android-cli

---
name: android-cli
description: Provides instructions for installing and using the `android` CLI. The `android` command-line tool is a critical tool for Android development and helps you create new Android projects, run Android apps on devices, manage and interact with Android virtual devices (including screenshots and UI inspection), manage Android SDK components, look up official Android documentation, and discover and install official Android skills.
---
# Android CLI Specialist

This skill provides instructions for using the `android` CLI tool. The tool includes various commands for creating projects, running applications, interacting with devices, and managing the CLI environment.

## Installation

If the android tool is not in the path, install it. To install run the following command:
Linux: curl -fsSL https://dl.google.com/android/cli/latest/linux_x86_64/install.sh | bash
Mac Arm: curl -fsSL https://dl.google.com/android/cli/latest/darwin_arm64/install.sh | bash
Mac Intel: curl -fsSL https://dl.google.com/android/cli/latest/darwin_x86_64/install.sh | bash
Windows: curl -fsSL https://dl.google.com/android/cli/latest/windows_x86_64/install.cmd -o "%TEMP%\i.cmd" && "%TEMP%\i.cmd"

## SDK management
To manage the installation of Android SDKs and tools, use the `sdk` command. For example:

- `android sdk install <package>[@<version>]...`: Install specific packages. Multiple packages can be specified, separated by spaces. `<version>` defaults to latest. For example: `android sdk install platforms/android-30@2 platforms/android-34`
- `android sdk update [<pkg-name>]`: Update a specific package or all packages to the latest version.
- `android sdk remove <pkg-name>`: Remove a package from the local SDK.
- `android sdk list --all`: List installed and available SDK packages.

## Project creation
Create projects from templates using the `create` command.

For example: `android create empty-activity --name="My App" --output=./my-app`

## Interacting with Android devices
Use the `android layout` command to inspect the UI layout of an Android application in JSON format.
Use the `android screen` command to visually inspect the UI and obtain bounding coordinates for visual regions.

**IMPORTANT:** Before using `android layout` or `android screen`, you MUST read this reference: [interact.md](references/interact.md)
The reference file [interact.md](references/interact.md) contains instructions for properly interacting with Android devices. Follow its instructions exactly.

### Running journey tests
Journey tests involve device interaction; use the `android layout` and `android screen` commands to evaluate Journeys.
The instructions for device interaction apply here as well.

**IMPORTANT:** Before evaluating a journey, you MUST read this reference: [journeys.md](references/journeys.md)
The reference file [journeys.md](references/journeys.md) contains instructions for correctly evaluating an Android journey. Follow its instructions exactly.

## Doc searching
The `docs` command searches authoritative, high-quality Android developer documentation in the Android Knowledge Base.
By providing a few keywords, this tool will return high quality articles that contain examples or guidance on how to use Android APIs or libraries.
Use this tool to obtain additional information on how to achieve Android-specific tasks or to know more about Android APIs, surfaces, libraries, or devices.

Always use this tool to get the most up-to-date information about Android concepts. Typical good use cases are:
  - Finding migration guides for APIs.
  - Finding examples for APIs.
  - Finding up-to-date information about Android APIs.
  - Finding best practices for Android concepts.

## Running APKs
Use the `run` command to run Android apps.

## Managing emulators

Manage Android Virtual Devices (AVDs) using the `android emulator` command

## Capturing screenshots

Capture an image of the current screen of a connected Android device and output it to a file using the `android screen` command.

## Managing skills

Manage agent skills for Android using the `android skills` command.

## Updating the CLI

Update the Android CLI using the `android update` command.

# `android help` output

Usage: android [-Vhv] [--sdk=PARAM] [COMMAND]
  -h, --help       Show this help message and exit.
      --sdk=PARAM  Path to the Android SDK
  -v, --verbose    Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
  -V, --version    Print version information and exit.
Commands:
  completion  Installs shell autocomplete configuration for the Android CLI in
              the current user profile.
  create      Create a new Android project from available templates. Allows
              specifying project name, output directory, minSdk, and dry-run
              execution.
  describe    Analyzes an Android project to generate descriptive metadata.
              This command identifies and outputs the paths to JSON files that
              detail the project's structure, including build targets and their
              corresponding output artifact locations (e.g., APKs). This
              information enables other tools and commands to locate build
              artifacts efficiently.
  docs        Android documentation commands for searching and fetching
              developer documentation from the official knowledge base.
  emulator    Manage Android Virtual Devices (AVDs). Includes commands to start,
              stop, list, and view details about emulators.
  help        Shows the help of all commands
  info        Print environment information including SDK location, connected
              devices, and configuration variables. Use specific fields to
              narrow the output.
  init        Initializes the environment for the Android CLI. Sets up required
              configurations, directories, and default skills.
  install     Install an Android Application (one or more APKs) to a connected
              device or emulator without activating any components using
              incremental optimizations for faster deployment than adb.
  layout      Returns the layout tree of an application
  run         Build, deploy, and launch an Android application on a connected
              device or emulator.
  screen      Commands to view the device
  sdk         Manage the Android SDK installation. Includes commands to install,
              update, remove, and list available and installed SDK packages.
  skills      Manage Android CLI skills. Includes commands to install, remove,
              list, and search for skills by keyword.
  studio      Android Studio commands
  update      Update the Android CLI to the latest version.

