How do I debug on a real Android device using Xamarin for Visual Studio?

Question

I've found a few links but they don't explain how this is done. I can debug using Xamarin Studio IDE but that IDE (no offense) is lame compared to Visual Studio 2012.
Using Visual Studio 2012, there appears to only be option to select an emulator to debug. So how do I get it to debug on my real device via USB (I already have USB Debugging = true)?

Solution 1

I'm using Visual Studio 2017 with a OnePlus.

In order get debugging working I did the following.

1. Go to Settings > About phone and tap Build Number repeatedly until developer mode is enabled
2. Go into Settings > Developer options and turn USB debugging ON
3. Connect you phone to your PC via USB. I had to plug my phone into my PC's onboard USB port, not my USB hub as this did not work
4. You should be prompted to trust your PC (trust it)
5. Fire up Visual Studio
6. Open your solution and your device should now be available.

Side note: I have noticed that sometimes it also depends on the cable you use. If you still have no luck, perhaps try another cable.

Solution 2

You will get a confirmation prompt on the android device to ask if the PC is allowed to connect. It's easy to miss this if your device's screen has gone to sleep.

Solution 3

I'm using Visual Studio 2015 with Xamarin and the only way I can get it to recognize my Galaxy S4 is to turn USB debugging off and back on again while VS is running. This is required everytime I wish to use this phone with VS. I've never had to do this with Android Studio.

Solution 4

1 - Original drivers (Example: http://androidmtk.com/download-samsung-usb-drivers)

2 - Enable Developer's Options on mobile (for example on android 4.2.2, perform 7 click on "mobile info" - "serial number")

3 - USB debugging on your Mobile Developer's Options too

Solution 5

I also experienced a similar issue, I solved it by installing the USB drivers specific to my phone model.

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