Table of Contents

Managing Android Emulators

This guide covers setting up and managing Android emulators for use with the DeviceRunners CLI tool.

Overview

The DeviceRunners CLI tool works with any running Android emulator or connected device. For comprehensive emulator management, we recommend using the AndroidSDK.Tool, which provides a convenient .NET interface for Android SDK operations.

Installing AndroidSdk.Tool

Tip

Use android … if installed globally, or dotnet android … if restored as a local tool via dotnet tool restore.

dotnet tool install --global AndroidSdk.Tool

Creating and Starting an Emulator

Once the tool is installed, you can create and boot an emulator:

  1. Install the emulator image using the Android SDK: 
    android sdk install --package "system-images;android-<android-api-level>;google_apis;<cpu-architecture>"
  2. Create the emulator instance: 
    android avd create --name <emulator-name> --sdk "system-images;android-<android-api-level>;google_apis;<cpu-architecture>" --device <device-type>
  3. Boot the emulator: 
    android avd start --name <emulator-name> --wait-boot

To download, install, create and boot a Pixel 5 emulator running Android 14 (API Level 34) on my ARM64 Apple Silicon laptop:

android sdk install \
  --package "system-images;android-34;google_apis;arm64-v8a"

android avd create \
  --name TestRunnerEmulator \
  --sdk "system-images;android-34;google_apis;arm64-v8a" \
  --device pixel_5

android avd start \
  --name TestRunnerEmulator \
  --wait-boot

# run things on the emulator
Edit this page