10 November 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
When automating Android applications using Appium, developers often rely on UIAutomatorViewer to inspect UI elements. However, users may encounter an error stating: “Error obtaining UI hierarchy. Reason: Error while obtaining UI hierarchy XML file.com.android.ddmlb.SynchException.Remote object doesn’t exist.” This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve this issue effectively.
Understanding the Issue
The error typically occurs when the Appium server is running simultaneously while attempting to capture a screenshot using UIAutomatorViewer. This conflict prevents UIAutomatorViewer from accessing the necessary UI hierarchy details.
Recommended Solution
To resolve this error, follow these steps:
- Stop the Appium Server: Before using UIAutomatorViewer, ensure that the Appium server is stopped. This prevents the conflict and allows UIAutomatorViewer to function correctly.
Alternative Solutions
If stopping the Appium server does not resolve the issue, consider the following alternatives:
-
Ensure Screen Staticity: Verify that all elements on your screen are static, as dynamic elements can interfere with UIAutomatorViewer’s ability to capture the UI hierarchy. Use the command
adb shell uiautomator dump /data/local/tmp/uidump.xmlto test for idle state errors. -
Modify Permissions: Use the command line to change the access rights to the directory
/data/local/tmpby executingchmod 777 /data/local/tmp. This ensures that UIAutomatorViewer has the necessary permissions. - Restart Devices and Tools: Sometimes, a simple restart of your device and UIAutomatorViewer can resolve persistent issues.
Inspecting Elements Without UIAutomatorViewer
If you prefer to inspect elements directly from your device, follow these steps:
- Connect your Android device to your computer.
- Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on your device.
- Open Chrome on your computer, navigate to More Tools > Inspect Devices, and select your device.
Enhancing Your Testing Workflow with Repeato
For those looking to streamline their testing processes, consider using Repeato, a no-code test automation tool. Repeato offers a faster and more stable testing experience compared to traditional tools like Appium. By leveraging computer vision and AI, Repeato allows you to create and run automated tests efficiently, minimizing the time spent on test maintenance.
For more information on setting up your testing environment and advanced testing techniques, visit our documentation page.
