adb-pair

View documentation for adb pair

$ tldr adb connect

adb pair <ipaddr>:<port> [<pairing_code>]

<ipaddr>:<port>
    Required: Device's IP address and TCP port from Wireless debugging screen (e.g., 192.168.1.100:37101).

<pairing_code>
    Optional: 6-digit numeric code. Omitted prompts interactive entry.

-h, --help
    Display usage help.

The adb pair command, part of Android Debug Bridge (ADB) from platform-tools, establishes a secure pairing between a host computer and an Android device (API 30+) over Wi-Fi for wireless debugging. It replaces insecure USB-only or manual TCP/IP setups.

Prerequisites: Enable Developer options on the device, toggle Wireless debugging, and select Pair device with pairing code. Note the displayed ipaddr:port and 6-digit pairing code (expires quickly).

Run adb pair ipaddr:port—enter code when prompted. Or supply directly: adb pair ipaddr:port 123456. Success yields Successfully paired. Follow with adb connect ipaddr:port for active debugging session.

Supports localhost for emulators or forwarded ports. Pairing persists until revoked in device settings, authorizing repeated connections. Enhances productivity by eliminating USB tethering.

Android 11+ only. Host/device same network (or localhost). Code expires in ~3 min. Revoke pairs in device settings. Fails if firewall blocks port or debugging disabled. Use adb kill-server if stuck.

adb pair 192.168.1.100:37101
Successfully paired to 192.168.1.100:37101 [guid=adb-XXXX]

adb pair localhost:5555 123456 (for emulator/port-forward)

Verify: adb devices

No prompt? Ensure adb start-server. Connection refused: Check firewall/port. Multiple devices: Use after adb connect.

Introduced in Android SDK Platform-Tools 30.0.4 (March 2020) with Android 11 for secure Wi-Fi debugging, replacing adb tcpip USB prerequisite. Enhanced in later versions with better error handling.

adb(1), adb connect(1), adb devices(1), adb tcpip(1)