Troubleshooting ADB Server Version Mismatch Error

Troubleshooting ADB Server Version Mismatch Error

22 April 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

When working with Android development, encountering an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) server version mismatch error can be a stumbling block. This error usually occurs when there are conflicting ADB processes or outdated tools in your development environment. Let’s explore some proven methods to resolve this issue.

Identifying the Problem

The typical error message you might see is:

adb server is out of date. killing...
* daemon started successfully *

This suggests that the ADB daemon on the device is not in agreement with the ADB server process on your host machine regarding the protocol version.

Proven Solutions

Matching ADB Versions

If you are using tools like Genymotion, it’s possible that the ADB provided by Genymotion is conflicting with the ADB from the Android SDK:

  • Open Genymotion and go to Settings.
  • Select the ADB tab.
  • Choose the “Use custom Android SDK tools” option and set it to your Android SDK folder.

After configuring this, restart your ADB:

./adb kill-server
./adb start-server

Ensure you close any processes related to Genymotion before executing the above commands.

Removing Conflicting Software

Software such as HTC Sync or Dell PC Suite may interfere with ADB. Uninstalling these programs or removing their directories from the PATH environment variable can resolve the issue.

Updating ADB in System Directory

On some systems, especially Linux or Ubuntu, you might have multiple ADB versions installed. Ensure that the ADB in your system directory (/usr/bin/adb) is updated to match the version in your Android SDK:

sudo cp ~/Android/Sdk/platform-tools/adb /usr/bin/adb
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/adb

Killing Rogue ADB Processes

On Windows, you can use the Task Manager to end all instances of adb.exe. On Linux, you can use the kill command to terminate any running ADB processes before restarting the server.

Linking to Repeato

While addressing the ADB server version mismatch error is crucial for a smooth development experience, ensuring your app’s functionality through testing is equally important. This is where Repeato can assist. As a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android, Repeato allows you to create and run automated tests without the hassle of scripting. Its integration with ADB and use of computer vision and AI facilitates quick test creation and maintenance, making it an ideal solution for developers facing ADB-related challenges. With Repeato, you can focus more on development and less on manual testing, streamlining your workflow.

Conclusion

Resolving the ADB server version mismatch error typically involves ensuring that there are no conflicting ADB versions or processes in your development environment. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively troubleshoot and overcome this common hurdle in Android development.

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