How to Install ADB on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS 2024

In today’s digital age, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) has become an essential tool for developers and enthusiasts. ADB allows you to communicate with your Android device through a command-line interface, enabling you to perform various tasks, such as installing apps, debugging, and even accessing system files. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing ADB on different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.

Setup Your Android Device for ADB

Before we dive into the installation process, it’s crucial to ensure that your Android device is properly set up for ADB. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Enable Developer Options: On your Android device, go to Settings, scroll down to About Phone, and tap on it. Look for the Build Number and tap on it seven times to enable Developer Options.
2. Enable USB Debugging: Once Developer Options is enabled, go back to the main Settings menu and tap on Developer Options. Toggle on the USB Debugging option.
3. Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Grant USB Debugging Permission: When you connect your Android device to your computer for the first time, you will be prompted to grant USB Debugging permission. Allow it by tapping on OK.

Now that your Android device is prepared for ADB, let’s proceed with the installation process for each operating system.

Install ADB on Windows

Installing ADB on Windows is a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Download the ADB Installer: Visit the official Android Developer website and download the ADB Installer for Windows.
2. Run the ADB Installer: Once the installer is downloaded, locate the file and double-click on it to run the installer.
3. Follow the Installation Wizard: The Installation Wizard will guide you through the installation process. Click on Next to proceed.
4. Choose the Installation Location: Select the installation location for ADB. We recommend keeping the default location. Click on Next.
5. Select Additional Tasks: Choose whether you want to create desktop shortcuts and add ADB to your system’s PATH. It’s recommended to keep both options selected. Click on Next.
6. Install ADB: Click on the Install button to start the installation process. Wait for the installation to complete.
7. Complete the Installation: Once the installation is finished, click on Finish to exit the installer.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed ADB on Windows. Now, let’s move on to installing ADB on macOS.

Install ADB on macOS

Installing ADB on macOS requires a few extra steps compared to Windows. Follow these steps to install ADB on your macOS system:

1. Open Terminal: Launch the Terminal application on your macOS system. You can find it in the Utilities folder, which is located within the Applications folder.
2. Install Homebrew: Homebrew is a package manager for macOS that simplifies the installation of various software, including ADB. In the Terminal, paste the following command and press Enter: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
3. Install ADB: Once Homebrew is installed, you can install ADB by running the following command in the Terminal: brew install android-platform-tools
4. Verify the Installation: To verify that ADB is installed correctly, connect your Android device to your macOS system using a USB cable. In the Terminal, enter the command adb devices. If your device is listed, you have successfully installed ADB.

Great job! You now have ADB installed on your macOS system. Next, let’s explore how to install ADB on Linux.

Install ADB on Linux

Installing ADB on Linux is a bit different from Windows and macOS, but it’s still relatively straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open Terminal: Launch the Terminal application on your Linux system.
2. Update Package Manager: Before installing ADB, it’s essential to update your package manager. Enter the following command in the Terminal: sudo apt update
3. Install ADB: Once the package manager is updated, you can install ADB by running the following command in the Terminal: sudo apt install adb
4. Verify the Installation: To ensure that ADB is installed correctly, connect your Android device to your Linux system using a USB cable. In the Terminal, enter the command adb devices. If your device is listed, you have successfully installed ADB.

Well done! You have successfully installed ADB on your Linux system. Now, let’s move on to Chrome OS.

Install ADB on Chrome OS

Installing ADB on Chrome OS allows you to unlock the full potential of your Chromebook. Follow these steps to install ADB:

1. Enable Linux (Beta) on your Chromebook: Go to Settings, then Linux (Beta), and click on Turn On. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Linux.
2. Open Terminal: Launch the Terminal application on your Chromebook.
3. Update Package Manager: Before installing ADB, update your package manager by entering the following command in the Terminal: sudo apt update
4. Install ADB: Once the package manager is updated, install ADB by running the following command in the Terminal: sudo apt install adb
5. Verify the Installation: To confirm that ADB is installed correctly, connect your Android device to your Chromebook using a USB cable. In the Terminal, enter the command adb devices. If your device is listed, ADB is installed successfully.

Great work! You have now installed ADB on Chrome OS. Now, let’s explore how to use ADB on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.

How to Use ADB on Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS

Now that you have ADB installed on your preferred operating system, let’s take a look at how you can use it. ADB offers a wide range of functionalities that can help you with app development, debugging, and more. Here are some common ADB commands:

1. Installing an App: To install an app, use the command adb install [path_to_apk_file]. Replace [path_to_apk_file] with the actual path to the APK file on your computer.
2. Uninstalling an App: To uninstall an app, use the command adb uninstall [package_name]. Replace [package_name] with the package name of the app you want to uninstall.
3. Taking a Screenshot: To capture a screenshot of your Android device, use the command adb shell screencap [path_to_save_screenshot]. Replace [path_to_save_screenshot] with the desired location and filename of the screenshot.
4. Accessing Logcat: To view the logcat output, which contains system logs and debugging messages, use the command adb logcat.

These are just a few examples of what you can do with ADB. Experiment with different commands to explore the full potential of this powerful tool.