How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands (2024)

In this guide, we will show you the steps to change your Android device settings via ADB Commands. The open-source nature of the OS allows you to carry out a plentitude of tweaks on your device. The tech enthusiasts usually opt for the extreme measure of unlocking the device’s bootloader, flashing custom ROMs, and installing tons of mods.

While these tweaks do add up a slew of functionalities to your device, on the flip side they might prove to be risky as well. This is where the ADB Commands come in handy. While they don’t provide the same number of goodies that an unlocked bootloader / root has to offer but they still have some nifty workarounds nevertheless.

Be it for uninstalling bloatware, tweaking RAM configuration, setting a custom animation scale, disabling adaptive battery, or changing the maximum and minimum refresh rate, the possibilities stand endless. Likewise, you could also control most of the Developer Options settings using these commands. So on that note, let’s check out the steps to change your Android device settings via ADB Commands.

Table of Contents

How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands

How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands (1)

The below instructions are listed under separate sections for ease of understanding. Make sure to follow the same sequence as mentioned.

STEP 1: Install Android SDK

How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands (2)

First and foremost, you will have to install theAndroid SDK Platform Toolson your PC. This is the official ADB and Fastboot binary provided by Google and is the only recommended one. So download it and then extract it to any convenient location on your PC. Doing so will give you the platform-tools folder, which will be used throughout this guide.

STEP 2: Enable USB Debugging

Next up, you will have toenable USB Debuggingon your device so that it is recognizable by the PC in ADB mode. So head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.

How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands (3)

STEP 3: Establish ADB Shell Connection

  1. To begin with, connect your device to the PC via USB cable. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled.
  2. Then head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
    How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands (4)
  3. Now in the following command in the CMD window to verify the ADB connection:
    adb devices

    How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands (5)

  4. If you get the device ID, then the connection stands successful. Now type in the below command to open the Shell environment:
    adb shell

    How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands (6)

  5. It will now list out your device codename/name, which means that the shell connection has been successfully established and you are good to go ahead.

STEP 4: Change Device Settings via ADB Commands

  1. The command to check the current value of any parameter is:
    settings get global paramter_name
  2. Say, if you wish to check the current value of the Animator Duration Scale with the parameter animator_duration_scale, then the above command will transform to:
    settings get global animator_duration_scale

    How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands (7)

  3. Now, the default command to change the value of any parameter is (where X is a numerical value):
    settings put global parameter_name X.XX
  4. Suppose we wish to disable the animation duration scale, so in that case, the above command will transform to:
    settings put global parameter_name 0.00

    How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands (8)

  5. You may verify whether the value has been changed or using the ‘get’ command that we initially used:
    settings get global animator_duration_scale

    How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands (9)

That’s it. These were the steps to change your Android device settings via ADB Commands. Let’s now make you aware of some ADB parameters that would help you in further tweaking this device.

ADB Parameter Settings to Tweak your Android Device

Given below are some of the most important and useful parameters for Samsung devices (One UI) and should work on every version of Android. As far as non-Samsung devices are concerned, only the generic commands (the one belonging to Developer Options) will work. Still, try at your own risk. [Credits: XDA Senior Member Hamid Chikh]

Custom Animation Scale​

adb shell settings put global animator_duration_scale 0.xxadb shell settings put global transition_animation_scale 0.xxadb shell settings put global window_animation_scale 0.xx

Disable User Manual (Setting item)​

adb shell settings put global online_manual_url 0

Enable More Screen Modes​

  1. The value 0 is for AMOLED cinema, 1 AMOLED Photo, 2 Basic, 3 Natural, 4 Vivid.
  2. Start by setting screen mode to natural then execute the below command:
    adb shell settings put system screen_mode_setting x
  3. After that, go to the Screen Mode under Settings, then go back to apply.

