How to Use Android Studio Emulator

How to Use Android Studio Emulator (Complete Beginner to Advanced Guide)

If you are building an Android app, the Android Studio Emulator is one of the most useful tools you can use. It works like a virtual phone or tablet on your computer. You don’t need to connect a real device every time you want to test your app. Instead, you can run and test your app directly on the emulator.

An open laptop displaying the Android Studio interface with the emulator running, showing a virtual Android device on the screen

The Android Studio Emulator is part of Android Studio, which is the main tool used by most developers to build Android apps. This emulator shows how your app will look and behave on a real Android device. It supports different screen sizes, Android versions, and features like camera, GPS, and even phone calls.

You should learn how to use it because it saves time, makes testing easier, and gives you more control. With the emulator, you can quickly switch between devices, check how your app works in different conditions, and fix issues faster.

There are many ways you can run or use the Android Studio Emulator. You can open it directly inside Android Studio, use it through VS Code, run it from the command line, connect it with React Native, or even use it on a virtual machine. Some people also run it without HAXM or connect it to their computer’s camera. In this guide, you’ll learn how to do all of that in simple steps.

Table of Contents

What You Need Before You Start

Before you start using the Android Studio Emulator, there are a few things you need to set up. These are basic tools and knowledge that will help you use the emulator without problems.

Android Studio Installed
First, you need to install Android Studio on your computer. This is the official software used for Android app development. It comes with everything you need, including the emulator. You can download Android Studio from the official website and follow the setup steps. Make sure your computer meets the system requirements.

SDK and System Image Setup
After installing Android Studio, you need to set up the Android SDK and download a system image. The SDK (Software Development Kit) gives you the tools needed to build and test your app. The system image is like the Android version that runs on the emulator. You can choose Android 11, Android 12, or any version you want to test. Without these, your emulator will not work.

Basic Understanding of Virtual Devices
You should also understand what a virtual device is. A virtual device (or AVD – Android Virtual Device) is a software-based phone that runs on your computer. When you use the emulator, you’re using this virtual phone. You can create different virtual devices for testing different screen sizes, resolutions, and Android versions.

Optional: VS Code, React Native, and Command Line Tools
If you’re using VS Code instead of Android Studio or working with React Native apps, you might need some extra tools. These tools help you connect the emulator to your development setup. Also, if you prefer working through the terminal or command prompt, you’ll need to install command line tools like ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to control the emulator without opening Android Studio.

Once you have all these ready, you can start using the Android Studio Emulator in different ways depending on your setup.

How to Use Android Studio Emulator (The Basic Way)

If you are new to Android development, the easiest way to start using the Android Studio Emulator is by running it directly from Android Studio. This method is simple and does not need any extra tools or commands. You just follow a few steps, and your virtual device will be ready for testing your app.

How to Open Emulator from Android Studio

After opening Android Studio, you can access the emulator from the toolbar. At the top right, you will see a device drop-down. If you have already created a virtual device, you can click on it and run the emulator. If not, you will need to create one first.

You can also go to the menu bar and click on Tools > Device Manager. This will show you a list of available virtual devices. If there is no device listed, don’t worry. You can easily create one in the next step.

How to Create and Start a Virtual Device (AVD)

To create your first virtual device, follow these steps:

  1. Open Android Studio
  2. Click on Tools > Device Manager
  3. Click on the + Create Device button
  4. Choose a device model (like Pixel 6 or Nexus 5)
  5. Select a system image (like Android 12 or Android 13)
  6. Give your device a name and review the settings
  7. Click on Finish

After the device is created, it will appear in the Device Manager list. Click the Play button to launch the emulator. It may take a few seconds to start, depending on your computer speed. You will see a phone screen open on your desktop, just like a real Android phone.

Testing Your App on the Emulator

Now that the emulator is running, it’s time to test your app.

