Beginner 6 min read Updated: 2026-08-25

How to Use ADB (Android Debug Bridge): Complete Beginner Guide

Master the fundamentals of ADB: running shell commands, managing packages, transferring files, and capturing logs right from your browser or terminal.

Prerequisites & Requirements

  • Android device with USB Debugging enabled
  • USB connection or local Wi-Fi network
  • WebADB Shell in a compatible browser or Android SDK Platform-Tools installed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Verify Device Connection

Run `adb devices -l` to ensure your phone is detected and in the "device" authorized state.

adb devices -l
2

Open Interactive Android Shell

Start a remote terminal session directly on your phone.

adb shell
3

Query System Hardware and OS Properties

Read Android release version and hardware specifications.

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release
4

List Installed User Applications

Inspect third-party packages installed on the device.

adb shell pm list packages -3
5

Stream Device System Logs (Logcat)

Inspect live background logs and error messages.

adb logcat *:E