> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.hak5.org/hak5-usb-rubber-ducky/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.hak5.org/hak5-usb-rubber-ducky/tips-and-troubleshooting/common-issues.md). # Common issues ## Device Fully Unresponsive ### Symptoms * Unresponsive to button presses * Payload does not run * Does not appear as a `HID` or `STORAGE` device to the host * No LED * Appears as DFU device in device manager (or equivalent) ### Cause The USB Rubber Ducky is likely stuck in DFU mode.\ \ This happens by entering DFU mode (*accidentally)* by holding the button **while inserting the Ducky to a host** - some hosts will set a bit keeping the device in DFU mode resulting in the above symptoms.
### Solution 1. Ensure the button is not being permanently held down by the Sticker Mod. 2. Do not hold the button *while inserting* the USB Rubber Ducky into a target system. 3. To resume normal usage perform the following: ## RED LED / Stuck in Arming mode ### Symptoms * USB Rubber Ducky always mounts as a storage device automatically upon insert * LED is RED * Payload will not run ### Cause(s) * No payload on root of SD card named `inject.bin` * `inject.bin` is **misnamed** (likely as a duplicate `inject (2).bin` or similar) * `inject.bin` is an empty file as a result of incomplete download or file transfer * SD Card file system is corrupt due to unsafe ejection during write (while transferring an `inject.bin` for example) ### Solution(s) * Ensure your payload is correctly compiled, fully copied to the root of the SD card when in arming mode (`ATTACKMODE STORAGE`), and named `inject.bin` **exactly.** * Safely eject the Ducky after copying the `inject.bin` ## Button unresponsive / Cannot enter Arming mode ### Symptoms * Pressing the button does not put the USB Rubber Ducky in Arming mode (`ATTACKMODE STORAGE`) ### Cause(s) * The currently installed payload provides a `BUTTON_DEF` that overrides the default but does not put the device into `ATTACKMODE STORAGE` ### Solution(s) Check your currently installed payload's source code (the DuckyScript that you used to generate the `inject.bin`). If the payload overrides the default `BUTTON_DEF`: 1. Open the USB Rubber Ducky case 2. Remove the SD Card 3. Re-insert the USB Rubber Ducky into the host, confirm the LED is red 4. While the USB Rubber Ducky is plugged into the host, re-insert the SD Card 5. If the USB Rubber Ducky does not automatically mount the SD Card after a few seconds, press the button 6. Replace the `inject.bin` with a payload that: 1. Has a sufficient `DELAY` at the beginning of the payload giving you a window of opportunity to enter arming mode (`ATTACKMODE STORAGE`) by pressing the button to trigger the default button behavior 2. Alter your `BUTTON_DEF` to include `ATTACKMODE STORAGE` 3. Uses `ATTACKMODE HID STORAGE` instead of *just* `ATTACKMODE HID` 4. Enters `ATTACKMODE STORAGE` at the end of your payload 5. Provide an alternate behavior to your `BUTTON_DEF` based on logic (number of presses or host lock key state, etc) ## Incorrect injection ### Symptoms * STRING or key commands do not inject the correct key(s) on a target host ### Causes The target host uses a different keyboard layout than the payload was compiled for.
{% hint style="info" %} If the correct language was used at the time the payload was generated it is possible that language has incorrect values or missing keys. {% endhint %} ### Solutions Use the correct keyboard language for the target host. See: [PayloadStudio docs](https://docs.hak5.org/payload-studio/customization/compiler-settings#changing-languages) ## Other ### 3rd party encoders The USB Rubber Ducky has been around for over a decade! This leaves lots of room for now out of date information. Many old tutorials suggest using various "encoders" to compile your payload into a inject.bin. Hak5 originally provided a Java based command line encoder, replaced in 2018 in favor of a single file JSencoder that ran in your browser; both of which have been fully replaced by [PayloadStudio](https://payloadstudio.hak5.org). Any "encoder" besides PayloadStudio is **fully unsupported** and likely 3rd party; Expect inconsistent results. {% hint style="info" %} PayloadStudio will work for original USB Rubber Duckies running DuckyScript 1.0 \ \ See: [PayloadStudio docs](https://docs.hak5.org/payload-studio/getting-started/faq#can-i-use-payloadstudio-if-i-have-an-original-usb-rubber-ducky-to-write-duckyscript-v1) {% endhint %} ### Windows 11 Notepad Input Lag Recently Microsoft has updated Notepad on Windows 11; many sources (including those entirely unrelated to the USB Rubber Ducky) have reported numerous issues. Due to this we do not recommend using Notepad to test your payloads; instead use an alternative text editor, or even the Console within PayloadStudio.\ \ **Symptoms**: Input lag; jittery input while injecting keystrokes into Notepad.\ **Solution**: Use an alternative text editor, or even the Console within PayloadStudio.
### Common questions * Can't change payload / How do I enter arming mode? * How do I press the button with the case still on? First, make sure you've read up on the basics -- you will likely find the answer to your problem or question here: * [Quick start guide](/hak5-usb-rubber-ducky/unboxing-quack-start-guide.md) * [Hello world!](/hak5-usb-rubber-ducky/ducky-script-basics/hello-world.md) ### Payload not working as intended From time to time you might find a payload doesn't behave how you expect - most often these issues are caused by the payload itself. This could be anything from a logical flaw to a fundamental issue in what or how it is trying to do something. \ \ Unfortunately this category of problem is as broad of a topic and as open ended as any other programming language; Here are a couple *general tips* to help get you pointed in the right direction: * Try accomplishing the task manually before trying to fully automate it with a DuckyScript payload * The slower and less hidden a payload is, the easier it will be to debug and identify possible issues. Save the stealth and speed for after you get it working in the most basic case. *"walk before you run"* Still having trouble? [Head over to discord and ask for help.](https://discord.gg/HMH5yyKuuA) \ \ **The Hak5 Discord server is not an official support channel. ****Remember that any help offered is by people spending their own time to do so. Be polite and treat others with respect.**\ \ You can seek **official support** for Hak5 products at .