  1. Open or create a project in Android Studio
  2. Make sure the emulator is selected in the device dropdown
  3. Click on the Run button (a green triangle)

Android Studio will build your app and install it on the emulator. Once installed, the app will launch automatically, and you can interact with it like you do on a real phone. You can tap, scroll, rotate the screen, and even simulate incoming calls or messages.

Using the emulator this way helps you see how your app works without needing a physical Android phone. It’s fast, easy, and perfect for beginners who are just getting started.

How to Use Android Studio Emulator in VS Code

If you prefer using VS Code instead of Android Studio, you can still use the Android Emulator for testing your apps. VS Code is lighter and faster for many developers, and with a few simple steps, you can connect it to the emulator and run your apps easily.

How to Install Necessary Plugins in VS Code

To get started, you need to install a few extensions or plugins in VS Code:

  1. Open your VS Code
  2. Go to the Extensions tab (left sidebar or press Ctrl+Shift+X)
  3. Search and install these plugins:
    • Android iOS Emulator – This allows you to open emulators from inside VS Code
    • React Native Tools (if you are working on a React Native app)
    • Java Extension Pack – Needed if your project includes native Java code

Once these are installed, restart VS Code to make sure everything works properly.

How to Link VS Code with Android Studio Emulator

The Android Emulator is managed by Android Studio, so even if you use VS Code, you still need Android Studio installed in the background. Make sure your emulator is already created in Android Studio’s Device Manager.

Now link the emulator in VS Code:

  1. Open your project folder in VS Code
  2. Open the command palette (Ctrl+Shift+P)
  3. Search for Android iOS Emulator: Start Android Emulator
  4. It will show a list of your virtual devices (AVDs)
  5. Select the one you want to use, and it will launch on your desktop

This step calls the emulator that you created earlier in Android Studio, but you control it from inside VS Code.

Running Apps Directly from VS Code

After the emulator is running, you can now run your app directly from VS Code. The method depends on your project type:

  • For React Native apps:
    Make sure Metro bundler is started, then run this in the terminal: arduinoCopyEditnpx react-native run-android Your app will build and open in the emulator.
  • For Flutter apps (if using Flutter in VS Code):
    Run: arduinoCopyEditflutter run
  • For native Android apps with Gradle (Java or Kotlin):
    You can create a custom task or run using terminal commands like: bashCopyEdit./gradlew installDebug

If everything is connected properly, your app will install and launch on the Android Emulator, just like it does in Android Studio.

Using the emulator inside VS Code gives you flexibility and faster performance if you like working in a lighter coding environment.

How to Use Android Studio Emulator for React Native

If you are building apps with React Native, using the Android Studio Emulator helps you test your app without needing a real Android phone. It works well with the React Native setup, and once everything is ready, you can launch your app with just a few commands.

Setting Up a React Native Environment

Before you use the emulator with React Native, make sure your development environment is properly set up. Here’s what you need:

  1. Install Node.js – React Native depends on Node.js to run. Download and install it from the official website.
  2. Install Java Development Kit (JDK) – This is needed for Android development.
  3. Install Android Studio – You need Android Studio mainly to set up the emulator and Android SDK.
  4. Install React Native CLI or use npx – You can either install the CLI globally or use npx which is built into newer versions of Node.js.

After that, open Android Studio and:

  • Go to SDK Manager
  • Download the Android SDK and system image
  • Create a new Android Virtual Device (AVD) using the Device Manager

Once your AVD is ready, your environment is almost complete.

Linking Emulator with Metro Bundler

React Native uses something called Metro Bundler to serve your JavaScript code to the Android app. This bundler runs in a terminal window.

Follow these steps:

  1. Start your Android Emulator from Android Studio or VS Code
  2. Open your React Native project in a terminal
  3. In one terminal, run: javaCopyEditnpx react-native start This will start Metro Bundler

You need to keep this terminal open. If Metro isn’t running, your app will not load correctly when you install it on the emulator.