completion
          Usage: android completion [-h] [<shell>]
          Installs shell autocomplete configuration for the Android CLI in the
          current user profile.
          
          Options:
            -h, --help       Show this help message and exit.
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM  Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose    Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version    Print version information and exit.
          
          Positional Parameters:
            <shell>  If provided, print the given shell completion without
                     installing. Supported: bash, zsh

create
          Usage: android create [-h] [--list] [--minSdk=PARAM] [--name=PARAM] [--output=PARAM]
                                [<template-name>]
          Create a new Android project from available templates. Allows
          specifying project name, output directory, minSdk, and dry-run
          execution.
          
          Options:
            -h, --help          Show this help message and exit.
                --list          List all available templates
                --minSdk=PARAM  The 'minSdk' supported by the application
                                (default is defined in the template)
                --name=PARAM    The name of the application (e.g. 'My
                                Application')
            -o, --output=PARAM  The destination project directory path (default
                                is '.')
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM     Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose       Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version       Print version information and exit.
          
          Positional Parameters:
            <template-name>  The template name

describe
          Usage: android describe [-h] [--project_dir=PARAM]
          Analyzes an Android project to generate descriptive metadata.
          This command identifies and outputs the paths to JSON files that
          detail the project's structure, including build targets and their
          corresponding output artifact locations (e.g., APKs). This information
          enables other tools and commands to locate build artifacts
          efficiently.
          
          Options:
            -h, --help               Show this help message and exit.
                --project_dir=PARAM  The project directory to describe
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM          Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose            Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version            Print version information and exit.

docs
          Usage: android docs [-h] [COMMAND]
          Android documentation commands for searching and fetching developer
          documentation from the official knowledge base.
          
          Options:
            -h, --help       Show this help message and exit.
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM  Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose    Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version    Print version information and exit.
          Commands:
            search  Search Android documentation. Enclose keywords in quotes.
            fetch   Fetch an Android documentation article from a URL (kb://...)

emulator
          Usage: android emulator [-h] [COMMAND]
          Manage Android Virtual Devices (AVDs). Includes commands to start,
          stop, list, and view details about emulators.
          
          Options:
            -h, --help       Show this help message and exit.
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM  Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose    Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version    Print version information and exit.
          Commands:
            create  Creates a virtual device
            start   Launches the specified virtual device. This command will
                    return when the emulator is fully started and ready to use.
            stop    Stops the specified virtual device
            list    Lists available virtual devices
            remove  Delete a virtual device

help
          Usage: android help [-h] [COMMAND]
          Shows the help of all commands
          
          Options:
            -h, --help       Show this help message and exit.
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM  Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose    Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version    Print version information and exit.
          
          Positional Parameters:
            COMMAND  The command to show help for

info
          Usage: android info [-h] [<field>]
          Print environment information including SDK location, connected
          devices, and configuration variables. Use specific fields to narrow
          the output.
          
          Options:
            -h, --help       Show this help message and exit.
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM  Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose    Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version    Print version information and exit.
          
          Positional Parameters:
            <field>  The specific field to print the value of. If omitted print
                     all.

init
          Usage: android init [-h]
          Initializes the environment for the Android CLI. Sets up required
          configurations, directories, and default skills.
          
          Options:
            -h, --help       Show this help message and exit.
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM  Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose    Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version    Print version information and exit.

install
          Usage: android install [-h] [--apks=PARAM] [--device=PARAM] [--install-options=PARAM]
                                 [--use-delta-install]
          Install an Android Application (one or more APKs) to a connected
          device or emulator without activating any components using incremental
          optimizations for faster deployment than adb.
          
