While using ADB also known as Android Debug Bridge you might have come across the error saying that “ADB is not recognized”. The error is said to appear when the command prompt or PowerShell is not able to identify the ADB command. But not to worry. Here we will discuss how you can fix this ADB not recognized error.
By now you might be aware of what ADB is used for. If not, ADB is a command-line tool that is a part of the Android SDK and platform tools. The ADB creates a bridge for successful communication between an Android phone and your PC. They also include unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery, booting your device to recovery or fast boot mode, installing APKs and much more.
Error – ADB not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. If you are encountering this error while using the ADB command, it simply means that your ADB is not able to work normally. If you wish to solve it, follow the guide mentioned below.
Method 1: Fix ADB is not recognized error temporarily
You will be required some prerequisites before you go ahead with fixing the issue. Follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Download the Android SDK and save it on your computer.
Step 2: Look for the platform tools and tools in Android SDK. Get the location. It should be something like what is mentioned below.
- C:\Users\MyProfileName\Downloads\android-sdk_r24.4.1-windows\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools
- C:\Users\MyProfileName\Downloads\android-sdk_r24.4.1-windows\android-sdk-windows\tools
Now follow the steps mentioned below to fix the ADB not recognized error.
Step 1: Launch the command window on your PC.
Step 2: Type ‘ADB’ and hit the enter button. If it does not work, you need to go to the error.
Step 3: Now, specify the location of “Android_platform_tools” with the command mentioned below. Then, hit enter.
Set ANDROID_PLATFORM_TOOLS =”C:\Users\YourProfileName\Downloads\android-sdk_r24.4.1-windows\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools”
Step 4: Now, specify the location of “Android_tools” with the command mentioned below: Then, hit enter.
Set ANDROID_TOOLS=”C:\Users\YourProfileName\Downloads\android-sdk_r24.4.1-windows\android-sdk-windows\tools”
Step 5: Set up the path of android ADB. Refer to mentioned below.
Set path=%path%; % ANDROID_TOOLS%; % ANDROID_TOOLS%
Step 6: Now, type ADB on your command window. You will be able to see the detailed information.
Method 2: Add the Missing Environmental Variables
Step 1: Look for Advanced System settings on your PC.
Step 2: Click to open.
Step 3: Now, click on the environmental variables option.
Step 4: Go to the system variables option within the environmental variables option.
Step 5: Double click on the Path keyword.
Step 6: Under the Edit environmental variable option, click on the Browse option.
Step 7: Navigate to the location where you have installed the ADB and fastboot binaries.
Step 8: Select the platform-tools folder. Click ok to confirm.
Step 9: The variable you selected will now be added to the environment variables successfully. To close the dialog box, click on the OK button.
Step 10: Now, you will be able to see the added variable’s path under the system variables in environmental variables. You can now close the dialog box by clicking the OK button. Once again click on the OK button to close the system properties dialog box.
Now, you have successfully fixed the “ADB not recognized” error.
To check whether it worked out, open the command window and type ADB. You will get a list of ADB commands and its usage. If so, it means that you have successfully fixed the ADB not recognized issue.
To help your PC communicate with your Android device, you must keep USB debugging enabled for your device. You will also be required to extend the screen timeout duration.
When you run the debugging, you will be prompted to allow USB debugging. You must permit it by selecting the “Allow” option.
If you still encounter issues, try installing Google USB driver for windows.
The ADB not recognized error should now be resolved. Let us know, what were your experiences while resolving the error.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