Running npx react-native run-android with Emulator

Now that the emulator is running and Metro is active, you can run your app using:

arduinoCopyEditnpx react-native run-android

This command builds your app and installs it directly on the Android Emulator. You will see the app open inside the emulator, and the JavaScript code will be served through Metro.

If everything is set up properly, your React Native app will run smoothly. You can make changes to your code, save the file, and the emulator will auto-refresh the app with the new changes.

This method is one of the easiest and fastest ways to test React Native apps without a physical Android phone.

How to Run Android Studio Emulator from the Command Line

If you like working with the terminal or command prompt, you can run the Android Studio Emulator without opening Android Studio. This can save time and give you more control, especially when you’re working with scripts or different development tools like React Native or Flutter.

Commands to Start Emulator

To run the emulator from the command line, you need to first go to the folder where the emulator tools are installed. On most systems, this folder is part of the Android SDK. You can usually find it at:

  • Windows:
    C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\emulator
  • macOS/Linux:
    ~/Library/Android/sdk/emulator or ~/Android/Sdk/emulator

Now, open your terminal and go to this directory using the cd command. Once you are in the emulator folder, you can use the command to run the emulator:

nginxCopyEditemulator -list-avds

This will show all the virtual devices you have created.

Checking Available AVDs

Before starting the emulator, you need to know the name of the AVD you want to run. To see the list, run:

nginxCopyEditemulator -list-avds

It will return something like:

nginxCopyEditPixel_4_API_33
Nexus_5_API_30

These are the names of your virtual devices. Choose the one you want to run.

Running Emulator Using emulator -avd <name>

To start the emulator, use the following command:

nginxCopyEditemulator -avd Pixel_4_API_33

Replace Pixel_4_API_33 with the name of your AVD.

If everything is set up correctly, the emulator will start and show the Android home screen.

You can also use some extra options with this command, for example:

  • Start in cold boot (like turning off/on a phone): pgsqlCopyEditemulator -avd Pixel_4_API_33 -no-snapshot-load
  • Set a specific resolution: nginxCopyEditemulator -avd Pixel_4_API_33 -scale 0.75

Common Command-Line Issues and Fixes

Here are some problems you might face and how to fix them:

  • Command not found:
    If you get an error saying the emulator command is not found, make sure your system PATH includes the SDK emulator folder. You can also go to the folder manually using cd.
  • HAXM not installed or enabled:
    If the emulator fails to start and shows a HAXM error, go to Android Studio, open SDK Manager, and install HAXM from the SDK Tools tab.
  • AVD not found:
    This means the AVD name you entered is not correct. Double-check the name using emulator -list-avds.
  • Emulator stuck or slow:
    Try restarting your system, use cold boot mode, or increase the memory size of the AVD.

Running the emulator from the command line is a fast and efficient method, especially if you are using lightweight editors like VS Code or want to run scripts that include the emulator start-up.

How to Run Android Studio Emulator on a Physical Phone

You don’t always have to use the Android Studio Emulator to test your app. Sometimes, it’s better to test directly on your real Android phone. Running your app on a real device can show you how it performs in real-world conditions. It also helps you check hardware features like GPS, camera, sensors, and battery usage more accurately.

Difference Between Emulator and Real Device

The emulator is a software version of an Android phone. It helps you test your app without needing a real device. It’s good for quick testing, different screen sizes, and Android versions.

But an emulator is still not a perfect replacement for a real device. Real phones have different performance levels, hardware sensors, and sometimes bugs that don’t appear in the emulator. So, if you want more reliable testing, using a real phone is a good idea.

How to Enable USB Debugging on Your Phone

Before you can use your phone for testing, you need to enable Developer Options and turn on USB Debugging. Here’s how you can do that:

  1. Go to your phone’s Settings
  2. Scroll down and tap on About phone
  3. Find the Build number and tap it 7 times
  4. You’ll see a message saying, “You are now a developer”
  5. Go back to Settings
  6. Tap on Developer options
  7. Find and turn on USB Debugging

Once USB Debugging is enabled, connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable. When you connect it, you might see a pop-up on your phone asking to allow USB debugging from this computer. Tap Allow.

