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Step-by-Step Guide to create and launch Android Virtual Device (AVD) in emulator using Android Studio

Step-by-Step Guide to create and launch Android Virtual Device (AVD) in emulator using Android Studio

🗓️  Nov 25, 2019

step 1 : Run Android Studio

  • Install latest stable version of Android Studio
Android Studio
Android Studio

step 2 : Open AVD Manager

Configure (Settings icon) > AVD Manager

Android Studio - AVD Manager
Android Studio - AVD Manager

step 3  : Create a Virtual Device

Click on “Create Virtual Device”

Create Virtual Device
Create Virtual Device
  • Select Hardware - Choose Device Definition : for this demo, we will select Pixel.
  • Note : You can also create your own hardware profile or import an existing hardware profile using “New Hardware Profile” and “Import Hardware Profile” buttons.
  • Click Next
AVD Manager - Hardware
AVD Manager - Hardware

step 4 : Select a System Image

  • Download and Select the latest stable version of Android System Image.
  • Click Next
AVD Manager - System Image
AVD Manager - System Image

step 5 : Verify Configuration

AVD Configuration
AVD Configuration

Click on “Show Advanced Settings” Button

Advanced AVD Configuration
Advanced AVD Configuration

For most of the settings, keep default values.

Only change the below config parameters :

  • Graphics : Hardware GLES 2.0
AVD Configuration - Graphics
AVD Configuration - Graphics
  • Multi-core CPU : 2
AVD Configuration - CPU
AVD Configuration - CPU
  • Click Finish
Android Virtual Device AVD
Android Virtual Device AVD
  • Your AVD is ready to be launched in the emulator !

step 6 : Launch your Android Virtual Device in the emulator

In Actions column, Click on the play button to launch this AVD in the emulator

Launch AVD
Launch AVD

step 7 : Launching Emulator… Starting AVD…

Wait for a few seconds to launch emulator and start Android Virtual Device AVD.

Launch Emulator
Launch Emulator
AVD Android Emulator
AVD Android Emulator

You have successfully created and launched Android Virtual Device (AVD) in emulator using Android Studio. 

Frequently Asked Questions

An Android Virtual Device (AVD) is a configuration that defines the characteristics of an Android phone, tablet, Wear OS, Android TV, or Automotive OS device that you want to simulate in the Android Emulator.

Open Android Studio, select the AVD Manager, choose your configured Virtual Device, and click the Play/Launch icon to start the emulator.

Yes, the Android Emulator is completely free and bundled inside Android Studio.
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