The Ultimate Encyclopedia of ADB, Dumpsys & Android Internals
Verified on Android 14 AOSP; Pixel Tablet (Tangorpro), AAOS build. Commands vary by OEM and Android version.
Introduction
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is the single most critical tool for anyone working seriously with the Android platform. It's the command-line interface that provides a direct line into the heart of the Android system.
This encyclopedia merges essential ADB commands with system-level dumpsys and service commands. It is designed for system engineers and app developers alike.
Key Features
- Automotive verified commands for AAOS (
car_service). - Modern internals:
cmdis preferred over legacyservice call. - Root-capable workflows for deep introspection on userdebug/eng builds.
Index
- Fundamentals and Server Management
- Device Management and Properties
- Logging and Diagnostics
- Boot and Partition Analysis
- Audio and Media Debugging
- App and File Management
- Permissions and Privacy
- Network and Power Tools
- Automation and Stress Testing
- Modern Service Interface (
cmd) - Visual and HMI Automation
- Android Automotive (AAOS) Deep Dive
- Dumpsys Encyclopedia
- System Performance and Resource Analysis
- Expert: Native and HAL Debugging
- Android Process Model (Internals)
- ART and Runtime (JIT/AOT)
- Kernel and Low-Level Debugging
- Package Manager Internals
- System Service Architecture
- Storage and Media Deep Dive
- OTA and System Updates
- Fastboot and Recovery
- Runtime Properties and SELinux
Build Capability Matrix
| Feature | User (Production) | Userdebug (Dev) | Eng (Platform) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Access | No | Yes (adb root) | Yes (Default) |
| Verity | Enforced | Can Disable | Disabled |
| SELinux | Enforcing | Enforcing (permissive avail) | Permissive |
| Dumpsys | Limited | Full | Full |
| Debuggable | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Reference Packages Used In This Guide
All package names below are installed on the connected Pixel Tablet AAOS build.
com.android.car.settings(System Settings, safe for safe app-level commands)com.android.car.carlauncher(Home screen)com.android.systemui(System UI, always running)com.android.music(AOSP music app)
Fundamentals and Server Management
Manage the ADB daemon itself and establish device connections.
Core ADB Mechanics
Wireless Debugging (Android 11+)
Privileged Access (Rooting)
[!CAUTION] Commands like
remount,disable-verity, andsetenforce 0reduce device security.
Device Management and Properties
Current User & Profile State (AAOS)
Logging & Diagnostics
Boot and Partition Analysis
Init & Boot Services
Audio and Media Debugging
App and File Management
Permissions & Privacy
Network and Power Tools
Port Forwarding
Force Connectivity (svc)
Network Traffic Analysis (tcpdump)
Power Simulation (Doze & Battery)
Wakeup Analysis (Alarms)
Tethering & NetworkStack
Automation and Stress Testing
JobScheduler & Background Limits
Modern Service Interface (cmd)
cmd is the preferred interface for system services on Android 10+.
Troubleshooting Overlays (RROs)
Deep dive into why an overlay isn't applying provided by idmap2.
Visual and HMI Automation
Screen Capture (High Speed)
Visual Mode Toggles
UI Performance Profiling (gfxinfo)
Screen, Density & Resolution
Immersive Mode
Font Scale
Input Simulation (input)
Android Automotive (AAOS) Deep Dive
Android Automotive adds the Car Service, a specialized system service for vehicle functions.
Car Service Interaction (cmd car_service)
Rotary & Input Injection
Automotive Dumpsys
Dumpsys Encyclopedia
dumpsys dumps the internal state of system services.
The Most-Used Dumpsys Map
| Service | Command | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Status Bar | adb shell dumpsys statusbar | QS Tiles, Notifications |
| Notifications | adb shell dumpsys notification | Active notifications, channels |
| Power | adb shell dumpsys power | Wake locks, screen state |
| Display | adb shell dumpsys display | Physical display configs |
| Input | adb shell dumpsys input | Touch events, focus target |
| Package | adb shell dumpsys package com.android.car.settings | Permissions, signatures |
| JobScheduler | adb shell dumpsys jobscheduler | Background jobs status |
| UsageStats | adb shell dumpsys usagestats | App usage history |
| NetPolicy | adb shell dumpsys netpolicy | Data saver, background restrictions |
Core Lifecycle (activity)
Window Manager (window)
Input & Focus
Power & Battery
Thermal Debugging
System Performance and Resource Analysis
CPU & Process Monitoring (top)
CPU Stats Summary
Memory Analysis (vmstat & meminfo)
Thermal Monitoring & Sensors
Expert: Native and HAL Debugging
HAL Introspection (lshal)
Native Crashes
Performance Tracing (perfetto)
Quick Tracing Templates
SurfaceFlinger & Rendering
IPC & Binder Monitoring
Android Process Model (Internals)
Zygote & Process State
LMKD (Low Memory Killer Daemon)
ANR & Watchdog Debugging
ART and Runtime (JIT/AOT)
Kernel and Low-Level Debugging
Package Manager Internals
System Service Architecture
Storage and Media Deep Dive
OTA and Updates
Fastboot, Recovery and Updates
[!WARNING] These low-level modes modify firmware. Improper use can brick your device.
Runtime Properties and SELinux
Conclusion
This guide covers the full stack:
- Application Layer:
pm,install,monkey. - Framework Layer:
cmd,dumpsys activity,dumpsys window. - Native/HAL Layer:
lshal,perfetto,tombstones. - Automotive Vertical:
car_service,vhalinjection.
Mastering these commands gives you complete observability into the Android OS.