Want to control your Android device effortlessly with simple voice-like commands? Imagine saying “open the camera” or “check my battery level” and having your phone obey instantly—no tapping, no coding, just results. That’s what DroidRun, a cutting-edge open-source framework, brings to the table. Powered by large language models (LLMs), DroidRun simplifies Android automation for everyone, from casual users to developers. In this guide, we’ll dive into DroidRun’s features, show you how to install it, and explain how to use it to streamline your Android experience.

What is DroidRun?

DroidRun is a revolutionary tool that lets you manage your Android device using natural language commands. Whether you’re launching apps, checking system stats, or automating tasks, DroidRun interprets plain English instructions and executes them seamlessly. It supports top LLM providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google Gemini, giving you flexibility in choosing the best model for your needs.

With a beginner-friendly command-line interface (CLI) and a robust Python API, DroidRun caters to all skill levels. Plus, its ability to analyze screenshots makes it perfect for tasks requiring visual context, such as UI testing or remote troubleshooting.

Why Choose DroidRun? Key Features Explained

DroidRun stands out for its versatility and ease of use. Here’s what makes it a game-changer for Android device control:

1. Natural Language Commands

Say goodbye to complex scripts. With DroidRun, you can use everyday phrases like “open Settings” or “send a text” to get things done—ideal for non-techies and pros alike.

2. Multi-Model Support

Pick your preferred LLM—whether it’s OpenAI’s GPT-4o-mini, Anthropic’s Claude, or Google Gemini’s lightweight options. This flexibility ensures top performance tailored to your budget.

3. Simple CLI for Quick Tasks

The CLI lets you run commands like droidrun "open the browser" in seconds, making Android automation accessible to beginners.

4. Advanced Python API

For developers, the Python API unlocks endless possibilities, from custom scripts to multi-step workflows.

5. Screenshot Analysis

DroidRun captures and interprets your device’s screen, enabling tasks like verifying app layouts or navigating based on visual cues.

How to Install DroidRun: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get started? Installing DroidRun is easy, but you’ll need to prepare a few things first. Follow this guide to set up DroidRun on Android quickly.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • An Android device (connected via USB or Wi-Fi).
  • ADB (Android Debug Bridge) installed:

    • Windows: Download from Android’s Platform Tools and add to PATH.
    • macOS: Use Homebrew: brew install android-platform-tools.
    • Linux: Install with sudo apt install adb (Ubuntu).
    • Test it: adb version.
  • USB Debugging enabled on your device:

    1. Go to Settings > About phone.
    2. Tap Build number 7 times.
    3. Enable USB debugging in Developer options.
  • An API key from OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google Gemini.
  • The DroidRun Portal app (more on this below).

Installation Options

Option 1: Via PyPI (Easiest)

pip install droidrun

This is the fastest way to install a stable version.

Option 2: From GitHub (For Latest Features)

git clone https://github.com/droidrun/droidrun.git
cd droidrun
pip install -e .

Perfect for developers or those wanting the newest updates.

Setting Up DroidRun for First Use

Once installed, configure DroidRun with these steps:

1. Install the DroidRun Portal App

This app enables DroidRun to interact with your device:

  • Download the APK from the DroidRun Portal GitHub.
  • Install it:

    droidrun setup --path=/path/to/droidrun-portal.apk

    Or via ADB:

    adb install -r /path/to/droidrun-portal.apk

2. Add Your API Key

Create a .env file in your working directory:

export OPENAI_API_KEY="your_openai_key"
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="your_anthropic_key"
export GEMINI_API_KEY="your_gemini_key"

Load it:

source .env

3. Connect Your Device

Use USB or Wi-Fi:

# Check connected devices
droidrun devices

# Connect via Wi-Fi (replace with your device’s IP)
droidrun connect 192.168.1.100

4. Test Your Setup

droidrun status

If your device and Portal app are detected, you’re good to go!

How to Use DroidRun: CLI and Python Examples

Using the CLI

Run simple tasks with one line:

droidrun "open the camera"

Specify an LLM:

droidrun "check battery" --provider gemini --model gemini-2.0-flash

Target a specific device:

droidrun "open Settings" --device abc123

Writing Python Scripts

For advanced automation, try this Python script:

import asyncio
from droidrun.agent.react_agent import ReActAgent
from droidrun.agent.llm_reasoning import LLMReasoner
from dotenv import load_dotenv
import os

load_dotenv()

async def main():
    llm = LLMReasoner(
        llm_provider="openai",
        model_name="gpt-4o-mini",
        api_key=os.environ.get("OPENAI_API_KEY")
    )
    agent = ReActAgent(task="open Settings and check battery", llm=llm)
    steps = await agent.run()
    print(f"Completed in {len(steps)} steps")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    asyncio.run(main())

Run it:

python script.py

Troubleshooting DroidRun Issues

API Key Problems

  • Double-check your .env file and run source .env.
  • Ensure the key matches your chosen provider.

Device Not Detected

  • Confirm USB debugging is on and run adb devices.
  • For Wi-Fi, verify both devices are on the same network.

Wrong Model Used

  • Use --provider and --model flags to specify your LLM.

Practical Uses for DroidRun

  • App Testing: Automate UI checks for developers.
  • Daily Tasks: Open apps or check stats hands-free.
  • Remote Help: Guide others through device setup.
  • Exploration: Discover Android features with ease.

Why DroidRun is the Future of Android Control

With plans to improve screenshot analysis, add multi-step task memory, and integrate with tools like LangChain, DroidRun is set to redefine Android automation tools. It’s user-friendly, powerful, and free—making it a must-try for anyone looking to simplify their Android experience.

Ready to take control? Install DroidRun today and unlock a smarter way to manage your Android device!