          Options:
                --apks=PARAM             The paths to the APKs, comma separated
                --device=PARAM           The device serial number
            -h, --help                   Show this help message and exit.
                --install-options=PARAM  Additional options/flags to pass to
                                         package manager install (e.g. -g,-d)
                --use-delta-install      Use fast delta install (speeds up
                                         incremental updates by transferring
                                         only modified code and resources;
                                         default: true)
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM              Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose                Enable verbose output for
                                         troubleshooting
            -V, --version                Print version information and exit.

layout
          Usage: android layout [-dhp] [--device=PARAM] [--flat] [--full] [--no-idle]
                                [--output=PARAM]
          Returns the layout tree of an application
          
          Options:
                --device=PARAM  The device serial number
            -d, --diff          Deprecated; no-op flag. Will be removed in a
                                future release.
                --flat          Returns a flat list instead of a tree
                --full          Return the full tree, including non-interactive
                                and hidden elements
            -h, --help          Show this help message and exit.
                --no-idle       Don't wait for layout idle state when fetching
                                layout
            -o, --output=PARAM  Writes the layout to the specified file or
                                directory. If omitted, prints to standard output
            -p, --pretty        Pretty-prints the returned JSON
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM     Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose       Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version       Print version information and exit.

run
          Usage: android run [-h] [--activity=PARAM] [--apks=PARAM] [--debug] [--device=PARAM]
                             [--install-options=PARAM] [--type=PARAM] [--use-delta-install]
          Build, deploy, and launch an Android application on a connected device
          or emulator.
          
          Options:
                --activity=PARAM         The activity name
                --apks=PARAM             The paths to the APKs, comma separated
                --debug                  Run in debug mode
                --device=PARAM           The device serial number
            -h, --help                   Show this help message and exit.
                --install-options=PARAM  Additional options/flags to pass to
                                         package manager install (e.g. -g,-d)
                --type=PARAM             The component type (ACTIVITY,
                                         WATCH_FACE, TILE, COMPLICATION,
                                         DECLARATIVE_WATCH_FACE, WEAR_WIDGET)
                --use-delta-install      Use fast delta install (speeds up
                                         incremental updates by transferring
                                         only modified code and resources;
                                         default: true)
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM              Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose                Enable verbose output for
                                         troubleshooting
            -V, --version                Print version information and exit.

screen
          Usage: android screen [-h] [COMMAND]
          Commands to view the device
          
          Options:
            -h, --help       Show this help message and exit.
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM  Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose    Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version    Print version information and exit.
          Commands:
            capture  Outputs the device screen to a PNG
            resolve  Target UI elements visually
                     Substitutes bounding box coordinates from a annotated
                     screenshot into a string. Replaces all instances of '#N'
                     with the center coordinates of the bounding box labeled 'N'

sdk
          Usage: android sdk [-h] [--platform=PARAM] [COMMAND]
          Manage the Android SDK installation. Includes commands to install,
          update, remove, and list available and installed SDK packages.
          
          Options:
            -h, --help            Show this help message and exit.
                --platform=PARAM  Target platform <os>_<arch> (e.g.
                                  linux_x86_64, mac_arm64, windows_x86),
                                  defaults to current host
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM       Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose         Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version         Print version information and exit.
          Commands:
            install  Install SDK packages
            update   Update one or all packages to the latest version
            remove   Remove packages from the SDK
            list     List installed and available SDK packages

skills
          Usage: android skills [-h] [COMMAND]
          Manage Android CLI skills. Includes commands to install, remove, list,
          and search for skills by keyword.
          
          Options:
            -h, --help       Show this help message and exit.
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM  Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose    Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version    Print version information and exit.
          Commands:
            add     Install a specific skill by its ID to your environment
            remove  Remove an installed skill by its ID
            list    List installed and available skills
            find    Search for available skills in the repository matching a
                    keyword
            update  Update installed skills

studio
          Usage: android studio [-h] [COMMAND]
          Android Studio commands
          
          Options:
            -h, --help       Show this help message and exit.
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM  Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose    Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version    Print version information and exit.
          Commands:
            find-declaration        Find declaration of a symbol
            find-usages             Find usages of a symbol
            open-file               Open a file in Android Studio
            check                   Check the status of running Studio instances
            analyze-file            Analyze a file in Android Studio
            render-compose-preview  Render a Compose preview in Android Studio
            version-lookup          Looks up the latest available versions on
                                    the internet of maven artifacts, Android
                                    versions, and more.

update
          Usage: android update [-h] [--url=PARAM]
          Update the Android CLI to the latest version.
          
          Options:
            -h, --help       Show this help message and exit.
                --url=PARAM  The URL to download the update from
          
          android options:
                --sdk=PARAM  Path to the Android SDK
            -v, --verbose    Enable verbose output for troubleshooting
            -V, --version    Print version information and exit.

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