Android ADB Skill

Automate ADB commands for device management, app installation, and log analysis.

When to Use

• Listing connected devices
• Installing/uninstalling APKs
• Viewing application logs
• Debugging app issues
• Capturing screenshots/screen recordings

Commands

Device Management

App Management

Logcat Commands

Debug Commands

Logcat Patterns

# Filter by specific tags (common managers)
adb logcat -s GameManagerImpl AuthService SyncManager

# Compose errors
adb logcat | grep -i "compose\|recomposition"

# Coroutine exceptions
adb logcat | grep "CoroutineException\|JobCancellationException"

# ANR detection
adb logcat | grep -i "ANR\|Application Not Responding"

# Timber logs (class name as tag)
adb logcat | grep -E "(GameManager|UserManager|AuthService)"

Usage Examples

# Install and launch debug build
adb install -r app/build/outputs/apk/debug/app-debug.apk
adb shell am start -n com.creative.aiquiz/.LauncherActivity

# Clear app data and restart
adb shell pm clear com.creative.aiquiz
adb shell am start -n com.creative.aiquiz/.LauncherActivity

# Monitor specific logs
adb logcat -s GameManagerImpl:V

# Capture crash on error
adb logcat *:E -d > crash_log.txt

# Take screenshot for bug report
adb exec-out screencap -p > screenshot.png

Error Handling

# Check device connection
adb devices -l || (adb kill-server && adb start-server && adb devices -l)

# Handle installation errors
adb install -r app.apk 2>&1 | grep -q "INSTALL_FAILED" && {
    echo "Installation failed - checking signature..."
    adb uninstall com.package.name
    adb install app.apk
}

# Parse crash from logcat
adb logcat -b crash -d | grep -A 20 "FATAL EXCEPTION"

Common Errors:

• Device not found: Enable USB debugging in Developer Options
• Installation failed: Uninstall conflicting version first
• Permission denied: Device needs root or debugging enabled
• Unauthorized: Approve computer on device prompt

Troubleshooting

Command Workflows

# Full debug cycle
adb logcat -c && \
./gradlew installDebug && \
adb shell am start -n com.pkg/.MainActivity && \
adb logcat -s MainActivity:V

# Capture crash report
adb logcat -b crash -d > crash.txt && \
adb bugreport > bugreport.zip

# Monitor specific feature
adb logcat -c && adb logcat -s GameManager AuthService SyncManager

CI/CD Integration

# Firebase Test Lab
- name: Run Instrumented Tests
  run: |
    gcloud firebase test android run \
      --type instrumentation \
      --app app-debug.apk \
      --test app-debug-androidTest.apk

Best Practices

• Prefer filtered logs to avoid overwhelming output
• Use -d flag to dump existing logs and exit
• Clear logcat before reproducing issues
• Use Timber tags consistently (class name)

References

• ADB Documentation
• Logcat Guide
• Debug Your App