Running Your App on a Phone Instead of an Emulator

Now that your phone is connected and USB Debugging is on, follow these steps to run your app:

  1. Open your project in Android Studio
  2. Wait for a few seconds — your phone will appear in the list of connected devices
  3. Select your phone from the device list
  4. Click the Run button (green triangle)

Android Studio will now build and install the app directly onto your phone. Once it’s done, the app will open on your phone’s screen.

You can also do this with VS Code or the command line. For example, in React Native, run:

arduinoCopyEditnpx react-native run-android

If your phone is connected properly, the app will be installed and launched on your device.

Using a physical phone is a smart move when you want to test how your app behaves on actual hardware. It can also help you catch real bugs that an emulator might miss.

How to Run Android Studio Emulator on a Virtual Machine

If you are using a virtual machine (VM) to run your development tools, you might wonder if you can also use the Android Studio Emulator inside that VM. It is possible but not always easy. There are some challenges you need to understand before you try it.

Can You Run an Emulator Inside a VM?

Yes, you can run the Android Studio Emulator inside a virtual machine, but it depends on a few things. Most emulators, including Android Studio’s default one, need hardware virtualization to work properly. This feature is called Intel VT-x or AMD-V and is usually enabled in your system BIOS.

But here’s the problem: if your main computer is already running a virtual machine (like VirtualBox, VMware, or Hyper-V), you are trying to run virtualization inside virtualization. This is called nested virtualization, and it doesn’t always work smoothly.

Problems You Might Face with Nested Virtualization

Running the emulator inside a VM is not as simple as on a regular system. Here are some common problems you might face:

  • HAXM or WHPX not working: The emulator needs hardware acceleration (like HAXM or WHPX), but your VM might block it or not allow access.
  • The emulator is slow or not starting: Without proper virtualization, the emulator will either freeze, crash, or run very slowly.
  • Graphics and UI lag: Many virtual machines don’t support fast GPU rendering, so the emulator might look laggy or unusable.
  • CPU and RAM limits: VMs often don’t have enough power to run an emulator and other heavy tools at the same time.

Because of these reasons, many developers find it hard or impossible to use the Android Emulator inside a virtual machine.

Workarounds or Alternatives (Like Genymotion)

If your emulator doesn’t work well in a VM, don’t worry — there are some alternatives and tricks you can try:

  1. Use Genymotion Emulator
    Genymotion is a popular Android emulator that works better in virtual machines. It supports running directly on VirtualBox and does not need HAXM or WHPX. You can download Genymotion and install a virtual Android device that runs smoothly in your VM.
  2. Use a Real Android Phone
    If you have a real Android phone, connect it to your VM through USB passthrough. This lets your virtual machine detect the phone and install apps on it. This method works very well and gives you real device testing.
  3. Enable Nested Virtualization in Your Host Machine
    If you control the host machine, you can enable nested virtualization in the host system. Some platforms, like VMware Workstation Pro or Windows Hyper-V, allow this setting. But even then, performance may still be slower than using a real machine.
  4. Use Cloud Emulators
    Some platforms offer Android emulators in the cloud. These include BrowserStack, Firebase Test Lab, and Genymotion Cloud. You run the emulator in your browser or on a remote server.

So, yes, you can try to run Android Studio Emulator in a virtual machine, but expect some issues. It’s better to use tools like Genymotion or test on a physical device if you want smooth and stable testing.

How to Run Android Studio Emulator Without HAXM

If your computer doesn’t support HAXM or it causes errors during installation, you can still run the Android Studio Emulator using other methods. Many people think the emulator only works with HAXM, but there are other options depending on your operating system.

What is HAXM and Why It’s Needed

HAXM stands for Intel Hardware Accelerated Execution Manager. It is a tool made by Intel to make the Android Emulator run faster on computers that use Intel processors. It uses virtualization technology to boost the speed of the emulator, especially when starting up or running heavy apps.

