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Android Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions

Which Android SDK packages should I install?

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Installing the Android SDK doesn't automatically include all the minimum required packages for developing. While individual developer needs vary, the following packages will generally be required for developing with Xamarin.Android:

Tools

Install the latest tools from the Tools folder in the SDK manager:

  • Android SDK Tools
  • Android SDK Platform-Tools
  • Android SDK Build-Tools

Android Platform(s)

Install the "SDK Platform" for the Android versions you've set as minimum, target, and in-between the minimum & target.

Examples:

  • Target API 23
  • Minimum API 23

Only need to install SDK Platform for API 23

  • Target API 23
  • Minimum API 15

Need to install SDK Platforms for API 15 - 23

System Images

These are only required if you want to use the out-of-the-box Android emulators from Google.

Extras

The Android SDK Extras are usually not required; but it is useful to be aware of them since they may be required depending on your use case.

Further Reading

The following guide covers these options and goes into more detail about the different packages the SDK manager has avaliable: Android SDK Manager Setup Guide

Xamarin Workbook

If it's not already installed, install the Xamarin Workbooks app first. The workbook file should download automatically, but if it doesn't, just click to start the workbook download manually.