Improve Audio Experience​

adb shell settings put system tube_amp_effect 1adb shell settings put system k2hd_effect 1

Disable Sound Effects on Interaction​

adb shell settings put system sound_effects_enabled 0

Enable Progressive Ringtone​

adb shell settings put global apply_ramping_ringer 1

Enable Notification Snoozing​

adb shell settings put secure show_notification_snooze 1

Enable Suspend Execution of Cached Apps​

adb shell settings put global cached_apps_freezer enabled

Disable Adaptive Battery​

adb shell settings put global adaptive_battery_management_enabled 0

Enable Multicore Packet Scheduler​

adb shell settings put system multicore_packet_scheduler 1

Disable Background Scanning​

adb shell settings put global ble_scan_always_enabled 0adb shell settings put system nearby_scanning_enabled 0adb shell settings put system nearby_scanning_permission_allowed 0

Disable Motion Engines​

adb shell settings put system master_motion 0adb shell settings put system motion_engine 0adb shell settings put system air_motion_engine 0adb shell settings put system air_motion_wake_up 0

Disable Samsung Cross-Device Sync​

adb shell settings put system mcf_continuity 0adb shell settings put system mcf_continuity_permission_denied 1adb shell settings put system mcf_permission_denied 1

Disable Gestures​

adb shell settings put secure double_tap_to_wake 0adb shell settings put secure double_tap_to_wake_up 0adb shell settings put secure double_tap_to_sleep 0adb shell settings put secure wake_gesture_enabled 0adb shell settings put system lift_to_wake 0adb shell settings put secure volume_hush_gesture 0adb shell settings put secure hush_gesture_used 0adb shell settings put secure silence_gesture 0adb shell settings put secure skip_gesture 0

Disable Screen Saver​

adb shell settings put secure screensaver_enabled 0adb shell settings put secure screensaver_activate_on_sleep 0adb shell settings put secure screensaver_activate_on_dock 0

Disable Smart Stay​

adb shell settings put system intelligent_sleep_mode 0adb shell settings put secure adaptive_sleep 0

Disable Bixby Pregranted Permissions​

adb shell settings put global bixby_pregranted_permissions null

Change Auto-Brightness Aggressiveness​

From Darker to Brighter (-1/0/1):

adb shell settings put system screen_auto_brightness_adj 0

Improve Apps Launch​

adb shell settings put system rakuten_denwa 0adb shell settings put system remote_control 0adb shell settings put system send_security_reports 0

Refresh Rate Upper/Lower Limits (Method #1)​

Choose what settings suit you best (1/10/24/48/60/96/120)

adb shell settings put system peak_refresh_rate x.0adb shell settings put system min_refresh_rate x.0

Refresh Rate Upper/Lower Limits (Method #2)​

Choose what settings suit you best(1/10/24/48/60/96/120)

adb shell settings put system peak_refresh_rate x.0adb shell settings put system min_refresh_rate x.0adb shell settings put secure refresh_rate_mode 2 #Default is 1

Processing Speed Hack

Set processing speed mode to “Optimised” in settings then:

adb shell settings put global sem_enhanced_cpu_responsiveness 1

Disable Performance Limit​

This might increase heat and battery drain, default is 1,1.

adb shell settings put global restricted_device_performance 0,0

With this, we round off the guide on how you could change your Android device settings via ADB Commands. Likewise, we have also listed various Android settings parameters. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.

  • Lower the Minimum Refresh Rate to 1Hz via ADB Command
  • How to Take Screenshots in Android via ADB Commands
  • Enable and Use ADB Commands in OnePlus Stock Recovery
  • How to Boot Qualcomm Device to Diag Mode via ADB Commands

About Chief Editor

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A technical geek by birth, he always has a keen interest in the Android platform right since the birth of the HTC Dream. The open-source environment always seems to intrigue him with the plethora of options available at his fingertips. “MBA by profession, blogger by choice!”

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    How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands (2024)

    FAQs

    How do I change my adb settings on Android? ›

    To use adb with a device connected over USB, you must enable USB debugging in the device system settings, under Developer options. On Android 4.2 (API level 17) and higher, the Developer options screen is hidden by default. To make it visible, enable Developer options. You can now connect your device with USB.