HAXM is normally installed through Android Studio’s SDK Manager. But sometimes it won’t install or run properly because:

  • Your system doesn’t support Intel VT-x
  • VT-x is disabled in BIOS
  • You are using an AMD processor
  • You are running Android Studio in a virtual machine
  • Your system already uses another hypervisor like Hyper-V

If HAXM is not available, the emulator becomes very slow or may not work at all unless you switch to another acceleration method.

How to Use Other Options Like WHPX (Windows) or Hypervisor Framework (macOS)

If HAXM doesn’t work, don’t worry. Android Emulator now supports other backends that do the same job.

  1. On Windows – Use WHPX
    WHPX stands for Windows Hypervisor Platform. It is built into Windows 10 and later versions. To use it:
    • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or offEnable Windows Hypervisor PlatformRestart your PCOpen Android Studio and go to AVD ManagerCreate or edit a virtual device and choose WHPX as the emulator backend
    WHPX works on AMD and Intel CPUs. It may not be as fast as HAXM, but it is a good alternative.
  2. On macOS – Use Apple’s Hypervisor Framework
    macOS comes with its virtualization system called the Hypervisor Framework. You don’t need to install anything manually.
    • Just create your emulator in Android Studio
    • It will automatically use the Hypervisor Framework
    • You might need to update your system and make sure virtualization is enabled in security settings

This method works well on newer Macs, especially Apple Silicon models (M1, M2).

Troubleshooting Performance Issues

If you’re running the emulator without HAXM, you might notice some lag or slow startup. Here are a few tips to improve performance:

  • Increase RAM for the emulator
    When creating your AVD, assign more memory (e.g., 2048 MB or 4096 MB) if your system allows it
  • Use Cold Boot once
    Open the emulator settings and select “Cold Boot Now” to reset and refresh the virtual device
  • Turn off unnecessary features
    Features like the camera, GPS, or Play Store can slow things down. Disable them if you don’t need them
  • Use x86 or x86_64 system image
    Avoid using ARM images as they are much slower and not optimized for emulators
  • Close heavy apps while running the emulator
    Make sure your computer has enough free RAM and CPU power. Close browsers or background apps to help the emulator run faster

Running the Android Studio Emulator without HAXM is possible if you switch to WHPX or the Hypervisor Framework. It may need some setup, but once done, it works well for most projects.

How to Use the Camera in the Android Studio Emulator

If your app needs camera features like scanning QR codes, taking pictures, or using augmented reality, you can test these things inside the Android Studio Emulator. The emulator has a built-in camera system that can be connected to a virtual camera or even your computer’s webcam.

How to Enable the Virtual Camera

To enable the virtual camera in the emulator, you need to edit your virtual device settings. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Android Studio
  2. Go to Tools > Device Manager
  3. Find your virtual device and click the edit (pencil) icon
  4. Click Show Advanced Settings
  5. Scroll to Camera options (front and back)
  6. Set either one to Emulated or Webcam
  7. Save the changes and restart the emulator

The emulated option uses a dummy video feed. This is useful for basic testing when you don’t need real camera input. The Webcam option connects your real webcam to the emulator.

Linking to Your Computer’s Webcam

To link the emulator with your computer’s webcam:

  • Follow the same steps as above, but select Webcam0 instead of Emulated
  • If you have more than one webcam, you may see Webcam1 or other options
  • Make sure your webcam is working on your system before using it with the emulator

Once connected, the emulator will open your webcam stream inside the virtual camera view. You can now test real camera actions from your app, like scanning a barcode or taking a selfie.

Testing Camera-Based Features in Your App

After setting up the camera, run your app on the emulator. If your app uses the camera, it will now open the virtual or webcam feed.

You can test these features:

  • Camera permission requests
  • Opening the camera to take a photo
  • Barcode or QR code scanners
  • Augmented reality tools that depend on camera input

If something doesn’t work, check your app’s permissions, emulator settings, and webcam driver. Restart the emulator or your system if needed.

