FAQ Section: Companion and Emulator

Frequently Asked Questions
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Introductory

Your First App Testing - MIT

AIStarter for 64 bit Windows - MIT

Sample Connect -> Companion sequence - @ABG

Breaking News:
3/18/2026
Current Version, from the AI2 Help->Companion Info link: 2.78

Downloadable 2.78u link:
https://ai2.appinventor.mit.edu/companions/MITAI2Companion.apk

http://ai2.appinventor.mit.edu/companions/MITAI2Companion.apk

Prior versions

Feb 19, 2024 nb196 needs Companion 2.70 or 2.70u side load

Dec 1 2023 nb195b needs Companion 2.69 or 2.69u side load

Sep 4 2023 nb194b needs Companion 2.68 or 2.68u side load

June 19 2023 nb193 needs Companion 2.67 or 2.67u side load

Feb 17 2023 nb191 needs Companion 2.66 or 2.66u side load

Sep 22 2022 nb190 needs Companion 2.65 or 2.65u side load

Sep 2022 open beta emulator

June 2022 - Companion 2.63 PlayStore rollout hiccup - ewpatton

March 2022 - Please test Companion under https - Hal

Sept 2021 - Chrome 94 broke access to aiStarter

March 2021 - Chrome 89 broke Companion Connections - Fixed. - jis

Usage Techniques

Check the MIT Rendezvous server status - JIS

MIT AIStarter (Connect->Emulator) Companion Update Videos 2024

Connecting to MIT App Inventor Emulator and Updating Companion - YouTube 2016 (obsolete)

Screen switching limitations in the Companion and Emulator - @Taifun

Switching to Landscape in the Emulator Ctrl-F11- Juan Antonio

How to use Logcat

(from https://groups.google.com/d/msg/mitappinventortest/0klBjdq9hdk/WsMFAtdjY0sJ)

  1. connect your device using USB with your computer

  2. in File Manager of your computer, go to the App Inventor directory, which is C:\Program Files\App Inventor or similar

  3. press Shift and right mouse click the subdirectory commands-for-Appinventor to get the context menu

  4. select "open command window here" and you will get a command window of that subdirectory

  5. enter adb logcat and the logcat will start running

Texting between multiple emulators - ewpatton

Other Emulators

BlueStacks 5 adb enabling for aistarter - @boere456

Google Play Games emulator for Windows Beta (unusable for AI2, don't bother - ABG) - March 2024

Notes for Windows 11 Home users unable to install emulators - @ABG

Appetize.io - Online emulator, runs .apk in your browser

GenyMotion

Summary

Android Studio emulator with AI2

Microsoft's free Visual Studio Android emulator

Ad Supported emulators - Beware virus warnings

MemuPlay based Companion Download and startup videos - ABG

MemuPlay emulator setup and Companion startup (videos no longer work) - Italo, ABG

Light Weight emulator: Nox - AnirbanDev

MIT's 2021 beta version of their emulator

Androidx86
Use androidx86 as an emulator for AI2 - TIMAI2

Schools

Windows PowerShell aistarter Companion Update script - @ewpatton

School network setup for AI2 - SteveJG, MIT

Improved emulator setup - Troy Kozee

AI2 Silent Install Flags

There is a way to tell the emulator to use an http proxy - jis

How to reduce emulator profile sizes - @ewpatton

Platforms

Intel Mac running macOS 15.2 Sequoia Jan 2025 - @ewpatton

Apple Silicon Macs 9/23 - @ewpatton

Chromebooks - MIT

Chromebook Companion setup - ewpatton

Ubuntu 10.04 instructions - SteveJG

Ubuntu 22 over USB - @TimAI2 et al

Installing and using companion using only a tablet - @Dominique_Quevy

Other

Summary

Companion App: install from unknown sources not working anymore - ewpatton

Delete Companion Files - Anke, TimAI2

How to Manually Update the Companion in the Emulator (when self-update fails) - Yong_Tang

Emulator.apk file Not Found Exception (ESET Antivirus)

Companion is using many UDP Ports on WebRTC connection

Companion Versions 2.53 vs 2.53u usage and improvements

Companion .apk link to MIT

Companion changes December 2018 - MIT

Emergency Companion 2.47 download link

Emulator get stuck

Emulator locked with passcode

Galaxy S7 USB connection needs RNDIS (USB-Ethernet) (not MTP) developer settings - TFO

How to run apk on Chrome with ARCWelder - Obsolete, Chrome dropped Apps.

