Resolving ADB Start Server Failures in Android Studio

Resolving ADB Start Server Failures in Android Studio

30 November 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Encountering issues with the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) in Android Studio can be a common hurdle for developers. One particular problem that has been reported is the failure of ADB to start the server, specifically characterized by errors during the ADB key check process. This article provides a comprehensive guide to address this issue effectively.

Understanding the Problem

The problem typically manifests when attempting to start the ADB server, resulting in an error that points to a failure in checking the ADB key. This issue has been commonly linked to the version of the platform tools being used, particularly with version 27.0.0.

Solution Overview

The most effective solution identified involves downgrading the platform tools to a previous, stable version. Below are the steps to implement this solution:

Steps to Downgrade Platform Tools

  1. Navigate to the Android SDK directory on your machine.
  2. Remove the current platform-tools directory.
  3. Download the older version of the platform tools, such as version 26.0.2, from a reliable source.
  4. Extract the downloaded files and replace the existing platform-tools directory with the older version.

For Mac users, the process can be streamlined using terminal commands:

cd $ANDROID_HOME && rm -rf platform-tools/ && curl https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools_r26.0.2-darwin.zip -o platform-tools_r26.0.2-darwin.zip && unzip platform-tools_r26.0.2-darwin.zip

Additional Tips

In some cases, disconnecting the physical device and using an emulator can bypass the issue. This is particularly relevant for users with Google Pixel devices. Additionally, ensuring the use of a compatible USB cable can resolve connection errors without needing to downgrade the platform tools.

Alternative Solutions

For those using newer versions of macOS, which may not officially support the latest platform tools, replacing files in the SDK platform-tools directory with older versions has been reported to solve the problem. This workaround is particularly useful for developers working on legacy systems.

Optimizing Your Testing Workflow with Repeato

While addressing ADB issues is crucial, optimizing your testing workflow can also significantly enhance productivity. Repeato, a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android, offers a seamless way to create, run, and maintain automated tests. Its integration with ADB allows users to execute ADB commands efficiently, ensuring precise timing and sequence in test automation. If you’re looking to streamline your testing process, consider exploring Repeato’s features to enhance your development workflow.

By following the solutions outlined above, you can effectively resolve the ADB start server failure and enhance your Android development experience. For further insights and updates, stay tuned to our blog.

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