Resolving “adb command not found” in Linux Environment

Resolving "adb command not found" in Linux Environment

30 November 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Encountering the “adb command not found” error while working with Android development on a Linux system can be frustrating. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive solution to this issue, ensuring you can proceed with your development tasks smoothly.

Understanding the Error

The “adb command not found” error typically arises when the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is not accessible via your system’s command line. This issue can be due to several reasons, including incorrect PATH settings or missing installations.

Solution Overview

To resolve this error, you can follow these recommended steps:

1. Ensure ADB is Installed

First, verify that ADB is installed on your system. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo apt install adb

This command installs ADB on Ubuntu and other Debian-based distributions if it’s not already present.

2. Update Your PATH

If ADB is installed, ensure that your system’s PATH includes the directory where ADB is located. For most Android SDK installations, ADB resides in the platform-tools directory. You can update your PATH by adding the following line to your ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc file:

export PATH=${PATH}:/path/to/android-sdk/platform-tools

Replace /path/to/android-sdk with the actual path to your Android SDK installation.

An alternative method is to create a symbolic link to ADB in a directory already in your PATH, such as /bin. Execute the following command:

sudo ln -s /android/platform-tools/adb /bin/adb

This approach allows you to use ADB commands without modifying your PATH.

4. Verify the Setup

After making these changes, verify that ADB is working correctly by running:

adb devices

This command should list any connected Android devices, indicating that ADB is set up correctly.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the error persists, consider checking for missing 32-bit libraries, especially on 64-bit systems. Install them using:

sudo apt-get install libc6:i386 libncurses5:i386 libstdc++6:i386

Streamlining Android Testing with Repeato

For developers focusing on mobile app development, resolving ADB issues is crucial for efficient testing. Tools like Repeato can simplify the testing process. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool that utilizes ADB commands, allowing you to automate tests for both iOS and Android apps swiftly. Its integration with ADB enhances the testing experience by enabling precise control over device interactions.

By incorporating Repeato into your workflow, you can leverage its robust capabilities to create, run, and maintain automated tests with ease, ensuring your apps perform optimally across different devices.

For more information on how Repeato can assist with your testing needs, visit our documentation page.

Check it out!

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