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PHONEBAY / SETUP GUIDE

Android device setup

Allow your computer to communicate with your phone, then check that it appears in Phonebay.

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Before you begin

Set up your Mac worker or Windows worker. Unlock the phone and use a USB data cable. Start with a direct connection to the computer; you can add a hub after the first phone works.

1. Turn on Developer options

  1. Open Settings on your phone.
  2. Find Build number, usually under About phone or About phone → Software information.
  3. Tap Build number seven times. Enter your phone PIN if asked.
  4. Return to Settings and find Developer options. You can use Settings search if you do not see it.

Menu names vary by phone manufacturer. Google’s Developer options guide lists common locations.

2. Enable USB debugging

In Developer options, turn on USB debugging and confirm the prompt. This lets the worker communicate with the phone over USB.

No rooting or bootloader unlocking is needed for this setup.

3. Connect and allow the computer

  1. Connect the phone to the worker computer using the data cable.
  2. Keep the phone unlocked and look for Allow USB debugging?
  3. If this is your own worker computer, select Always allow from this computer, then tap Allow.

On Windows, your phone may also need its manufacturer’s USB driver. Use Google’s Windows USB driver directory to find the official source. The Android device connection guide explains the platform requirements.

4. Check Phonebay

With the worker running, open your dashboard and allow a few seconds for the phone to appear. Select Watch and follow Your first session to check the screen, a tap and a scroll.

If the phone does not appear

First unplug and reconnect it while it is unlocked. Try a different data cable and a direct USB port.

For an optional Windows connection check, run this in PowerShell (the installer includes ADB):

& "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Programs\Phonebay\tools\platform-tools\adb.exe" devices -l
  • device means the computer can communicate with the phone.
  • unauthorized means you still need to accept the USB debugging prompt on the phone.
  • offline means the connection is not ready. Reconnect the phone and try again.
  • No phone listed usually points to the cable, USB port or Windows driver.

If you dismissed the permission prompt, use Revoke USB debugging authorizations in Developer options, reconnect and approve again. This also removes approvals for other computers you previously trusted.

If Android can see the phone but Phonebay cannot, continue with Troubleshooting.

Next stepYour first session