How to install ADB for Linux correctly?

Do you know that Android is the most powerful mobile operating system in the market? It uses a modified version of the Linux kernel for all its core services. Android allows you to update the software of the phone as well as unlock the software. ADB and fastboot drivers are tools to unlock entry to the system by attaching the phone to a desktop computer. Here is everything you need to know to use ADB for Linux machines.

What are ADB and Fastboot drivers?

By default, some features of the Android operating system are abstracted from ordinary users and require a special way to access them. Android Debug Bridge or ADB is a command line tool that allows you to communicate and run commands from your Android phone to your computer. Before you start using the ADB setup download, you need to enable USB debugging on your phone. When you’re done, you can now enjoy accessing your phone’s software and running various ADB commands to install packages, reboot your phone, capture phone screenshots on your desktop, and more.

Fastboot is also a command line tool included in the SDK and is mainly used to update the phone’s flash files from the host’s USB connection. This is especially useful for rooting Android devices or flashing custom ROMs or custom recovery.

How to install Fastboot and ADB for Linux

Here we will install the ADB driver (Android Debug Bridge) on your Linux computer and make it accessible from any folder.

ADB provides a terminal interface on your Linux computer to interact with your device on files. It can be used for installing and uninstalling apps, interrupting and activating apps, and more. 

1. Download ADB for Linux installation 1.4.3 or the latest ADB installation 1.5.6 ZIP file for Linux. Extract the ZIP file to an easily accessible location (such as a desktop).
2. Open a terminal window.
3. Enter the command: cd /path/to/extracted/folder/
4. This changes the directory where the ADB file was extracted.
5. Example: cd /Users/Doug/Desktop/platform-tools/
6. Connect the device to the Linux machine with a USB cable. Update the “MTP” connection type. Not all devices should do this, but it is recommended to avoid problems. With
7. Terminal in the same folder as your ADB device, you can start the ADB daemon with the command:
8. You will see a prompt asking you to re-enable USB debugging on your smartphones or tablets.
9. Finally, re-enter step #8. If all went well, you should now see your device’s serial number in the output in the terminal window. Congratulations to the team! Now you can do everything ADB related on your device!
10. Start customizing your phone with our extensive list of tutorials now!

Simply test ADB with Android

Now that you have ADB installed on your Linux computer, you should test it with your Android device to make sure that the Google ADB driver detects your device.

• Connect your device to the Linux computer with a USB cable.
• Then open a terminal window on your Linux and run the following command: adb device
• You will be prompted to allow USB debugging on your device. Go ahead and allow it.
• After giving permission, you need to run the above command again.

How to use this trendy software on your Linux

Once you have installed ADB on your Linux computer, connect your smart device to the computer using a proper USB cable. Now enable USB debugging in the device system settings, under Developer options.

Then, run the subsequent commands to document the devices connect to the Linux computer, make sure to review the devices for any prompts to permit access.

$ ./adb devices

Now you can simply identify your Android device and port number using this software. And also it will show the device is connected to the ADB for Linux server. 

Why should you install ADB Linux? 

If you’ve been using a Linux system for a while, you know that most devices quickly switch terminals while running. This does not apply to the download universal ADB driver. The final content will be saved (perhaps pointing directly to the function). This is where you run ADB commands. But there is still an ADB shell option.

How to use the ADB Shell

In the previous section, we looked at different common scenarios in which ADB can be used. However, you will notice that we are running all these commands in our working directory. This does not give you access to the phone you want. This is what the ADB shell command does.

As the name suggests, this command opens the shell directly on your phone. Here you can run any Linux command from the terminal. It is unimaginable what can be done with this simple shell.

Explore the outstanding features of this smart tool

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) has an extensive amount of power. We are going to feature a brief list of the numerous useful features ADB for Linux provides us.

• Transferring files

Files can be transferred from the phone or to the phone using ADB. It uses “push” and “pull” devices to perform the above tasks.

• Application/Service Uninstall

ADB for Linux can be used to uninstall any application on the phone. Yes, you can uninstall pre-installed apps that you don’t use and that make your phone more busy.

• Install the Application If you have the

APK file on your system, you can install it on your phone very quickly. Just a simple code without lengthy procedures or prompts to install the app.

• View Log 

The real-time status of the phone can be accessed using simple commands.

• Backup

Backup can be created via ADB, it has many options. Here is what gives the yes/no option:

• Keep APK files of installed apps
• Keep OBB (save) files of installed apps
• Store items on the SD card

Summing Up the article

So now you get a good understanding of ADB for Linux, its features, and how to use them on your Linux system. This smart tool gives you much more privileges on your Android and gives access to unlimited features.