How to Fix “adb not recognized error”

ADB is one of the most crucial tools when it comes to Android development. But what if the tool isn’t working? What if you get an “ADB not recognized error” while trying to use ADB command in PowerShell or Command Prompt? Well, now that you are here there is nothing to worry anymore.

In this article, we are sharing with you all the methods to fix “ADB not recognized” error along with a verification method.

What is ADB?

ADB is an SDK platform tool that is used to gateway between your Android device and the PC. ADB is enabled when you enable the USB debugging. This tool helps you in many ways one of which is fixing your bricked device. It also helps in installing important apps and Mods.

What is “adb not recognized” error?

The “adb not recognized” error occurs when Command Prompt or PowerShell fails to read ADB command. This happens because of the missing Environmental system variable. However, by adding missing environmental variables using the below short guide, you will be able to fix “adb not recognized” error.

Fix "adb not recognized error"

Add missing Environmental Variable to Fix “adb not recognized” error

Here is a short and well-explained guide on how to add missing Environmental variables to fix “adb not recognized” error. However, before that, make sure to follow the below prerequisites-

Step 0. Enable USB Debugging on Android device.

Step 0.1 Download latest Android SDK platform tools

Step 1. On your PC, go to the Windows icon and then to Advanced System Settings. 

Step 2. Below Settings on the bottom right corner, you will find the ‘Environmental Variables’ option.

Step 3. Below it, you will find two other options – User Variables and System Variabled. 

Step 4. Go to System Variables and choose Path keyword. 

Step 5. An Edit Environment Variable Window will now pop up. Click on the Browse option.

Step 6. In the same option, go to the folder where you have installed ADB and Fastboot tools. Then choose Platform tools and hit ok.

Step 7. The variable you selected will now be added to the Environmental Variables. You can now hit ok and close the pop-up window.

Step 8. Now see under the Environmental Variables, the System Variables. You will notice that the path section will now have the recently added Variable’s path. Hit OK to close the dialog box.

You are done here. The Missing Environmental Variables have been successfully added. Thus you have also fixed “adb not recognized” error.

However, if you are not sure whether you have fixed this error-totally, here is a verification process to see if the “adb not recognized” error is fixed or not.

How to verify if the “adb is not recognized” error has been solved?

Here are two methods using which you can check if you have fixed “adb not recognized” error or not.

1. Check “adb not recognized” error fixed or not using Command Prompt

  • Go to the folder on PC where you have installed Adb and Fastboot tools.
  • In the address bar, type cmd.
  • Hit the enter button on the keyboard.
  • A command prompt will now appear on the screen.
  • Type adb and hit enter.
  • If a list of adb commands appears on the screen, you have successfully fixed the “adb not recognized” error. 

2. Check “adb not recognized” error fixed or not via PowerShell Window

  • In the Platform-tools folder on your PC, hit and long-press shift key, and with it right-click anywhere on the empty space.
  • A menu will appear.
  • Choose the ‘Open PowerShell window here’ option.
  • Enter adb.
  • You should see a list of commands. This means that “adb not recognized” error solved.

I hope the above article helped you in fixing the “adb not recognized” error. If you are still facing the “adb not recognized” error or In case you have any questions, feel free to ask us in the comment section below. We will be glad to help you out.

Happy Androiding:-)