Terminal on Android device itself I'm trying to follow this advice on checking USB connectivity status which suggests using ADB, "or from a shell on the phone" where I should execute:

cat /sys/class/typec/typec_device/current_detect


The latter seems great. But I can't find out how to start a shell on my Nexus 6P with Android 6 (not rooted). Basically, I'm asking a variant of the question: "terminal on real android device from PC", but again: I'd prefer not having to use ADB.

Is this possible? Or does this require an app and/or my device to be rooted?
The answer to the question seems to be: no, there seems to be no built-in terminal, at least not in the stock Android that comes with the Nexus 6P. You'll have to install an app for that. (I've asked on our SoftwareRecs.SE sister site which got at least one great recommendation.)