Installing an APK from your computer over USB
Android's developer tools include a command that installs a package over USB. It needs a one-off setup on the phone and a download on the computer, and after that it does several things that are difficult or impossible from the phone itself.
What it is better at
| Task | From the phone | Over USB |
|---|---|---|
| Installing a single APK | Easy | No advantage |
| Installing a split bundle | Needs an installer app | Built in |
| Writing into Android/data | Blocked | Works |
| Installing to a phone with no browser | Awkward | Straightforward |
| Installing the same app on several phones | Tedious | Scripted |
| Removing preinstalled apps | Disable only | Remove for the user |
Setting it up
- Enable developer options Settings, About phone, tap the build number seven times.
- Turn on USB debugging In developer options. The phone will ask you to authorise the computer when you first connect.
- Install the platform tools on the computer Google publishes them as a standalone download for Windows, macOS and Linux. No full development environment is needed.
- Connect and authorise Accept the prompt on the phone. Tick always allow only for a computer you own.
- Confirm the device is listed The devices command should show your phone. If it shows unauthorised, the prompt was not accepted.
The three things worth knowing
| Task | Command shape |
|---|---|
| Install one APK | adb install app.apk |
| Install a split set together | adb install-multiple base.apk split1.apk split2.apk |
| Replace an existing install | adb install -r app.apk |
| Copy a file to the phone | adb push local.file /sdcard/Download/ |
| Remove an app for this user | adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.example.app |
The multiple-install command is the one that matters most, because it is how a split bundle gets installed as a single atomic session, exactly as the Play Store does it.
Doing it without a cable
Android 11 and newer support wireless debugging, paired with a code shown in developer options. It is slower for large files and much more convenient for repeated installs, and it does not need the phone tethered to the desk.
- Installing a large game bundle
- Copying gigabytes of game data
- A first-time setup
- Anything where a dropout is costly
- Small APK installs
- Repeated testing
- A phone across the room
- Reading logs
Enable debugging, install the platform tools, use install-multiple for bundles, and turn debugging off when you are done.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Android Studio?
No. The platform tools are a small standalone download containing everything needed.
Does this work on a Mac or Linux?
Yes, identically. Windows sometimes needs a manufacturer USB driver; the others generally do not.
Is USB debugging a security risk?
While enabled and authorised to a computer, yes, meaningfully. Turn it off when you have finished.
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