USB data transfer: Way too many clicks

Dan-cer

In contrast to other Android devices, my GrapheneOS Pixel 6a requires too many clicks to enable data traffic between PC and phone.
As soon as I connect other Android devices to the PC via USB cable, a pop-up immediately appears where I can decide whether I want to allow data transfer. So I only need to click once and the connection is established.
In GrapheneOS - at least for me - no popup appears. I

have to laboriously pull down the notification bar,
click on "Device charging via USB" ,
then - after expanding - click on the same item again and
then click on data traffic and
finally enter the pin.
I find the pin security useful. But the procedure should be much easier with a pop-up just asking for "Allow" and then requesting the pin.

akc3n

It's called USB-C port control and that's one of the key features. See https://grapheneos.org/features#usb-c-port-and-pogo-pins-control

You can modify the System UI notification settings for this:
Settings > Notifications > App settings > Menu > Show system > System UI > Storage > Silent < Default + Pop up on screen.

Dan-cer In GrapheneOS - at least for me - no popup appears.

Note:
We replaced our previous USB peripheral control feature with an overall USB-C port control is that a significant portion of the attack surface remained accessible through the USB-C and USB protocols, even without allowing peripherals.

For future reference, if you wish to submit an enhancement feature request, please use the os-issue-tracker. However, it's best to first search through previously submitted issues to avoid duplicates. Keep in mind that there are many priorities in que already.

Dan-cer

Any comments on this issue?

Dan-cer

I think GrapheneOS is super good and would like to help it to be constantly optimized. For this reason I have introduced the topic - too many clicks - here. As a feature request.

schweizer

We seem to be alone with this feature request.
https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/19899-convenient-usb-port-unlocking

Dan-cer

Oh, the number is growing. With likes counted we are already 3 supporting the request! That's great, isn't it?
Sometimes such threads are overlooked as I did with yours.

Dan-cer

akc3n Thank you for explaining that key feature. Before I make an enhancement request, I ask you kindly if it is possible to reduce the number of needed clicks without weakening safety.

akc3n

Dan-cer I ask you kindly if it is possible to reduce the number of needed clicks without weakening safety.

Unlikely, at least for now. Found this feature enhancement opened issue that may eventually be addressed in the future:
https://github.com/GrapheneOS/os-issue-tracker/issues/32

Dan-cer

akc3n Thanks. I commented it.

Dan-cer

akc3n I found out on github that it is a standard Android feature and that this feature has been changed in my Samsung tablet, for example.
Since the security requirements have priority, I agree with the somewhat cumbersome procedure.

Stephan-P

I haven't counted the mouse clicks, but I always use LocalSend to transfer files between devices.
It's using wifi, but might fit your needs.
https://localsend.org/

Dan-cer

Stephan-P Thank you.I only use LAN. That's why I'm so interested in simplification.

schweizer

There is now a dedicated feature request for this. See https://github.com/GrapheneOS/os-issue-tracker/issues/5556

Comments to use apps like localsend are not useful. Every app requires trust in it's developers so the best way is to avoid unnecessary apps. Localsend needs to be installed on the target device too. This is not possible in many/most cases where you want to transfer data over USB (enterprise environment, target is an embedded system ...).

mar2112

In "Developer options" look for "Default USB configuration" and select "File Transfer." That should significantly reduce your labors to transfer files between your phone and computer.

trashaccount

mar2112 You can also turn off Developer Options afterwards. The choice will stay enabled.

Dan-cer

mar2112
trashaccount
That's great and it works! And fine to turn it off having the settings saved.
However, is it possible to have it with password / pin protection? Because with setting "File Transfer" it immediately is connected when plugging in usb.

natoal

syncthing is quite popular but I've never heard of localsend

trashaccount

Dan-cer If it doesn't prompt you automatically, then probably not.

Dan-cer

trashaccount You mean, if the pw / pin query does not appear automatically, then it will probably not be possible?

trashaccount

Dan-cer Yeah. Its not implemented. Maybe Google will find out they need to close this loophole in the future.

fid02

Dan-cer
It's a developer option which is assuming that you're going to use the feature for development work and that the security of the data on your device is not that important to you. There's no reason for them to change how that specific developer option works.