It’s 2025 and You’re Still Using a Cable to Debug? Really?

In this article, we'll explore the liberating world of wireless debugging, leaving behind the frustrations of tangled cables and unreliable connections. Whether you're an Android aficionado or an iOS enthusiast, discover how to streamline your development process and boost productivity by embracing a cable-free debugging experience. We will dive into the setup process for both Android and iOS, troubleshooting common issues, and highlighting the unique advantages of each platform. Say goodbye to cable clutter and hello to a more efficient and enjoyable development workflow.

Android: Wireless Debugging With the Pair Method

Starting with Android 11, Google introduced Wireless Debugging, eliminating the need for a USB cable entirely. This method leverages your Wi-Fi network to establish a connection between your computer and device. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting it up:

• Step 1: Enable Developer Options Go to Settings → About phone → Tap “Build number” 7 times.
• Step 2: Enable Wireless Debugging Go to Developer Options → Wireless Debugging. Tap Pair device with pairing code.
• Step 3: Pair Your Phone With Your Computer Open a terminal on your computer and run: adb pair 192.168.1.25:37099. Enter the pairing code displayed on your phone.

If your device refuses to connect, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Revoke USB debugging authorizations (Developer Options → Revoke USB debugging authorizations).
• Restart the ADB server (adb kill-server followed by adb start-server).
• Try pairing again.

Debugging on iOS

iOS wireless debugging requires an initial handshake with a cable for security reasons. Connect your iPhone to your Mac once. Open Xcode → Window → Devices and Simulators. Check Connect via network. Disconnect the USB. The beauty of iOS wireless debugging is its one-time setup. Once enabled, your Mac remembers your device, even after restarts.

Android vs iOS: A Comparison

While iOS offers a seamless, persistent connection, Android requires re-pairing after restarts or network changes. Despite this, both platforms provide a significant improvement over cable-dependent debugging. Embrace the future of debugging and say goodbye to cable clutter. Experiment with wireless debugging on your platform of choice and experience a more efficient and enjoyable development process.