General Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
Google Maps Not Showing in Extended Controls
Older versions of the Android Emulator (before version 34.2.13) may have non-functional Google Maps in extended controls. This issue stems from an incompatibility between the Chromium version in older emulators and the Google Maps JavaScript API.
Insufficient Disk Space
The Android Emulator requires at least 5 GB of free disk space to start. Ensure your system has adequate free space if you encounter startup issues.
Antivirus Software Impact
Antivirus software can significantly slow down the Android Emulator by monitoring every read and write operation. Adding the emulator to a list of trusted applications can improve performance. For Avast users, disable Use nested virtualization when available and Enable Hardware-assisted virtualization in the Avast Troubleshooting settings. Reinstall the latest HAXM from the SDK Manager to ensure proper setup.
Slow Performance After Updates
Various factors can cause the Android Emulator to run slowly after updates:
- Intel GPU: Download and install the latest Intel graphics driver if using an Intel GPU, especially the Intel HD 4000.
- Discrete GPU: Disable the Intel GPU in Device Manager if your machine has both an Intel GPU and a discrete GPU.
- Swiftshader Mode: Use the
-gpu swiftshader
mode for better graphics acceleration. - IPv6 Settings: Ensure your router isn't using IPv6 addresses if you lack an IPv6 connection.
If problems persist, report a bug with the necessary Android Emulator details for further investigation.
Specific Error Messages and Solutions
Vulkan-1.dll Not Found Error
If the emulator fails to launch due to the vulkan-1.dll cannot be found
error, update the emulator in Android Studio via Tools > SDK Manager. Install the latest stable Android platform version. Alternatively, if Vulkan isn't needed, disable it by launching the emulator with the -feature -Vulkan
flag.
Unable to Create a Snapshot
Creating a snapshot that includes the Vulkan graphics library isn't supported. To run the emulator without Vulkan, use the -feature -Vulkan
flag or avoid using Vulkan-dependent apps like Chrome on API 30 or higher.
Cannot Open Webpage Correctly
Starting with API level 30, Chrome uses the Vulkan graphics library as its rendering backend, which may cause compatibility issues. If Chrome doesn't render correctly, launch the emulator with the -feature -Vulkan
flag.
Common Error Messages and Solutions
System UI Isn't Responding
The "System UI isn't responding" error can result from hardware acceleration issues or software conflicts. Troubleshoot this issue by:
- Deleting the Emulator Folder: Manually delete the emulator folder, then reinstall the SDK emulator.
- Updating HAXM: Ensure the HAXM installer is updated to the latest version (e.g., version 7.6.5).
- Running from Command Line: Start the emulator from the command line to diagnose hardware acceleration or configuration issues.
- Viewing Device Manager Logs: Check logs located at
%userprofile%\AppData\Local\Xamarin\Logs\16.0
.
Emulator Process Terminates
If the emulator process terminates unexpectedly, especially after updating Android Studio, try these steps:
- Delete the Emulator Folder: Manually delete the emulator folder, then reinstall the SDK emulator.
- Update HAXM: Ensure HAXM is updated and properly set up.
- Run with Lower APIs: Test the emulator with lower APIs to see if the issue persists.
Deployment Issues on Windows
Failure to Install APK
If errors occur when installing the APK on the emulator or running the Android Debug Bridge (adb), verify the Android SDK can connect to your emulator:
- Launch Emulator from Android Device Manager: Start the emulator by selecting your virtual device in the Android Device Manager.
- Verify ADB Connectivity: Open a command prompt, navigate to the adb installation folder (typically
C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools\adb.exe
), and typeadb devices
to check if the emulator appears in the list of attached devices. - Update SDK Manager: If the emulator doesn't appear, update the Android SDK Manager and try launching the emulator again.
MMIO Access Error
Restart the emulator if you encounter an MMIO access error. This error often resolves itself after a restart.
Hardware Acceleration Issues
Configuration problems or conflicts with other software may arise when using hardware acceleration. Troubleshoot hardware acceleration issues by:
- Verifying Hardware Acceleration: Ensure hardware acceleration is enabled.
- Running from Command Line: Start the emulator from the command line to diagnose hardware acceleration or configuration issues.
- Viewing Device Manager Logs: Check logs located at
%userprofile%\AppData\Local\Xamarin\Logs\16.0
.
Starting the Emulator from the Command Line
Starting the emulator from the command line can help diagnose hardware acceleration or configuration issues. Use the following command to launch an AVD image:
bash
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk\emulator\emulator.exe" -partition-size 2000 -no-boot-anim -verbose -feature WindowsHypervisorPlatform -avd pixel_5_-api_30 -prop monodroid.avdname=pixel_5-_api_30
Modify the command if the Android SDK is installed in a different location.
Viewing Device Manager Logs
Diagnose emulator problems by viewing the Device Manager logs. These logs are located at:
bash
%userprofile%\AppData\Local\Xamarin\Logs\16.0
Open each DeviceManager.log
file with a text editor to identify hardware acceleration or configuration issues.