lsusb – Display the Local USB Device List Information

The lsusb command is a Linux utility that displays information about USB buses and devices connected to them. It is a useful tool for checking the status of USB devices on a system and identifying any issues that may be preventing them from functioning correctly.

Overview

To use the lsusb command, simply open a terminal window and type lsusb followed by any applicable options. The command will then display a list of all USB devices currently connected to the system, along with detailed information about each device.

Here is an example of the output you might see when running the lsusb command:

Bus 002 Device 003: ID 0bda:0129 Realtek Semiconductor Corp. RTS5129 Card Reader Controller
Bus 002 Device 002: ID 8087:8000 Intel Corp. 
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 001 Device 003: ID 04f2:b3da Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd 
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 8087:8008 Intel Corp. 
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub

The output is divided into several columns, each containing different information about the USB devices. The first column displays the bus number and device number of each USB device. The second column displays the USB device ID, which can be used to identify the manufacturer and model of the device. The remaining columns display additional information about the USB device, such as the manufacturer and product name.

Options

The lsusb command has several options that can be used to modify its behavior. Here is a table of available options:

Option Description
-v Display verbose output, including detailed information about each USB device.
-t Display a tree-like view of the USB device hierarchy.
-s Display information about a specific USB device, specified by its bus and device number.
-d Display information about a specific USB device, specified by its vendor and product ID.
-V Display version information about the lsusb command.
-h Display a help message with information about how to use the lsusb command.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are experiencing issues with a USB device, the lsusb command can be a useful tool for troubleshooting. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting tips:

  • USB device not recognized: If a USB device is not being recognized by the system, make sure it is properly connected and powered on. Run the lsusb command to check if the device is being detected by the system. If the device is not listed, try connecting it to a different USB port or using a different USB cable.
  • USB device not functioning correctly: If a USB device is connected but not functioning correctly, run the lsusb command to check if the device is being detected by the system. If the device is listed but not functioning correctly, try unplugging and replugging the device or restarting the system.
  • USB device driver issues: If a USB device is not functioning correctly and you suspect it may be a driver issue, run the lsusb -v command to display detailed information about the USB device. Look for any error messages or warnings related to the device driver. You may need to install or update the driver to resolve the issue.

Notes

  • The lsusb command requires root privileges to run. Make sure to run the command as a superuser or with sudo privileges.
  • The lsusb command can be used in conjunction with other Linux commands, such as grep and awk, to filter and manipulate the output.
  • The lsusb command is a useful tool for identifying USB devices that may be causing issues on a system. However, it is not a comprehensive diagnostic tool and may not be able to identify all issues related to USB devices.