How to Run Android Studio Without Emulator

Sometimes, you don’t want to use the built-in Android Studio Emulator. It can be slow, take up too much memory, or not work well on older computers. There are other ways you can test your app without using the emulator.

Using a Real Phone

The easiest way is to connect a real Android phone to your computer. Here’s how:

  1. Turn on Developer Options and USB Debugging on your phone
  2. Connect your phone with a USB cable
  3. Select your phone from the device list in Android Studio
  4. Run the app – it will install and launch on your phone

Testing on a real device is more accurate and shows how your app performs in real life.

Using Other Emulators (Genymotion, Bluestacks, etc.)

You can also use third-party emulators instead of Android Studio’s built-in one. Some popular options include:

  • Genymotion – Fast, supports different Android versions, works inside VirtualBox, and allows camera/GPS testing
  • Bluestacks – More focused on running Android apps like games, but can be used for simple app testing
  • Nox Player – Similar to Bluestacks, lightweight and works well on low-end systems

These emulators are easier to set up, and some work even without HAXM or advanced hardware support.

Why You Might Skip the Built-In Emulator

You might skip the default Android Emulator because:

  • It uses too much RAM or CPU
  • It doesn’t run well on older PCs or in virtual machines
  • You face errors like missing HAXM or crashes
  • You want to test apps on a real device for better results
  • You prefer a faster or simpler alternative like Genymotion

Choosing the right tool depends on your system and what kind of app you are building. If your goal is speed and stability, testing on a real phone is usually the best choice.

Common Issues and Fixes

While using the Android Studio Emulator, you might run into some problems. These issues are common, and most of them have simple fixes. If your emulator is not working as expected, here are some things you can check and try.

Emulator Not Starting

Sometimes, the emulator just doesn’t open or gets stuck on a black screen. This can happen due to different reasons:

  • HAXM not installed or enabled – Go to Android Studio’s SDK Manager, open the SDK Tools tab, and install or enable HAXM.
  • Corrupt AVD – Delete the AVD and create a new one from Device Manager.
  • Hardware acceleration problem – Make sure virtualization is enabled in your BIOS.
  • Hyper-V conflict (Windows) – If Hyper-V is enabled, it may conflict with HAXM. Disable Hyper-V from Windows Features.

If none of these work, try restarting your PC and running the emulator again.

Slow Performance

Your emulator might feel very slow, especially when loading or navigating through the app. Some possible causes:

  • Low RAM allocation – Try giving more RAM to your emulator when creating or editing the AVD.
  • Too many apps or tabs are running on your system – Close other programs like browsers or design tools.
  • Graphics rendering set to software: Go to AVD settings and switch to hardware graphics for better speed.
  • Running heavy apps – If your app has a lot of animations or media, it can slow down the emulator. Try using a lighter test version.

App Not Deploying

If your app doesn’t open on the emulator or it crashes during startup, here’s what you can do:

  • Check device connection – Make sure the emulator is running and selected as the target device.
  • Clean and rebuild the project – In Android Studio, go to Build > Clean Project and then Rebuild Project.
  • Update SDK and emulator image – Go to SDK Manager and check for updates.
  • Check for missing permissions – If your app needs permissions like camera or location, grant them in the emulator settings.

Tips for Better Emulator Usage

To make your work smoother, here are some simple tips that can help you get more out of the Android Emulator.

Use Snapshots

Snapshots let you save the emulator’s current state. When you reopen it, everything loads faster, and you can skip the boot time.

  • In AVD settings, enable Quick Boot
  • After using the emulator, close it normally
  • The next time you open it, it will load from the saved snapshot

This saves time, especially if you test apps regularly.

Try Cold Boot If Stuck

If the emulator is stuck, frozen, or behaving weirdly, you can try a cold boot.

  • Open Device Manager
  • Click the arrow next to your emulator
  • Choose Cold Boot Now

This restarts the emulator from scratch and clears any temporary errors.

