name: android-watch-logs description: Start real-time log streaming from connected Android device using adb logcat. Shows only app's log messages. Use when monitoring app behavior, debugging, or viewing Android logs.
Android Watch Logs
Overview
Streams logs from a USB-connected Android device in real-time using adb logcat, filtering to show only the app's explicit log messages (those with [APP] prefix).
When to Use
Invoke this skill when the user:
- Asks to "watch Android logs"
- Wants to "see what the Android app is doing"
- Says "monitor the Android device"
- Asks to "stream logcat"
- Wants to debug or see real-time Android app behavior
- Says "show me the Android logs"
Prerequisites
- Android device connected via USB
- USB debugging enabled
- ADB installed (
brew install android-platform-tools) - Device authorized for debugging
- App must be running on device to see logs
Option 1: Use Screen Capture App (Recommended)
The Android screen capture app has an integrated console:
cd miso/platforms/android/development/screen-capture/imp
./android_screencap.sh
Click the green ">" button to open the live log console.
Option 2: Terminal Streaming
Stream logs directly in terminal:
# Clear buffer and stream filtered logs
adb logcat -c && adb logcat -v brief | grep "\[APP\]"
Option 3: Claude Reading Logs
Claude can read recent logs with:
adb logcat -v brief -d | grep "\[APP\]" | tail -30
Log Format
The app's Logger class prefixes messages with [APP]:
I/MisoLogger(12345): [APP] [PostView] COMPOSE 14 'Dinner' expanded=false
I/MisoLogger(12345): [APP] [IMAGE_LOAD] COMPLETE 14 'Dinner' size=112KB time=261ms
Adding Logs in Code
Use the app's Logger class in Kotlin:
Logger.info("[MyFeature] Something happened")
Logger.debug("[MyFeature] Debug info: $value")
Logger.error("[MyFeature] Error: ${e.message}")
Or directly with Android Log (add [APP] prefix):
Log.i("MisoLogger", "[APP] My message")
Common Issues
No logs appearing:
- Ensure the app is running on the device
- Check that logs use
[APP]prefix - Verify adb is working:
adb devices - Try clearing log buffer:
adb logcat -c
adb not found:
- Install:
brew install android-platform-tools
Device unauthorized:
- Accept RSA key prompt on device
- Replug device and try again
Notes
- The
[APP]prefix filters out thousands of system messages - Screen capture app console auto-scrolls to latest logs
- Use
-dflag to dump logs without blocking (for scripts)