Automating Android Devices with Python and ADB

Python can control almost any device, and this tutorial shows how to use Python code with the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to automate actions on an Android phone.

Installation preparation : Install the ADB tool (bundled with Android Studio or from the official website) and the Python library pip install pure-python-adb # install pure-python-adb library. . Optionally install scrcpy to mirror and control the phone from the computer.

Enable USB debugging : Unlock developer options by tapping the build number seven times, then enable USB debugging in the developer options panel. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.

Connecting with Python : Start the ADB server with adb start-server . Use the pure-python-adb library to create an AdbClient object, list connected devices, and select the target device.

Script basics : Use shell commands to simulate touch events. Activate pointer location in developer options to see screen coordinates. The top‑left corner is (0,0); the bottom‑right corner gives the maximum x and y values.

Example 1 – Selfie timer : Import the library, connect to the device, launch the camera app, wait a few seconds, and trigger a photo capture. The script demonstrates opening an app, waiting, and sending a tap command.

Example 2 – Definition searcher : Open the default browser, tap the search bar at known coordinates (e.g., (440,200)), input a query, simulate the Enter key (event ID 66), wait, then capture a screenshot and save it as a PNG file.

Both examples illustrate how to combine ADB commands with Python to perform tasks that would normally require manual interaction, enabling powerful automation of Android devices.

By following these steps you can automate virtually any interaction with an Android device using Python and ADB.