Resolving Java Virtual Machine Errors When Using UIAutomatorViewer on Mac

Resolving Java Virtual Machine Errors When Using UIAutomatorViewer on Mac

10 November 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

When working with Appium and Android Studio on macOS, you may encounter an error while attempting to launch UIAutomatorViewer from the command line. This error often manifests with a message indicating issues with the Java Virtual Machine, such as:

Error: Could not create the Java Virtual Machine.

This issue can be particularly frustrating as it prevents the successful launch of UIAutomatorViewer, a key tool for inspecting UI components in Android applications. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward solution to this problem.

Solution: Downgrade to Java 8

The root cause of this error is often related to the version of Java installed on your system. UIAutomatorViewer and related Android tools have compatibility issues with Java 9 and above. To resolve this, you need to uninstall Java 9 and install Java 8 instead. Follow these steps:

  1. Uninstall Java 9: Use the Terminal or a Java uninstaller tool to remove Java 9 from your system.
  2. Download Java 8: Visit the official Oracle website or another trusted source to download Java 8.
  3. Install Java 8: Follow the installation instructions to set up Java 8 on your macOS.

Once Java 8 is installed, attempt to launch UIAutomatorViewer again. This should resolve the error and allow you to proceed with your testing tasks.

Additional Resources

For more detailed guidance on setting up your testing environment, you may find the following resources helpful:

Enhancing Test Automation with Repeato

For those seeking a more efficient and stable testing solution, consider using Repeato, a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android. Unlike traditional methods that can be slow and unstable, Repeato leverages computer vision and AI to provide a faster and more reliable testing experience. This can be particularly beneficial when dealing with complex UI testing scenarios where tools like UIAutomatorViewer are used.

Learn more about how Repeato can streamline your testing process by visiting our documentation page.

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