Resolving Emulator Stuck on Loading Screen in Android Studio

Resolving Emulator Stuck on Loading Screen in Android Studio

30 November 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

If you’ve recently switched to Android Studio from Eclipse and encountered issues with your Android Virtual Device (AVD) getting stuck on the loading screen, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that frustrates many developers. Let’s explore effective solutions to get your emulator running smoothly.

Common Solutions to Try

Here are some tried-and-true methods that have helped others resolve this issue:

  • Wipe Data: Within the AVD Manager, select your emulator, click on the dropdown arrow, and choose “Wipe Data.” This simple step has been successful for many users in overcoming the loading screen issue.
  • Adjust Emulator Settings: Navigate to the AVD Manager, edit your emulator, and under “Show Advanced Settings,” adjust the VM heap value to 512 MB. This adjustment ensures the emulator has adequate memory allocation.
  • Clear Locks: If your emulator was interrupted during a session, it might help to remove lock files. On Linux and macOS, execute:
    rm ~/.android/avd/name_of_emulated_device.avd/*.lock
    rm ~/.android/avd/name_of_emulated_device.avd/*.qcow2

    For Windows, the equivalent directory is C:\Users\.android.

  • Change Graphics Settings: From the AVD Manager, change the “Emulated Performance – Graphics” setting from “Automatic” to “Software (GLES 2.0).” This switch can resolve compatibility issues with certain hardware configurations.

Additional Considerations

Sometimes, the problem might stem from external software interference, such as antivirus programs. Consider checking your antivirus settings to ensure they aren’t affecting virtualization. Disabling options like “Enable Hardware Assisted Virtualization” in Avast, for instance, has resolved issues for some users.

When All Else Fails

If none of these solutions work, consider creating a new virtual device with default settings. Corruption in the AVD configuration can sometimes cause persistent problems that are best resolved by starting anew.

Enhancing Your Testing Workflow

For a more robust and flexible testing process, consider integrating Repeato into your development workflow. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool designed to streamline testing for iOS and Android apps. It allows you to create, run, and maintain tests efficiently. With features like ADB command execution via script steps, Repeato can help you tackle issues similar to emulator loading problems, ensuring your app’s functionality is thoroughly tested.

For more details on setting up virtual test devices or running test batches, visit our documentation.

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