
30 November 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
Encountering the “sqlite3: not found” error while trying to open a database using the adb shell can be frustrating. This issue typically arises when the sqlite3
binary is not installed on your Android device. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a solution to this problem, providing step-by-step instructions to help you successfully execute sqlite3
commands.
Understanding the Issue
The error message sqlite3: not found
usually indicates that the sqlite3
binary is not present in the system path of your device. This is common in many Android devices where sqlite3
is not installed by default, especially on older models like the Nexus One.
Solution: Installing sqlite3 on Your Device
One effective method to resolve this issue is by manually installing the sqlite3
binary on your device. Follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, ensure your device is rooted. This solution involves modifying system files, which requires root access.
- Open a terminal and start the adb shell:
- Gain superuser access:
- Remount the
/system
directory to allow read/write access: - In a separate terminal, navigate to the directory where your
sqlite3
binary is located: - Use the adb push command to transfer the
sqlite3
binary to your device’s SD card: - Back in the adb shell, copy the binary to the
/system/bin
directory and set the appropriate permissions: - Remount the
/system
directory as read-only: - You should now be able to use
sqlite3
from the shell:
$ adb shell
$ su
# mount -o remount,rw /system
$ ls
$ adb push sqlite3 /sdcard/
# cat /sdcard/sqlite3 > /system/bin/sqlite3
# chmod 4755 /system/bin/sqlite3
# mount -o remount,ro /system
# sqlite3 /data/data/com.example/databases/example.db
Alternative Solutions for Non-Rooted Devices
If your device is not rooted, you can still run sqlite3
by using the run-as
command, assuming your app is debuggable. Push the sqlite3
binary to your app’s internal storage, set executable permissions, and run it from there. This method, however, is limited to apps with debug permissions.
Enhancing Your Testing Workflow with Repeato
For developers looking to streamline their testing processes, especially when dealing with complex setups like adb commands, consider trying Repeato. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool that simplifies the creation and execution of automated tests for iOS and Android apps. With built-in support for adb commands, Repeato can help you automate tasks like installing binaries and executing shell commands, saving you time and reducing the potential for manual errors.
To learn more about how Repeato can enhance your testing workflow, visit our documentation page.