How to use the command 'adb install' (with examples)
The ‘adb install’ command is part of the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool and is used to push packages, specifically Android application files (APK), to an Android emulator instance or a connected Android device.
Use case 1: Push an Android application to an emulator/device
Code:
adb install path/to/file.apk
Motivation: This use case allows you to install an Android application onto an emulator or a connected Android device by specifying the path to the APK file. It is useful for developers who want to test their applications on virtual or physical devices.
Explanation:
- ‘adb install’ is the command to install the APK file.
- ‘path/to/file.apk’ is the path to the APK file that will be installed. You need to replace ‘path/to/file.apk’ with the actual path to the APK file on your local machine.
Example output:
Performing Streamed Install
Success
Use case 2: Push an Android application to a specific emulator/device
Code:
adb -s serial_number install path/to/file.apk
Motivation: This use case allows you to install an Android application onto a specific emulator or device by specifying its serial number. It overrides the default behavior of using the $ANDROID_SERIAL environment variable.
Explanation:
- ‘adb -s serial_number’ is used to specify the serial number of the emulator or device to install the APK to. You need to replace ‘serial_number’ with the actual serial number of the emulator or device.
- ‘install’ is the command to install the APK file.
- ‘path/to/file.apk’ is the path to the APK file that will be installed. You need to replace ‘path/to/file.apk’ with the actual path to the APK file on your local machine.
Example output:
Performing Streamed Install
Success
Use case 3: Reinstall an existing app, keeping its data
Code:
adb install -r path/to/file.apk
Motivation: This use case allows you to reinstall an existing Android application while preserving its data. It is useful when you want to update an application without losing its user data.
Explanation:
- ‘adb install’ is the command to install the APK file.
- ‘-r’ is an argument that indicates to reinstall the app while keeping its data.
- ‘path/to/file.apk’ is the path to the APK file that will be installed. You need to replace ‘path/to/file.apk’ with the actual path to the APK file on your local machine.
Example output:
Performing Streamed Install
Success
Use case 4: Push an Android application allowing version code downgrade
Code:
adb install -d path/to/file.apk
Motivation: This use case allows you to install an Android application while allowing version code downgrade. It is primarily useful for debugging purposes when dealing with debuggable packages.
Explanation:
- ‘adb install’ is the command to install the APK file.
- ‘-d’ is an argument that enables version code downgrade.
- ‘path/to/file.apk’ is the path to the APK file that will be installed. You need to replace ‘path/to/file.apk’ with the actual path to the APK file on your local machine.
Example output:
Performing Streamed Install
Success
Use case 5: Grant all permissions listed in the app manifest
Code:
adb install -g path/to/file.apk
Motivation: This use case allows you to install an Android application while granting all permissions listed in its app manifest. It is useful for developers who want to test the behavior of their applications when all permissions are granted at installation.
Explanation:
- ‘adb install’ is the command to install the APK file.
- ‘-g’ is an argument that grants all permissions listed in the app manifest.
- ‘path/to/file.apk’ is the path to the APK file that will be installed. You need to replace ‘path/to/file.apk’ with the actual path to the APK file on your local machine.
Example output:
Performing Streamed Install
Success
Use case 6: Quickly update an installed package by only updating the changed parts
Code:
adb install --fastdeploy path/to/file.apk
Motivation: This use case allows you to update an installed package quickly by only updating the parts of the APK that have changed. It can significantly reduce the installation time during development when you frequently update your application.
Explanation:
- ‘adb install’ is the command to install the APK file.
- ‘–fastdeploy’ is an argument that enables quick update by only updating the changed parts.
- ‘path/to/file.apk’ is the path to the APK file that will be installed. You need to replace ‘path/to/file.apk’ with the actual path to the APK file on your local machine.
Example output:
Performing Streamed Install
Success
Conclusion:
The ‘adb install’ command provides a versatile way to install Android applications onto emulators and connected devices. With various arguments and options, it allows for flexible installation scenarios and is a valuable tool for Android developers.