    How do I modify my phone with adb? ›

    How to Change Android Device Settings via ADB Commands
    1. STEP 1: Install Android SDK. ...
    2. STEP 2: Enable USB Debugging. ...
    3. STEP 3: Establish ADB Shell Connection.
    4. STEP 4: Change Device Settings via ADB Commands. ...
    5. Custom Animation Scale​ ...
    6. Disable User Manual (Setting item)​ ...
    7. Enable More Screen Modes​
    8. Improve Audio Experience​
    Apr 1, 2022

    How to change permissions in Android adb? ›

    How to Grant Permissions Over ADB
    1. Download the SDK Tool. ...
    2. Extract the ZIP. ...
    3. Open PowerShell or the Terminal. ...
    4. Enable Developer Options. ...
    5. Enable USB Debugging and Connect Your Phone. ...
    6. Confirm the Device Connection. ...
    7. Allow USB Debugging. ...
    8. Enter the ADB Commands.
    Jan 10, 2022

    How to use adb commands for Android? ›

    Follow these steps to debug using ADB commands:
    1. Find your emulator device ID. Run C:\>adb devices . ...
    2. Find the package you want to debug. Run adb shell pm list packages . ...
    3. Set the app to debug at startup (note the -w) Run adb shell am set-debug-app -w com. ...
    4. Start the app in the emulator. ...
    5. Connect Android Studio Debugger.
    Oct 26, 2022

    What is device owner mode? ›

    Device Owner mode gives options to configure policies and customize hardware and software functions for Android devices. You will also need a Mobile Device Management solution like Hexnode to set up, secure and manage Android Enterprise devices for your organization.

    How to get root access on Android using ADB? ›

    root access is disabled by system setting - enable in settings -> development options Once you activate the root option (ADB only or Apps and ADB) adb will restart and you will be able to use root from the cmd line.

    What things can I do with ADB? ›

    You can use ADB to install standalone APKs (Android app installation packages), move files between your computer and device, run shell commands, take screenshots (or record video of the screen), find detailed information about the device, generate bug reports, view system logs, and a lot more.

    How do I grant all permissions to Android apps? ›

    Change app permissions
    1. On your phone, open the Settings app.
    2. Tap Apps.
    3. Tap the app you want to change. If you can't find it, tap See all apps. ...
    4. Tap Permissions. If you allowed or denied any permissions for the app, you'll find them here.
    5. To change a permission setting, tap it, then choose Allow or Don't allow.

    How do I change advanced permissions? ›

    Setting Permissions
    1. Access the Properties dialog box.
    2. Select the Security tab. ...
    3. Click Edit.
    4. In the Group or user name section, select the user(s) you wish to set permissions for.
    5. In the Permissions section, use the checkboxes to select the appropriate permission level.
    6. Click Apply.
    7. Click Okay.
    Mar 31, 2023

    How do I access Android controller permissions? ›

    Open Settings and tap Apps & notifications. Tap Permission manager to open the Android permission controller app. Click a specific permission from the app permissions list that you're interested in, like location. Here you'll see apps that have access to your location all the time or only while in use.

    How do I force adb authorization? ›

    Connect your Android phone to your computer via a USB cable. You will get an Allow USB Debugging with your PC's RSA Fingerprint key. Click Allow, and then your device will be recognized. After that, you can re-execute the “adb devices” command to check if the ADB devices unauthorized error is fixed.

    How to get app activity using adb command? ›

    Method 1: Using 'mCurrentFocus' or 'mFocusedApp' in Command Prompt. Step 2: Open Command Prompt and run 'adb devices' command. We are running this command to just make sure that your mobile is properly connected. Step 5: Now in your mobile phone, open the app for which you want to find the appPackage and appActivity.

