Android 11 finally adds wireless ADB for developers 📱
Google appears to finally add wireless ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to its mobile platform in the next release of android version (11), a feature highly-requested by developers.
ADB allows developers to communicate between the PC and the Android device. Once connected, it’s used for sideloading APKs, generating logs, managing files, and much more. Currently, ADB requires a wired connection.
With more PCs removing USB ports – particularly laptops, in the pursuit of ever-slimmer devices – the need for developers to use a wireless connection for ADB is becoming a necessity.
XDA-Developers spotted AOSP commits which indicate upcoming wireless ADB functionality. The commits suggest a “wireless debugging” switch must be toggled in the device’s settings to activate this feature.
After the feature is activated, a wireless connection can be established with a PC by scanning a QR code or by entering a six-digit code.
While there are many o ways to replicate wireless ADB functionality today, these are unpredictable and potentially hazardous.