How do I check if adb is installed on my computer?

On a Mac or Linux machine, open Terminal. On Windows, open Command Prompt or PowerShell. Type adb version and press Enter. A working install prints something like Android Debug Bridge version followed by a number. That is all you need to know.

If you see command not found, or on Windows adb is not recognised as an internal or external command, adb is either missing or its folder is not on the system path. Both cases are fixed by installing it as described in the install guide, and opening a new terminal window afterwards, because an old window does not see the updated path.

You can also let Skie check. The Provision page in the dashboard tests whether adb is available and tells you if it is not, so you find out before you are standing with a device in your hand. This is especially useful on a shared school laptop where you are not sure what the IT team installed.

A second check is whether the device is seen. With the tablet connected by USB and USB debugging on, run adb devices. A line with the device serial and the word device means the computer can reach it. If it says unauthorized, look at the tablet screen and accept the debugging prompt. If the list is empty, try another cable, because some cables only charge.

Practical tip: run the two checks once at your desk before the rollout day. See how to install adb and how to turn on USB debugging.

• adb version shows the install
• adb devices shows the connected tablet
• Unauthorized means accept the prompt on the tablet
• Use a data cable, not a charge-only one