    How to start a activity in Android using ADB? ›

    You can use the start command from Activity Manager (am) a.k.a the adb shell am start -n command (via adb) specifying the app package name and the component name as defined in the manifest. You can add other parameters like ACTION (-a android. intent. action.

    What is wireless debugging? ›

    It is a feature of the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) that allows developers to debug their applications on mobile phones without the need for a physical connection. ADB wireless debugging is a powerful tool that allows developers to debug their applications on mobile phones without the need for a physical connection.

    What is Android device administrator? ›

    Android device administrator (sometimes referred to "legacy" Android management and released with Android 2.2) is a way to manage Android devices. However, improved management functionality is available with Android Enterprise.

    How do I open device administrator settings? ›

    Go to Settings > Security. Tap Device administrators. Tap the administrator app, and then tap Activate or Deactivate.

    What is the difference between Android device owner and admin? ›

    Android Device Admin vs Device Owner: What's the difference? Device Owner is an enterprise feature supported by Google as part of the Android operating system. Android Device Admin is a now-deprecated device control framework sometimes used to control Android devices by enterprises.

    How do I unlock developer options on Android? ›

    Enable Developer options

    Tap the Build Number option seven times until you see the message You are now a developer! This enables developer options on your device. Return to the previous screen to find Developer options at the bottom.

    What are the best developer options on Android? ›

    Here are the top 8 Android developer options:
    • USB Debugging: This is probably the most used option due to several factors. ...
    • Mock location: ...
    • Animation settings: ...
    • Stay awake option: ...
    • OEM unlocking – ...
    • Disable Absolute Volume: ...
    • Dark mode: ...
    • Enhance gaming performance:
    Jan 17, 2022

    How do I unlock developer options on Android Auto? ›

    Settings in Android Auto app on your phone
    1. Open Android Auto app on your phone.
    2. Tap hamburger menu.
    3. Select settings.
    4. Scroll down all the way to the bottom of the list and tap version no. 10 times until message “Developer mode enabled” is displayed.

    What are ADB shell commands? ›

    ADB can be used to run shell commands, transfer files, install/uninstall apps, reboot and more.
    ...
    Adb Shell commands.
    Adb Shell commandsAction performed by command
    adb shell netstatlist tcp connectivity
    adb shell pwdprint current working directory location
    adb shell dumpstatedumps state
    adb shell psprint process status
    9 more rows
    Feb 25, 2019

    How do I grant root access to my Android phone? ›

    Root a phone without a PC – how it works

    Because Android blocks such apps from foreign sources by default, you have to first allow them. In Android 8, this can be done by accessing the security settings of the system software by activating the option “Allow apps from unknown source” or “Install unknown apps”.

    How to get root access in Android programmatically? ›

    Process root = Runtime. getRuntime(). exec("su"); That causes SuperUser to show, which lets you either Allow or Block it from root access.

    What can I do with ADB fastboot? ›

    It enables you to access all your device's partitions—not just the Android system, but also the data partition, the boot partition, and so on. On Android, Fastboot is a diagnostic tool. It's essential if you need to unbrick your phone, and is most commonly used to install a custom recovery.

    What are ADB connections? ›

    ADB is a communication protocol specific to Android that allows to connect or control an Android device from a computer. It can be used with a Genymotion Device image instance to: Control an instance Android OS.

    How to install APK from command-line? ›

    ADB has got your back.
    1. Install ADB on Your Computer. First things first, you need to install ADB on your computer. ...
    2. Locate the APK File. Now it's time to locate the file you want to install on your Android device. ...
    3. Launch the Terminal. ...
    4. Connect to Your Android Device With ADB. ...
    5. Install the APK With ADB.
    Jan 29, 2023

    What is permission controller on Android? ›

    The PermissionController module handles permission-related UI, logic, and roles to allow access for apps for specific purpose. It controls the following: Runtime permission granting (including granting to system apps) Runtime permission management (including grouping of permissions) Runtime permission usage tracking.

