30 November 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
When attempting to use adb reverse to reverse-forward a port through ADB, users may encounter an “error: closed” message. This can be particularly frustrating when normal forwarding works without issues. In this guide, we will explore the cause of this problem and provide practical solutions.
Understanding the Issue
The “error: closed” message typically occurs when attempting to use adb reverse on Android devices running versions lower than Android 5.0. The adb reverse command was introduced in Android 5.0 (Lollipop), and therefore is not supported on earlier versions.
Solutions for Non-Supported Devices
If your device runs an Android version below 5.0, consider the following alternative methods to achieve similar functionality:
1. Connect via Wi-Fi
Instead of using adb reverse, you can connect your development device to the server over Wi-Fi. This method involves the following steps:
- Install the app on your device using a USB cable initially.
- Ensure both your development machine and device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Find your machine’s IP address (e.g., through System Preferences → Network on MacOS).
- Open your app and access the in-app Developer menu.
- Navigate to Dev Settings → Debug server host for device and enter your machine’s IP address and port.
- Select Reload JS from the Developer menu.
For more detailed instructions, especially if you are using React Native, refer to our React Native Testing Guide.
2. Using BusyBox
If your device has BusyBox installed (common in Genymotion images), you can emulate adb reverse with the following command:
adb shell busybox nc -ll -p {guest port} -e busybox nc {host IP} {host port}In this setup, “guest” refers to the Android OS and “host” refers to your development machine.
Enhancing Your Testing Workflow with Repeato
For developers seeking a more streamlined approach to testing Android applications, Repeato offers a robust solution. As a no-code test automation tool, Repeato allows you to create and run automated tests efficiently. It supports ADB commands, helping you manage test scenarios that involve complex device interactions. By leveraging Repeato’s script steps feature, you can sequence ADB commands to ensure precise execution timing, enhancing your testing accuracy and efficiency.
Explore our Advanced Testing Techniques to learn more about how Repeato can elevate your app testing strategy.
