This is a beginner's guide to android studio and android virtual device (AVD). This guide will help you create and launch Android Virtual Device (AVD) in emulator to test your android apps using Android Studio.

step 1 : Run Android Studio

Install latest stable version of Android Studio


Android Studio

step 2 : Open AVD Manager

Configure (Settings icon) > AVD Manager


Android Studio - AVD Manager

step 3 : Create a Virtual Device

Click on “Create Virtual Device”


Create Virtual Device

Select Hardware - Choose Device Definition : for this demo, we will select Pixel.
Note : You can also create your own hardware profile or import an existing hardware profile using “New Hardware Profile” and “Import Hardware Profile” buttons.
Click Next


AVD Manager - Hardware

step 4 : Select a System Image

Download and Select the latest stable version of Android System Image.
Click Next


AVD Manager - System Image

step 5 : Verify Configuration


AVD Configuration

Click on “Show Advanced Settings” Button


Advanced AVD Configuration

For most of the settings, keep default values.

Only change the below config parameters :

Graphics : Hardware GLES 2.0


AVD Configuration - Graphics

Multi-core CPU : 2


AVD Configuration - CPU

Click Finish


Android Virtual Device AVD

Your AVD is ready to be launched in the emulator !

step 6 : Launch your Android Virtual Device in the emulator

In Actions column, Click on the play button to launch this AVD in the emulator


Launch AVD

step 7 : Launching Emulator… Starting AVD…

Wait for a few seconds to launch emulator and start Android Virtual Device AVD.


Launch Emulator


AVD Android Emulator

You have successfully created and launched Android Virtual Device (AVD) in emulator using Android Studio.