How to Perform a Recursive Copy with ADB Push

How to Perform a Recursive Copy with ADB Push

30 November 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

When working with Android devices, there are times when you need to transfer entire directories, including all subdirectories, from your computer to an Android device. The adb push command is a common tool used for this purpose, but it typically handles files individually rather than entire directory structures. In this guide, we’ll explore a solution for pushing entire folders to an Android device using ADB.

Understanding ADB Push and Pull

The adb push command is designed to transfer files from your local machine to a connected Android device. Conversely, adb pull can retrieve files from the device back to your local system. While adb pull can natively handle recursive directory copying, adb push requires a workaround to achieve the same result.

Solution: Recursive ADB Push

To perform a recursive copy using adb push, follow these steps:

  1. Prepare the Destination Directory Structure: Before using adb push, ensure that the directory structure on the Android device mirrors your source structure. This can be achieved by manually creating the directories or using a command to automate the process.
  2. Use the ADB Command: Execute the following command to copy all files and subdirectories:
    adb push mySourceFolder/. myDestAndroidFolder

    Note that empty directories will not be copied using this method.

Alternative Solution: Zipping and Unzipping

If you encounter challenges with directory structures, an alternative approach involves compressing the folder into a zip file, pushing the zip file to the Android device, and then unzipping it on the device itself. This method is particularly useful if the device supports zip extraction.

Using Repeato for Automated Testing

For developers looking to streamline their testing process, Repeato offers a no-code test automation tool that simplifies the creation and execution of automated tests for Android applications. With its built-in support for ADB commands, Repeato can help you manage directory structures and test scenarios efficiently. For more information, consider exploring our documentation on running test batches and advanced testing techniques.

By following these steps, you can effectively perform recursive copies using ADB push, ensuring that your files and directory structures are accurately transferred to your Android device.

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