22 April 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
When working with Android devices, developers often need to execute commands through the Android Debug Bridge (ADB). However, when multiple devices are connected, specifying the target device for ADB commands becomes essential. This guide will help you understand how to direct ADB commands to the correct device.
Identifying Connected Devices
First, list all connected devices using the following command:
adb devices
This will display a list of devices attached to your computer. Each device is associated with a unique serial number or an IP address if connected over Wi-Fi.
Directing ADB Commands
To direct an ADB command to a specific device, use the -s
flag followed by the device’s serial number:
adb -s SERIAL_NUMBER shell
For example, if the serial number is 7f1c864e
, the command would be:
adb -s 7f1c864e shell
If you’re working with emulators and know the IP address and the port, the command format is similar:
adb -s IP_ADDRESS:PORT shell
For instance:
adb -s 192.168.232.2:5555 shell
Special Cases
When only one emulator is running or only one USB device is connected, you can use the -e
or -d
flags, respectively:
- To target the only running emulator:
adb -e shell
adb -d shell
Setting the Environment Variable
Another approach is to set the ANDROID_SERIAL
environment variable to the serial number of the desired device. This way, you won’t need to specify the serial number with each command.
On Windows, you can set the environment variable like this:
set ANDROID_SERIAL=7f1c864e
On UNIX-based systems, including Mac and Linux:
export ANDROID_SERIAL=7f1c864e
Integrating with Repeato
When it comes to test automation, specifying devices is just one part of the equation. Our product, Repeato, simplifies the test automation process for iOS and Android applications. As a no-code test automation tool, Repeato allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests quickly and efficiently.
Repeato’s compatibility with various app frameworks such as React Native, Flutter, and Unity, coupled with the ability to execute ADB commands through script steps, makes it an invaluable asset in your development toolkit. Whether you’re ensuring your app’s UI behaves correctly or validating functionality across different devices, Repeato’s use of computer vision and AI streamlines the test automation process.
Discover how Repeato can enhance your app’s quality and your team’s productivity by visiting our comparison with Appium and other Android automation tools.