The lsusb command in Linux explained
The lsusb command lists the USB devices connected to the computer. It is one of the most useful commands for anyone using a live USB drive or a fresh Linux install.
Syntax
lsusb
Examples
lsusb: shows attached USB devices with their IDs
Tip
It helps you check whether the system can see your drive or adapter.
Keep learning
New to the terminal? Start with Linux terminal basics. You can try every command safely from a live session: see how to try Linux without installing it. Run man lsusb in a terminal for the full manual.
Frequently asked questions
How do I see every option for lsusb?
Run man lsusb for the full manual, or try lsusb --help for a short summary.
Do I need sudo to run lsusb?
Not for your own files. You only need sudo when the command changes something owned by the system or another user.
Is it safe to practise lsusb on a live USB drive?
Mostly yes, because a live session starts fresh each time. Be careful with commands that write to your internal disk, such as rm on a mounted drive or dd.