Allocate More RAM If Needed

If your emulator is lagging or crashing, you might need to increase the RAM.

  • Go to Tools > Device Manager
  • Edit your AVD by clicking the pencil icon
  • Under Memory and Storage, increase RAM to 2048 MB or more
  • Save and restart the emulator

Be careful not to set too much RAM if your system has low memory.

These small changes can make a big difference in how smoothly your emulator works, helping you test and build apps more easily.

FAQs

When you’re working with the Android Emulator, many questions come to mind, especially if you’re just getting started or using a low-end system. Here are answers to some of the most common questions developers ask about using the Android Studio Emulator.

Can I Use an Android Emulator Without Android Studio?

Yes, you can use the Android Emulator without opening the full Android Studio every time. Once you install Android Studio and set up the Android SDK, you can launch the emulator using the command line or other tools like VS Code, React Native CLI, or Flutter CLI.

But you still need Android Studio installed at least once because it provides the SDK, system images, and device manager. After that, you don’t have to open it again if you prefer working from tthe erminal or a lighter code editor.

Is It Better to Test on a Phone or Emulator?

Both have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on what you’re testing.

  • Use an emulator if you want to quickly test on different Android versions, screen sizes, or device models. It’s good for UI testing, layout adjustments, and basic app behavior.
  • Use a real phone if you want to check performance, camera, battery usage, sensors, or how your app runs in real-life situations. Real devices show you things the emulator might miss.

Ideally, you should test on both. Use the emulator for fast testing during development, and test on a phone before launching your app.

What Is the Best Emulator for React Native?

The built-in Android Studio Emulator works well with React Native if your system supports virtualization. You can launch it using npx react-native run-android, and it connects easily with Metro bundler.

But if your system is slow or HAXM doesn’t work, you can try:

  • Genymotion – It runs faster, works well in virtual machines, and connects easily with React Native.
  • Bluestacks or Nox Player – These are mostly for general Android use but can be used for simple app testing.

For most developers, the Android Studio Emulator is the best starting point. If it doesn’t work well, Genymotion is a great alternative for React Native projects.

Can I Use the Emulator Without HAXM on Low-End Systems?

Yes, you can. If HAXM isn’t available or doesn’t work on your system, you can switch to other options:

  • On Windows, enable Windows Hypervisor Platform (WHPX)
  • On macOS, the Android Emulator uses Apple’s Hypervisor Framework
  • Use ARM-based system images, but they are slower
  • Try Genymotion, which doesn’t need HAXM and works better on systems with low specs

Also, you can skip the emulator completely and test directly on a real Android phone, which often performs better than using a heavy emulator on a low-end PC.

These options give you flexibility no matter what kind of system you’re using.

Conclusion

Now you have a complete understanding of how to use the Android Studio Emulator in different ways. Whether you’re using Android Studio, VS Code, or working with React Native, you’ve learned how to set up the emulator and test your app. You also saw how to run it from the command line, use a real phone, or even work without HAXM.

Let’s quickly recap what you learned:

  • You can run the emulator directly from Android Studio using a virtual device
  • It also works with VS Code or React Native by linking the emulator and running simple commands
  • You can start it from the command line using emulator -avd <name>
  • You have the option to test your app on a real Android phone instead of using the emulator
  • If you use a virtual machine, tools like Genymotion are better alternatives
  • You can run the emulator without HAXM by switching to WHPX or other supported systems
  • The emulator also lets you test features like the camera
  • If the emulator is slow or not working, you learned some quick fixes and tips to make it better

Each method has its benefits. What works best for one setup may not be ideal for another. So, it’s a good idea to try more than one method. For example, you can use the emulator while coding and test your app on a real phone before release. This gives you better results and more confidence in your app’s performance.

If this guide helped you, consider bookmarking it. You may need to come back later to fix a problem or try another setup. Testing Android apps becomes much easier once you’re comfortable with different tools. So keep exploring, stay patient, and your workflow will improve with time.

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