(How to Use ADB on Linux Mint) Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a complex command-line tool that enables communication with Android devices from a computer. It can be used for debugging, working with files and folders, installing and uninstalling applications, and more. For users who are allowed to run Linux Mint, here is how to properly install and apply ADB.
Step 1: Install ADB on Linux Mint
First, checking whether ADB is available on the Linux Mint operating system is necessary. You can do this by following these steps:
Open the Terminal
Open Terminal Search for Terminal on your application list or by using the shortcut Ctrl alt T.
Update Your System
Run the following command to make sure your package list is up-to-date:
Install ADB
Once your system is updated, install ADB by typing:
Press Y when prompted to confirm the installation.
Verify the Installation
After installation, check if ADB is installed correctly by running:
This command should display the ADB version, confirming that ADB is installed and ready to use.
Step 2: Enable Developer Options on Your Android Device
To use ADB, you need to enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on your Android device:
From the main window on Your Android device go to Settings: Go to the settings app of the device you are currently using either a phone or a tablet and scroll down to About Phone or About Tablet.
Enable Developer Options: Locate “Build number” and then click on it for about 7 times successively. After that, you should a message saying “You are now a developer!
Enable USB Debugging: Head over to the main settings menu and search for the “Developer options” tab. The next step is to locate and turn on the option of “USB debugging.
Confirm USB Debugging Permission: Take an Android cable and use it to connect your Android device to your Linux Mint computer. Sometimes, you receive a question on your device asking if you trust this computer then click either on ‘Allow’ or ‘OK’.
Step 3: Connect Your Android Device via ADB
Now that both your Linux Mint computer and Android device are prepared, it’s time to connect them using ADB:
Check Device Connection
In the terminal, type the following command:
When all is done well, your device serial number should be displayed in the terminal after typing “List of devices attached.” This is the acknowledgment of two terminals or two pieces of equipment on the same transmission line indicating that they communicate successfully.
Troubleshoot Connection Issues
- If you don’t see your device listed:
- Make sure that this has enabled USB Debugging.
- Ensure that the device is well connected through USB.
- Try restarting ADB with the following commands:
Step 4: Basic ADB Commands
With your device connected, here are some basic ADB commands you can use:
View Device Information
This command provides detailed information about your Android device, such as model, manufacturer, and software version.
Transfer Files Between the Device and the PC
To push a file from your Linux Mint computer to your Android device:
To pull a file from your Android device to your computer:
Install and Uninstall Applications
Install an APK file:
Uninstall an app by package name:
Reboot the Device
You can reboot your device with:
Access Device Shell
The ADB shell lets you access the Android operating system’s command-line interface:
This will give you access to the internal shell where you can run Linux-based commands directly on your Android device.
Step 5: Advanced ADB Commands (Optional)
Once you’re comfortable with basic ADB commands, here are a few advanced commands:
Take a Screenshot
Record the Screen
Monitor Log Output
Use ADB logcat to view system logs, which is useful for debugging:
Manage Applications
List all installed packages:
Step 6: Disconnecting and Closing ADB
Once you’re done using ADB, it’s a good practice to close the ADB server and disconnect your device:
Stop the ADB Server
The following command will stop the ADB server that runs in the terminal on your Linux Mint operating system.
Safely Disconnect Your Device
You can now disconnect your device from the computer without the risk of any harm being done.
Conclusion(How to Use ADB on Linux Mint)
Congratulations! You should be able to install and make use of ADB on Linux Mint which you have done in this tutorial. For the everyday Android developer, it is one of the most useful tools to understand what goes on inside the device, for the power user it allows for full control over virtually any command to be issued through the device, and just for the curious the terminal through ADB is a great way to explore the Android device. That is all that is required to get well prepared for utilizing the ADB and to start including other components that will allow for efficient Android management.
