---

name: start-emulator description: Start an Android emulator. Use when you need to launch an AVD for testing.

Start Emulator

Start an Android emulator (AVD) with quick boot or cold boot option.

Instructions

Script location: scripts/start-emulator.sh (relative to this skill's directory)

Before running, locate this skill's directory (where this SKILL.md is located), then execute:

Copybash <skill-directory>/scripts/start-emulator.sh [avd_name] [boot_type]

Arguments:

• avd_name (optional): The name of the AVD to start
• boot_type (optional): "quick" (default) or "cold"

JSON Output Schema

Success - Launch

Copy{
  "success": true,
  "message": "Emulator started",
  "avd": "Pixel_6_API_33",
  "cold_boot": false
}

Success - Multiple emulators (ask user)

Copy{
  "success": true,
  "action": "select_emulator",
  "emulators": ["Pixel_6_API_33", "Pixel_4_API_30"]
}

Failure

Copy{
  "success": false,
  "error": "no available emulator",
  "hint": "Create an AVD using Android Studio or avdmanager"
}

Claude's Handling

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS ask the user about boot type before launching. Never skip this step.

Flow

1. Determine emulator:

   • If user specified an emulator name → use that name
   • Otherwise → run script with no arguments to get the list, then ask user to select if multiple emulators exist

2. Ask boot type (REQUIRED - never skip): Use AskUserQuestion to ask "Quick boot or cold boot?"

   • First option: "Quick boot (Recommended)"
   • Second option: "Cold boot"

3. Launch: Run script with avd_name and boot_type arguments

4. Report result: Inform user the emulator is starting or show error