Install ADB and Fastboot
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot are the essential tools for Android modding. You literally can't install custom ROMs without them.
Don't worry - setup is easy. I'll walk you through it for every operating system.
What Are These Tools?
ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
Communicates with your phone while Android is running:
- Install apps
- Transfer files
- Run shell commands
- Capture screenshots
- Debug issues
- Reboot to recovery/bootloader
Fastboot
Communicates with your phone's bootloader:
- Flash partitions (recovery, boot, system)
- Unlock bootloader
- Flash full ROMs
- Debug boot issues
Windows Installation
Method 1: Minimal ADB (Easiest)
- Download from XDA
- Run installer
- Follow prompts
- Done!
Method 2: Platform Tools (Official)
The official way from Google:
- Download Platform Tools for Windows
- Extract to simple location (e.g.,
C:\platform-tools) - Add to PATH:
1. Open Start Menu
2. Search "Environment Variables"
3. Click "Environment Variables..."
4. Under "User variables" find "Path"
5. Click Edit → New
6. Add: C:\platform-tools
7. OK → OK → OK
- Verify installation:
adb version
fastboot --version
Install Drivers
Windows needs USB drivers:
- Universal ADB Driver: Download
- Manufacturer drivers: From your phone's support site
macOS Installation
Method 1: Homebrew (Recommended)
If you have Homebrew:
brew install android-platform-tools
Done! Verify:
adb version
Method 2: Manual Install
- Download Platform Tools for Mac
- Extract to preferred location:
mkdir ~/platform-tools
unzip platform-tools-latest-darwin.zip -d ~/
- Add to PATH - edit
~/.zshrcor~/.bash_profile:
echo 'export PATH=$PATH:~/platform-tools' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc
- Verify:
adb version
Linux Installation
Method 1: Package Manager (Easiest)
Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt install adb fastboot
Fedora:
sudo dnf install android-tools
Arch:
sudo pacman -S android-tools
Method 2: Manual Install
# Download
wget https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-linux.zip
# Extract
unzip platform-tools-latest-linux.zip -d ~/
# Add to PATH
echo 'export PATH=$PATH:~/platform-tools' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc
# Verify
adb version
Set Up udev Rules (Linux)
Linux needs permission to access USB devices:
# Download rules file
sudo wget -O /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules \
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/M0Rf30/android-udev-rules/main/51-android.rules
# Set permissions
sudo chmod a+r /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules
# Reload rules
sudo udevadm control --reload-rules
Enable USB Debugging on Phone
ADB needs USB debugging enabled:
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
Settings → About Phone
Tap "Build Number" 7 times
Enter PIN when prompted
"You are now a developer!"
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging
Settings → Developer Options
USB Debugging → Enable
Confirm the dialog
Step 3: Connect and Authorize
# Connect phone via USB
adb devices
You'll see authorization prompt on phone → "Allow" (check "Always allow")
Verify Installation
Run these commands to confirm everything works:
# Check ADB version
adb version
# Should show: Android Debug Bridge version X.X.X
# Check Fastboot version
fastboot --version
# Should show version info
# List connected devices (with phone connected and USB debugging on)
adb devices
# Should show your device serial number
Successful Output
$ adb devices
List of devices attached
ABC123DEF456 device
Common ADB Commands
| Command | What It Does |
|---|---|
adb devices | List connected devices |
adb reboot | Reboot device |
adb reboot bootloader | Reboot to fastboot |
adb reboot recovery | Reboot to recovery |
adb push file /sdcard/ | Copy file to phone |
adb pull /sdcard/file | Copy file from phone |
adb install app.apk | Install APK |
adb shell | Open shell on device |
adb logcat | View system logs |
Common Fastboot Commands
| Command | What It Does |
|---|---|
fastboot devices | List connected devices |
fastboot flash recovery file.img | Flash recovery |
fastboot flash boot boot.img | Flash boot image |
fastboot reboot | Reboot to system |
fastboot reboot recovery | Reboot to recovery |
fastboot oem unlock | Unlock bootloader |
fastboot flashing unlock | Alt unlock command |
fastboot getvar all | Show device info |
Troubleshooting
"Device Not Found" or Empty List
Windows:
- Install USB drivers
- Try different USB port
- Try USB 2.0 port instead of 3.0
- Restart ADB server:
adb kill-server && adb start-server
Mac/Linux:
- Check USB cable (data cable, not charge-only)
- Try different USB port
- Restart ADB server
"Unauthorized" Device
- Check phone for authorization dialog
- Revoke USB debugging authorizations in browser options, reconnect
- Re-enable USB debugging
Fastboot Not Detecting Device
- Device must be in fastboot/bootloader mode
- Install fastboot drivers (Windows)
- Try different USB port
"Command Not Found"
- PATH not set correctly
- Restart terminal/command prompt
- Check installation location
Quick Reference Card
# Essential workflow:
adb devices # Check connection
adb reboot bootloader # Go to fastboot
fastboot devices # Check fastboot connection
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img # Flash recovery
fastboot reboot recovery # Boot to recovery
# File transfer:
adb push rom.zip /sdcard/
adb pull /sdcard/backup.zip
# Debug:
adb kill-server # If ADB is stuck
adb start-server # Restart ADB
Summary
Quick Setup:
1. Download Platform Tools (or use package manager)
2. Extract/Install
3. Add to PATH
4. Enable USB Debugging on phone
5. Connect and authorize
6. Test with: adb devices
ADB and Fastboot are your new best friends. Once set up, you're ready to flash ROMs and customize your Android!
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