How to Resolve the “ADB Server Version Doesn’t Match This Client” Error

How to Resolve the "ADB Server Version Doesn't Match This Client" Error

10 November 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Encountering the “ADB server version doesn’t match this client” error can be a common issue for developers working with Android devices, particularly when using tools like Appium for automation. This error typically arises due to a mismatch between the ADB versions on your development machine and the connected device or emulator. Here, we provide a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve this issue effectively.

Understanding the Error

The error message usually reads as follows:

adb server version (31) doesn't match this client (36); killing...

This indicates that the ADB server version running on your system is incompatible with the ADB client version trying to connect. This can result from having multiple ADB installations on your machine or using third-party tools that include their own ADB versions.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Solution 1: Sync ADB Versions on Ubuntu

If you’re using an Ubuntu-based OS, you can align the ADB versions by following these steps:

  1. Terminate the ADB server:
  2. adb kill-server

  3. Copy the ADB executable from your Android SDK to the system path:
  4. sudo cp ~/Android/Sdk/platform-tools/adb /usr/bin/adb

  5. Make the ADB executable:
  6. sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/adb

  7. Restart the ADB server:
  8. adb start-server

Solution 2: Adjust GenyMotion Settings

If you are using GenyMotion, you might need to configure it to use your custom Android SDK tools:

  • Open GenyMotion settings.
  • Navigate to the ADB tab.
  • Select “Use custom Android SDK Tools” and browse to your installed SDK location.

Solution 3: Remove Redundant ADB Installations

Having multiple ADB installations can cause conflicts. Ensure you only have one ADB version active:

  • Check for multiple ADB versions using the Application Monitor.
  • Ensure the active ADB is the one located in your Android SDK folder.
  • Delete or rename other ADB installations, such as those from third-party applications.

Additional Tips

For Windows users, it’s often helpful to check the Task Manager for running ADB processes. Ensure you kill these processes before restarting ADB from your Android Studio path.

Enhancing Your Testing Workflow

While resolving ADB version mismatches is crucial for maintaining a smooth testing environment, consider exploring advanced automation tools to streamline your testing process. Our product, Repeato, offers a no-code test automation solution for iOS and Android. Unlike traditional tools like Appium, Repeato uses computer vision and AI, enabling faster test creation and execution. This can significantly reduce the time spent on managing and running tests, providing a more efficient workflow.

For more information on setting up your testing environment, visit our documentation page or explore our blog for the latest updates.

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