Search code examples
androidandroid-emulatorinstallationapk

How do you install an APK file in the Android emulator?

I finally managed to obfuscate my Android application, now I want to test it by installing the APK file and running it on the emulator.

How can I install an APK file on the Android Emulator?

Solution

  • You can simply drag and drop the .apk file of your application to the emulator and it will automatically start installing.

    Another option:

    Windows:

    1. Execute the emulator (SDK Manager.exe → Tools → Manage AVDs... → New then Start).

    2. Start the console (Windows XP), Run → type cmd, and move to the platform-tools folder of SDK directory.

    3. Paste the APK file in the android-sdk\tools or platform-tools folder.

    4. Then type the following command.

      adb install [.apk path]

      Example:

      adb install C:\Users\Name\MyProject\build\Jorgesys.apk

    Linux:

    1. Copy the apk file to platform-tools in the android-sdk linux folder.

    2. Open Terminal and navigate to platform-tools folder in android-sdk.

    3. Then execute this command:

      ./adb install FileName.apk

    4. If the operation is successful (the result is displayed on the screen), then you will find your file in the launcher of your emulator.

    Mac:

    PATH=$PATH:~/Library/Android/sdk/platform-tools

    Example:

    PATH=$PATH:/users/jorgesys/eclipse/android-sdk-mac_64/tools

    Then run adb.