How to Use ADB Command to Push a File to an Android Device Without an SD Card

How to Use ADB Command to Push a File to an Android Device Without an SD Card

30 November 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Transferring files to an Android device without an SD card can sometimes be challenging, especially when using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This guide provides a comprehensive solution to this issue, ensuring a seamless file transfer process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pushing Files Using ADB

To successfully push a file from your computer to an Android device without an SD card, follow these steps:

  1. Open Terminal or Command Prompt: Navigate to the platform-tools directory within your Android SDK installation. For example, on a Mac, it might be located at /Users/USERNAME/Library/Android/sdk/platform-tools.
  2. Enter ADB Shell: Use the command adb shell to enter the Android device’s shell environment.
  3. Change Permissions: If you encounter permission issues, execute the following commands to grant read, write, and execute permissions to the target directory:
    
    su
    chmod 777 /data/local/tmp/
    exit
              
  4. Push the File: Use the command adb push /path/to/your/file /data/local/tmp/ to transfer your file to the desired directory on your Android device.

This method is particularly effective for ADB version 33 and above, where permission issues are more prevalent.

Alternative Solutions

In cases where the above method does not work, consider trying these alternative paths:

  • /data/local
  • /data/opt
  • /mnt/sdcard
  • /storage/emulated/0

Leveraging Repeato for Efficient Testing

For developers engaged in extensive app testing, Repeato, our no-code test automation tool, offers a streamlined approach to managing Android and iOS testing. With built-in ADB capabilities, Repeato allows you to execute ADB commands efficiently, ensuring that file transfers and other testing activities are seamlessly integrated into your testing workflow. By utilizing Repeato’s script steps, you can automate the sequence of ADB commands, enhancing your testing processes and reducing manual intervention.

For more information on setting up virtual test devices or running test batches, visit our documentation.

Like this article? there’s more where that came from!