Preparing an Android Device for Acquisition in Intella Professional

    To successfully acquire data from an Android device using Intella’s Mobile Device Acquisition feature, the device must be prepared in advance. This preparation ensures Intella can communicate with the device and access the data needed for processing and indexing.

    Because Android interfaces vary by manufacturer and OS version, the exact location of settings may differ slightly.

    Note: At this time, this feature is only available in Intella Professional and is not supported in other Intella Desktop products (Intella 10, 100, or 250), Intella Investigator, Intella Connect, nor W4.


    Overview of Required Preparation

    Before starting the acquisition process, the following steps will need to be completed. This article will provide guidance for each step.

    1. Prepare a USB cable that supports data transfer. Ensure you have a data-capable cable to connect the Android device to the Intella workstation, since charge-only cables will not work for acquisition.
    2. Enable Developer Options on the Android device.
    3. Enable USB Debugging within Developer Options.
    4. Disable any security features that may block communication (for example, Samsung Auto Blocker).
    5. Connect the device and select the USB connection mode. When prompted after connecting the USB cable, choose File Transfer / Data Transfer on the device.

    Video Walkthrough

    For a complete demonstration of the Android acquisition process from start to finish, including the preparation steps described in this article, you can watch the following video:

    https://vound.info/acquire-android-video


    Step 1 - Use a USB Cable that Supports Data Transfer

    Before configuring the device, make sure you have a USB cable that supports data transfer to connect the Android device to the computer running Intella.

    • Some cables only support charging and will prevent Intella from detecting the device.
    • Connect the cable directly between the Android device and the Intella workstation. Avoid using USB hubs or adapters if possible.

    This step is required for proper communication between the device and the computer running Intella.


    Step 2 - Enable Developer Options

    USB Debugging is located within the Developer Options menu. On many Android devices, Developer Options is hidden by default and must be enabled manually.

    Steps

    1. Open Settings on the Android device.

    2. Scroll down and tap About phone (or About device).

    3. Locate Build number. The exact location can vary by device. See the table below for guidance. 

      Note: the table is based on official Android documentation from Google and reflects typical locations for different devices. For the most up-to-date instructions, see:
      https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options

    4. Tap Build number seven times.

    5. If prompted, enter the device PIN, password, or pattern.

    6. A message will appear stating:

      “You are now a developer!”

    Developer Options is now enabled.

    Device Location of Build Number
    Google Pixel Settings > About phone > Build number
    Samsung Galaxy S8 and later Settings > About phone > Software information > Build number
    LG G6 and later Settings > About phone > Software info > Build number
    HTC U11 and later Settings > About > Software information > More > Build number or Settings > System > About phone > Software information > More > Build number
    OnePlus 5T and later Settings > About phone > Build number



    Step 3 - Enable USB Debugging

    Once Developer Options is enabled, USB Debugging must be turned on to allow communication between Intella and the Android device.

    Steps

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Navigate to Developer Options.
      • On some devices, this may be under System > Advanced > Developer Options.
    3. Scroll down to USB Debugging. The exact location can vary by device. See the table below for guidance.
      Note: the table is based on official Android documentation from Google and reflects typical locations for different devices. For the most up-to-date instructions, see:
      https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options
    4. Toggle USB Debugging ON.
    5. When prompted, tap OK to confirm.

    USB Debugging is now enabled.


    Android Version / API Level Location of USB Debugging
    Android 9 (API level 28) and higher Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > USB debugging
    Android 8.0–8.1 (API levels 26–27) Settings > System > Developer Options > USB debugging
    Android 7.1 and lower (API level 25 and below) Settings > Developer Options > USB debugging

    Step 4 - Disable Security Features That May Block Communication

    Some Android devices include security features that can prevent external tools from communicating with the device.

    For example, Samsung Auto Blocker may prevent USB-based data acquisition.

    If enabled, temporarily disable these protections before starting acquisition.

    General steps

    1. Open Settings

    2. Navigate to Security, Privacy, or Device protection

    3. Locate features that restrict USB connections or external device access

    4. Disable them temporarily

    After acquisition is complete, these protections can be re-enabled.


    Step 5 - Set USB Mode to File Transfer (If Prompted)

    When connecting the Android device to the computer:

    1. Connect the device using a data-capable USB cable.

    2. If prompted on the device, change the USB connection mode from Charging only to File Transfer or Data Transfer.

    3. Confirm any prompts allowing the connected computer to access the device.

    Troubleshooting Tips

    If Intella does not detect the device, confirm the following.

    Connection and Hardware

    • The USB cable is a functioning data cable (some cables support charging only and cannot transfer data)
    • The cable is securely plugged into both the Android device and the Intella workstation
    • Try a different USB port on the computer
    • Avoid using USB hubs or adapters if possible

    Windows Detection

    • The device appears in Windows Explorer under This PC
    • All Windows prompts asking whether to trust or allow the connected device have been accepted
    • There are no unresolved prompts on the Android device requesting permission to trust the connected Windows machine
    • The correct USB drivers from the device manufacturer are installed on the Intella workstation

    Android Device Settings

    • Developer Options is enabled
    • USB Debugging is enabled
    • The USB connection mode is set to File Transfer or Data Transfer (not Charging-only)
    • Any prompts on the Android device such as "Allow USB debugging?" have been accepted
    • The device is unlocked when connecting to the workstation

    Security Restrictions

    Some Android devices include built-in protections that can prevent external tools from communicating with the device.

    Temporarily disable any features that restrict USB communication, such as:

    • Samsung Auto Blocker
    • USB connection restrictions
    • Device protection or advanced security features that block external access

    After acquisition is complete, these protections can be re-enabled.

    Additional Resources

    For official instructions and screenshots on enabling Developer Options and USB Debugging, see Google's documentation:
    https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options

    Published