
lsusb Command in Linux
lsusb is a command used in Linux to display information about USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices connected to your system. When you run lsusb, it lists all the USB devices, such as keyboards, mice, storage devices, and other peripherals. This command provides essential details like device's ID, vendor, and product information. It's particularly useful for troubleshooting USB device issues, identifying connected devices, and ensuring your system recognizes all USB peripherals.
Table of Contents
Here is a comprehensive guide to the options available with the lsusb command −
Syntax of lsusb Command
On a Linux system, the typical way to run the lsusb command is −
lsusb [options]
This structure allows you to list all USB devices connected to your system, and the [options] can be used to modify the output or get more detailed information. Without any options, lsusb will show the default information about each USB device.
lsusb Command Options
Below are some alternative options you can utilize with the Linux lsusb command −
Options | Description |
---|---|
-v, --verbose | Provides detailed information about each USB device. |
-s | Displays details of a specific device using bus and device numbers. |
-d | Shows information for a specific device using its Vendor ID and Product ID. |
-D device | Directly accesses a specific USB device using a device file. |
-t, --tree | Displays devices in a tree-like format, showing hierarchy. |
-V, --version | Prints version information of lsusb. |
-h, --help | Shows help and usage information for the command. |
Examples of lsusb Command in Linux
Let's dive into some hands-on examples of the lsusb command on Linux.
- Displaying a Summary of USB Devices
- Showing Detailed Information
- Focusing on a Specific Device by Bus/Device Number
- Focusing on a Specific Device by Vendor/Product ID
- Displaying Devices in a Tree-like Format
- Accessing a Specific Device File Directly
Displaying a Summary of USB Devices
To get a quick list of all the USB devices connected to your system, you can use the basic lsusb command.
lsusb
This command gives you a summary of all connected USB devices, providing a quick snapshot of what is connected to your system.

Showing Detailed Information
If you need detailed information about each USB device, the -v option is useful.
lsusb -v
This command provides verbose details for each USB device, offering an in-depth view of their specifications and properties.

Focusing on a Specific Device by Bus/Device Number
To narrow down information to a particular device using its bus and device numbers, use the -s option.
lsusb -s 1d6b:0001
With this command, you can get detailed information about the device located on Bus 1d6b and Device 0001, helping you zero in on specific hardware.

Focusing on a Specific Device by Vendor/Product ID
If you know the Vendor ID and Product ID of a device, you can use the -d option to get its details.
lsusb -d 80ee:0021
This command provides information about the device with Vendor ID 80ee and Product ID 0021, making it easier to identify and troubleshoot specific devices.

Displaying Devices in a Tree-like Format
To visualize how USB devices are connected, the -t option is very useful.
lsusb -t
This command shows USB devices in a hierarchical tree-like format, illustrating the connection structure and relationships between devices.

Accessing a Specific Device File Directly
If you need to directly access a USB device using its device file, the -D option will help.
lsusb -D /dev/bus/usb/002/003
This command provides detailed information about the USB device accessed through the specified device file, allowing for more direct troubleshooting and analysis.
Conclusion
The lsusb is a useful command for managing and troubleshooting USB devices on a Linux system. Whether you need a quick summary, detailed information, or a hierarchical view, lsusb provides the necessary functionality to understand and interact with USB devices effectively.
By mastering the lsusb command, you'll be better equipped to manage USB devices and improve the efficiency of your system administration tasks in a Linux environment.