How to Finally Fix WiFi Debugging Issues in Android Studio

The Common Problem​

How many times have you gone through this frustrating situation?

1. You enable WiFi debugging on your device
2. You scan the QR code (or enter the pairing code) in Android Studio
3. It works for a while — until you restart the device or switch networks
4. Then you lose the connection and have to repeat the entire process
5. Or sometimes the QR code simply refuses to work

Wi-Fi debugging in Android Studio, when properly configured, offers a smoother and more productive development experience.
The key is understanding the difference between pairing and debugging ports, and using the adb pair command to create a persistent trust link between your device and your computer.

Following this guide, you’ll never need to scan QR codes again or deal with unstable connections.
The command-line pairing process is faster, more reliable, and gives you full control over the connection.

The Definitive Solution​

Prerequisites​

Before you start, make sure that:

• Android Studio is installed and ADB is properly configured
• Developer options are enabled on your device ¹
• Your computer and device are on the same Wi-Fi network
• Your phone has a static IP address configured ²

Step 1: Enable Wireless Debugging​

1. On your Android device, go to Settings > Developer options
2. Enable “Wireless debugging”
3. Tap “Wireless debugging” to open its settings
4. Tap “Pair device with pairing code”

You’ll see a screen like this:

Note: Two important pieces of information appear here:

• Pairing code (e.g., 817324)
• IP address and pairing port (e.g., 192.168.18.3:39233)

Step 2: Pair via Terminal​

Open your terminal (or Command Prompt on Windows) and run:

adb pair 192.168.18.3:39233

Important: Use the pairing port, not the debugging port!

The system will ask for the pairing code:

Enter pairing code: 817324
Successfully paired to 192.168.18.3:39233 [guid=adb-XXXXXXXXX]

Step 3: Connect for Debugging​

After pairing, the popup will close. Now take note of the debugging port shown on your device:

Connect using the debugging port (in my case, 36541):

adb connect 192.168.18.3:36541

Expected output:

connected to 192.168.18.3:36541

Step 4: Verify the Connection​

Check if your device is connected:

adb devices

Expected result:

List of devices attached
192.168.18.3:36541      device

Why This Works​

Trusted Connection​

The adb pair command establishes a cryptographically trusted link between your computer and your Android device. This trust relationship is persistent and doesn’t need to be repeated every time.

Port Difference​

• Pairing port: Used once to establish trust
• Debugging port: Used for all future sessions

Automatic Reconnection​

After the first pairing, Android Studio can:

• Automatically detect the device on the network
• Reconnect without a manual input
• Keep the connection much more stable

Benefits of WiFi Debugging​

• Freedom of movement: No cables restricting your workspace
• Real-world testing: Device operates normally while debugging
• Multiple devices: Connect and debug several devices simultaneously
• USB port preservation: Save wear on your computer’s USB ports

Additional Resources​

• Official ADB Documentation
• Android Studio Debugging Guide
• Developer Options on Android