Why do I receive errors when using the "mobiledev" function on MATLAB Desktop R2017a?

When using "mobiledev" on R2017a on a desktop MATLAB, I get the following error messages:

>> mobiledev
Error using mobiledev (line 261)
Connector is not started.

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

This is because using "mobiledev" from MATLAB Desktop R2017a onwards is NOT supported.

There are 2 workarounds to resolve this issue:

1) Upgrade to a newer release ( R2020b onwards) and install the relevant support Package: 

   https://www.mathworks.com/hardware-support/android-sensor.html?s_tid=AO_HS_info

2) Use the "mobiledev" function on either MATLAB online or your mobile device.

The capabilities of the "mobiledev" function have changed quite a bit over time. It used to be for MATLAB Desktop, you would use it on desktop MATLAB and it would connect to a mobile, which would get data to your desktop from that mobile running MATLAB mobile. Then for a while, you could only stream from one mobile to another or from mobile to MATLAB online, but now we again have a support package for desktop support (R2020b onwards).