How To Install ADB And Fastboot Tool on Windows/Mac/Linux

Flashing or installing recoveries on an Android Smartphone requires minimal ADB and Fastboot on your Computer or Macbook, which is very easy. Many ADB and Fastboot tools on the internet, which are mostly auto downloads, don’t work on our computers. After a lot of research, I found this tool very easy to install and use on my laptop, and it works with most devices with compatible drivers installed.

ADB and Fastboot are command-line tools that run on Android devices to modify system images or update the package list. It does not alter or replace any system partitions of the running operating system.

Using ADB and Fastboot, you can unlock the bootloader of your locked device and install custom recoveries like PWRP, TWRP, Philz recovery, CWM recovery, etc. By flashing the stock firmware, you can even send commands to unbrick your device, which has gone into a boot loop or is not starting.

Several users have complained often that they cannot install ADB and Fastboot on their systems. Well, we will give you a detailed yet clean guide to installing minimal ADB and fast boot, which will not take more than 2 minutes.

What is ADB and Fastboot?

Before diving into the installation process, let’s grasp the fundamentals. ADB is a versatile command-line tool that facilitates communication between your computer and Android device. Fastboot, on the other hand, is a protocol used to modify the flash file system on Android devices. They form a powerful duo, opening doors to advanced Android functionalities.

Downloading ADB and Fastboot

ADB

To download ADB, visit the official Android Developer website or follow the instructions below. Look for the SDK Platform Tools section and choose the appropriate download for your operating system.

Fastboot

Similarly, download Fastboot from the same SDK Platform Tools section on the Android Developer website. Ensure compatibility with your operating system.

Guide to installing Minimal ADB and Fastboot On Windows

Step 1: Download Minimal ADB and Fastboot from here

Step 2: Install minimal_adb_fastboot_v1.4.3_Droidmix.com.exe, which you downloaded

Step 3: Follow the screen and install it (you can even select the directory of your choice, like Desktop or just C drive)

Step 4: Do not launch it from the installation window

Step 5:  Go to C: Program Files (x86)Minimal ADB and Fastboot and right-click on py_cmd.exe and run it as administrator (for Windows 64-bit systems)

or

Go to C: Program FilesMinimal ADB and Fastboot and right-click on cmd_here.exe and run it as administrator (for Windows 32-bit systems)

Guide to installing Minimal ADB and Fastboot On MAC OS

Step 1: Go to the Android Developers website and Download SDK Platform-Tools for Mac

Step 2: Extract the Platform Tools on your desktop. It will look something like this:

Step 3: Go to Applications and create a folder named Android

Step 4: Copy the ADB and Fastboot files to the newly created folder, and you are done. You can delete the rest of the extracted files.

Guide to installing Minimal ADB and Fastboot On Linux

Step 1: Download Platform Tools for Linux

Step 2: Extract the Platform Tools on your desktop. It will look something like this:

Step 3: Right-click and open the terminal from this window to use the ADB and Fastboot commands.

Other Optional Requirements:

• Your device is connected to your PC/Laptop through a USB Cable
• Enable USB Debugging on your device.
  • Goto > Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging.
    • If Developer Options is not located in settings, enable it by going to Settings > About Phone > Device Info and tapping Build Number 7-8 times. Then, go back and follow the previous step.
• Install the drivers for your device.

Final Words

ADB and Fastboot are powerful tools for interacting with the device. They are mainly used for debugging, but they can also be used to install apps, run shell commands, transfer files between the device and computer, retrieve diagnostic information about the device, and perform remote package installations. If, by any chance, you are having trouble installing ADB and Fastboot on your computer, then check out how to run ADB from a browser without installing it.

FAQs

1. Is ADB necessary for everyday Android use?
   • While not essential for casual users, ADB offers advanced functionalities and debugging capabilities for Android developers.
2. Can I use Fastboot without ADB?
   • Fastboot and ADB often work together, but Fastboot can also be used independently for specific tasks like unlocking bootloaders and flashing firmware.
3. What should I do if ADB commands are not recognized?
   • Ensure that ADB is added to the system PATH, allowing it to be recognized globally. Revisit the installation steps to troubleshoot.
4. Are there graphical interfaces for ADB and Fastboot?
   • Yes, third-party tools with graphical interfaces exist, but understanding the command-line tools provides a more in-depth understanding of Android development.
5. Can I uninstall ADB and Fastboot after setup?
   • While you can uninstall the tools, keeping them can benefit future Android modifications and updates.