    How do I enable all permissions? ›

    Select Start > Settings > Privacy. Select the app (for example, Calendar) and choose which app permissions are on or off. The Privacy page won't list apps with permission to use all system resources. You can't use the Privacy settings to control what capabilities these apps can use.

    How do I set unique permissions? ›

    Create unique permissions for a file or folder via Manage Access
    1. Right-click on a file or folder and choose Manage access.
    2. It will now list all the groups of users who have access to this folder. ...
    3. So to ensure that John does not have access to the folder, we need to remove the Members group from the folder.
    Sep 27, 2022

    How do I change administrator permissions? ›

    How to Change Administrator on Windows 10 via Settings
    1. Click the Windows Start button. ...
    2. Then click Settings. ...
    3. Next, select Accounts.
    4. Choose Family & other users. ...
    5. Click on a user account under the Other users panel.
    6. Then select Change account type. ...
    7. Choose Administrator in the Change account type dropdown.
    Jan 25, 2023

    What are the permissions of full control? ›

    Full control: Allows users to read, write, change, and delete files and subfolders. In addition, users can change permissions settings for all files and subdirectories. Modify: Allows users to read and write of files and subfolders; also allows deletion of the folder.

    What is a companion device manager? ›

    On devices running Android 8.0 (API level 26) and higher, companion device pairing performs a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi scan of nearby devices on behalf of your app without requiring the ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION permission. This helps maximize user privacy protections.

    What are the different types of permissions in Android? ›

    Permission groups
    Permission GroupDescription
    PhoneDialing and managing phone calls
    Body SensorsHeart rate and similar data
    SMSSending and viewing messages
    StorageAccessing photos, media, and files
    5 more rows

    How to configure a controller on Android? ›

    Set up your Gamepad
    1. On the front of your Gamepad, press and hold the Power button. . After 3 seconds, you'll see 4 lights flash. ...
    2. From the Android TV Home screen, scroll down and select Settings .
    3. Under "Remote and accessories," select Add accessory .
    4. Select your Gamepad.

    How to setup device owner permission via adb tool? ›

    Enabling Device Owner Mode via ADB
    1. Go to Settings.
    2. Go to “About device” (Might be named slightly different)
    3. Click the “Build number” field 7 times. This will turn on “Developer options”
    4. Go back to Settings.
    5. Go to “Developer options”
    6. Scroll down and enable “USB debugging”
    Jun 7, 2022

    How to bypass unauthorized adb? ›

    Please follow following steps :
    1. Unplug your phone from system.
    2. Go to developer options of the Cellphone and then click on "Allow USB debugging" then please select the radio button prompting "Allow USB debugging when the popup shows up when you first connect to the computer!".....

    How do I access system files with adb? ›

    Open cmd type adb shell then press enter. Type ls to view files list. At the DOS prompt, adb shell ls -R > junk lists all files and puts results into file junk which you can then edit via Notepad or whatever and see more than you'd want to, but your files, too!

    How to get device logs using adb command? ›

    Now, open Command Prompt in the expanded folder and execute the command adb devices, which will show you the connected devices. Then execute adb logcat > file. txt command. This will generate the ADB logs and the logs will be saved to the file.

    What is the code to start an activity in Android? ›

    To start an activity, use the method startActivity(intent) . This method is defined on the Context object which Activity extends. The following code demonstrates how you can start another activity via an intent. # Start the activity connect to the # specified class Intent i = new Intent(this, ActivityTwo.

    How to start a service in Android from an activity? ›

    Start a service. An Android component (service, receiver, activity) can trigger the execution of a service via the startService(intent) method. // use this to start and trigger a service Intent i= new Intent(context, MyService. class); // potentially add data to the intent i.

    What is the use of USB debugging in Android? ›

    What is USB debugging? USB debugging is often used by developers or IT support people to connect and transfer data from an Android device to a computer. While this feature is useful, a device isn't as secure when connected to a computer. So that's why some organizations require you to turn this setting off.

