On Android 11+, you can use Wireless Debugging with pairing codes - no USB needed at all. On older versions, you need USB for the initial adb tcpip 5555 command, then you can disconnect and use WiFi.
Is wireless ADB slower than USB?
For large file transfers, yes. But for most tasks like installing APKs, running commands, and screen mirroring, the difference is negligible on a good WiFi connection.
Does wireless ADB work on Windows 10?
Yes, wireless ADB works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The process is identical.
Do I need to set up wireless ADB every time?
On older Android versions, yes - TCP/IP mode resets on reboot. On Android 11+, your PC stays paired, but you may need to reconnect if the IP changes.
Can I use wireless ADB for screen mirroring?
Yes! Once connected wirelessly, all ADB features work including screen mirroring with tools like scrcpy or Andora.
Once connected wirelessly, you can install APKs from your Windows PC without touching a cable.
Conclusion
Wireless ADB is a game-changer for Android development and power users. No more fumbling with cables or wearing out your USB port.
For command-line users, the traditional TCP/IP method works on all Android versions. For Android 11+ users, native Wireless Debugging is more secure and easier.
If you want the easiest experience, Andora Pro provides a simple visual interface for wireless connections.
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Try Andora for easy wireless ADB, APK installation, and more.
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