How to Resolve the “adb remount fails – mount: ‘system’ not in /proc/mounts” Issue

How to Resolve the "adb remount fails - mount: 'system' not in /proc/mounts" Issue

30 November 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Android developers often face the challenge of remounting the system partition using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) due to errors like “mount: ‘system’ not in /proc/mounts.” This error typically occurs when attempting to write to the system directory, especially on newer Android versions or certain device configurations. Below, we provide a structured guide to effectively tackle this issue.

Understanding the Problem

The core of the problem lies in the inability to mount the system partition as read-write, which is often necessary for developers working on system-level modifications. This restriction is usually due to the system partition not being linked in the /proc/mounts file, thereby preventing any remount attempts.

Step-by-Step Solution

Here is a step-by-step guide to address the issue:

  1. Mount the Root Directory: First, attempt to mount the root directory as read-write. This can sometimes allow subsequent access to the system partition.
  2. adb shell mount -o rw,remount /
  3. Disable Verification: If the above step doesn’t work, try disabling verification and verity. This is especially useful on devices running Android versions that enforce strict security protocols.
  4. adb root
    adb shell avbctl disable-verification
    adb disable-verity
    adb reboot
  5. Remount the System Partition: After rebooting, attempt the remount command again.
  6. adb root && adb remount

Alternative Approaches

If the above methods do not work, consider these alternatives:

  • Use an Emulator: If you’re working on an emulator, ensure that you are using a system image that allows for writable partitions. Consider using an Android Pie image if Android Q is giving issues.
  • Check Device Compatibility: Ensure your device is compatible with these commands, and consider using a custom recovery mode like TWRP for more advanced operations.

Integrating with Repeato for Enhanced Testing

For developers looking to streamline their testing process, integrating with a tool like Repeato can be beneficial. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool designed for iOS and Android, offering quick and efficient test creation and execution. Its built-in ADB support allows developers to execute ADB commands seamlessly, ensuring that timing and command sequence are maintained, which is crucial when dealing with system-level modifications.

By leveraging Repeato’s capabilities, developers can automate the testing of their apps, ensuring that changes made to system partitions do not adversely affect app performance. For more information on using ADB with Repeato, visit our documentation.

In conclusion, while remounting the system partition can present challenges, using the outlined methods and integrating tools like Repeato can significantly enhance your development workflow, ensuring efficient and error-free operations.

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