    How do I debug my Android phone wirelessly? ›

    Go to Device Settings | Developer Options. Find the Wireless Debugging option. Set to enable, it will show a confirmation dialog to allow debugging on current wireless network, click allow to enable it. Click the Wireless Debugging option, this will bring Wireless Debugging Configuration.

    What is the difference between ADB pair and connect? ›

    The help page says: adb connect : "connect to a device via TCP/IP" adb pair : "pair with a device for secure TCP/IP communication"

    How do I access adb on my phone? ›

    With Developer Options enabled, go to Settings > System > Developer options, scroll to the Debugging section, and turn on the Wireless debugging toggle. If you get a pop-up, tap Allow. On OnePlus devices, you must enable the Wireless ADB Debugging option if available.

    How do I enter adb mode? ›

    Boot your phone into Android, then connect it to your desktop computer with a USB cable. On your computer, launch the Command Prompt (or Terminal, if you're on Mac or Linux) and change the directory to point to the platform-tools folder. Type adb devices and hit Enter.

    How to use adb in Android recovery mode? ›

    How to boot into recovery using ADB
    1. Once ADB is installed, connect your phone to your computer via a USB cable. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled in Developer Settings.
    2. Head over to the folder where you have installed ADB. ...
    3. Next, type in adb devices and hit enter to make sure your smartphone is properly connected.
    Jan 10, 2023

    How do I get adb to recognize my device? ›

    ADB Can't Find Your Device? Here's the Fix
    1. Connect your Android device to your PC via USB and remove the ADB drivers. Then disconnect your device.
    2. Run a USB driver eliminating utility, such as USBDeview, to kill all unnecessary Android drivers.
    3. Install Universal ADB Drivers.

    How to access system files on Android with ADB? ›

    Open cmd type adb shell then press enter. Type ls to view files list. Save this answer.

    How to install app on phone using ADB command? ›

    ADB has got your back.
    1. Install ADB on Your Computer. First things first, you need to install ADB on your computer. ...
    2. Locate the APK File. Now it's time to locate the file you want to install on your Android device. ...
    3. Launch the Terminal. ...
    4. Connect to Your Android Device With ADB. ...
    5. Install the APK With ADB.
    Jan 29, 2023

    How do I enable debug mode on Android? ›

    Enable USB debugging in the device system settings under Developer options. You can find this option in one of the following locations, depending on your Android version: Android 9 (API level 28) and higher: Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > USB debugging.

    What is Bootloader mode? ›

    The Bootloader can be used in situations when your phone can't start normally, or when you need to use specific system tools to help you solve issues. You might need to use it in situations such as: Factory resetting a phone that can't otherwise be reset. Rebooting a phone that can't otherwise be restarted.

    What does adb reboot Bootloader do? ›

    Usually, rebooting to bootloader is a feature of Android smartphones. It means to restart the device to bootloader or download mode. Rebooting to bootloader implies that the default will not be started. Instead, it will be stalled so you can load alternate systems.

    How do I force an Android into recovery mode? ›

    How to Enter Android Recovery Mode
    1. Turn your phone off.
    2. Push and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons until the bootloader screen appears. ...
    3. Use the Volume buttons to select Recovery Mode.
    4. With Recovery Mode selected, push the Power button.
    5. When you see “No command,” press and hold the Power button, then tap Volume Up.
    Feb 23, 2023

    Does ADB work in recovery mode? ›

    2. ADB commands when phone is in recovery mode (e.g. adb devices gives a blank result). However, I can sideload a ROM (clean install) via ADB when the phone is in recovery mode. This is probably the only adb command that works in recovery.

    How to enable USB debugging on Android using command prompt? ›

    How to Enable USB Debugging Using ADB Command?
    1. Step 1: Put the device into Recovery Mode. ...
    2. Step 2: Download the latest SDK platform tools and extract the zip file into the PC.
    3. Step 3: Go inside the extracted folder and find the “platform-tools” folder. ...
    4. Step 4: Then type “adb devices” and press Enter.
    Dec 15, 2022

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