Run a live reload without connecting to the device to the PC

[Sampath-Lokuge]

Hi,

Do you know how to run a live reload without connecting to the device to the PC?

ionic cap run android -l --external This is working fine if I'll connect my device to PC or with Emulator. But what about without connection to the PC? I can remember it was there on the Ionic/Cordova era.

[imhoffd]

iOS

1. Connect your device to your computer with USB to begin setup.
2. In Xcode, navigate to Window -> Devices and Simulators. Find your phone under Devices and make sure "Connect via network" is checked (device and computer need to be on the same Wi-Fi network).

Android

Enabling TCP Mode

1. Connect your device to your computer with USB to begin setup. Run adb devices to make sure the device is listed.

2. Switch ADB from USB to TCP mode.

   adb tcpip 5555
   

3. Establish a connection from your computer to the device by using the device's IP on the shared LAN (device and computer need to be on the same Wi-Fi network). You can get the device's IP by going to Settings -> About phone -> Network -> IP address.

   adb connect 192.168.0.xxx
   

4. Unplug the phone and run adb devices to ensure the connection was established (the device will now be listed as an IP).

Enabling USB Mode

To switch back to USB mode, run adb usb.

Troubleshooting

If adb connection is lost, try running adb connect <ip> again. If that doesn't work, run adb kill-server and start over.

There's a section in the Android docs if you'd like to read more.

Bonus 🤫

You can use localhost in the Web View even with live reload in USB or TCP mode by forwarding the port of the dev server from device to computer (usually 8100):

adb reverse tcp:8100 tcp:8100

[Sampath-Lokuge]

Hi @dwieeb, Could you tell me how can I do this with iOS also? I have a problem with iOS since I do not have a USB-C to USB adapter on Macbook Air.

[imhoffd]

Sure, I updated my answer. You still need a USB cable to setup the wireless connection, unfortunately.

[Sampath-Lokuge]

Yes, That is the case. Anyway, the good news is I have purchased the original Apple USB C to USB Adapter and now I do not have any issues. Thanks for the great feedback though.