[MIT AI2 Companion: NW.js + ARChon + Emulator.apk (windows) - Yong_Tang

URI is not absolute trying to read a Media //filename

Where to get the Emulator - Windows

YouTube video on Emulator Fix from Task Manager

Dead links

Debugging issues in running the App Inventor Setup Tools and the emulator on Windows (HAL)

8 Likes
Failed to connect to emulator
aiStarter update MIT AI2 Companion2 to 2.58au
app installation error
MIT AI2 Companion: NW.js + ARChon + Emulator.apk [windows]
Companion App: install from unknown sources not working anymore
AI Companion not connecting
Ai companion on Samsung Tablet not working
I need help , How I can Installing App Inventor 2 on Windows?
Is it just me, or does no one notice that the emulator is not running Android 8 Oreo?
Emulator text error
Unable to download aia file in laptop
Emulator App Help
How do you connect open trivia api with mit app inventor
aiStarter not recognized anymore
Black screen problem
Why is there no https in App Inventor?
Windows AI2 Download Emulator link not working
Downloading the app inventor setup software
Buttons are not working to switch between screens
Installation aborted on windows 11
The emulator does not work with an application containing AI
New Windows installer Package is not getting downloaded
Do i need a sim card to download app on android
Companion App not loading due to images
I have installed my app of MIT app inventor in my computer in Android App Bundle .aab, but I am unable to open that file in my computer, which software will help to open that on my computer not on phone
Firebase connection with MIT (beginner)
Problems downloading and then using emulator in windows 10
Why http://rendezvous.appinventor.mit.edu/ is down?
MIT App inventor emulator android version too old
Some Issues About My Emulator
The aiStarter helper does not appear to be running!
Emulator not opening
Multiplayer rock paper scissors not working
The operation make a (key:value) pair in a list cannot accept the arguments (MacOS Emulator)
Multiple emulators
New component "Translator" problem?
Mit Inventor Emulator with Spreadsheet
Runtime Error for a basic app in emulator
Lib64OpenglRender.so - No such file or directory
Nothing happens on the screen after I finish coding and press the buttons
My emulator is not working
Aistarter doesn't work
Emulator does not work properly
App Inventor emulator blank screen on Win10
MIT App Inventor Issue (using Companion)
Emulator not connevting with aistarter
Emulator is not working + Runtime error while trying to open emulator
AI Companion does not connect on phone
Aistarter crash
Java Error Error from Companion: java.lang.RuntimeException: invalid syntax in eval form: :8:1: caught exception in inliner for # - java.lang.RuntimeException: no such class:
Emulator on AMD machines
aiStarter Emolator not work
Java Error Error from Companion: java.lang.RuntimeException: invalid syntax in eval form: :8:1: caught exception in inliner for # - java.lang.RuntimeException: no such class:
AI companion with TeachableMachine Extention crashes right after the launching
The operation make a pair cannot accept the arguments: , ["name"], ["something"]
Android Companion unable to connect
The app you created will continue to stop. Quick Answer, please
Java Error Error from Companion: java.lang.RuntimeException: invalid syntax in eval form: :8:1: caught exception in inliner for # - java.lang.RuntimeException: no such class:
Not able to pass values between screens using get start value and open/close screens
Dependent Websites
The emulator does not work on my computer
Can i use the emulator in windows 10 home?
Companion issues if using extensions (on Android 13)
405 Method not allowed?
Emulator Not Working(AI Starter)
Hello please i need help
Issues with the new emulator
Why is my emulator not working
Runtime Error - Windows10
I can not download the Installer due to system requirements not satisfied with HAXM
App inventor2 installation (new emulator)
The start block is missing
Use android simulator Occurrence error
Problems with emulator, pls helpe me
Cannot start emulator - Win 11
Companion issues if using extensions (on Android 13)
Why does the sound for the Emulator does not work?
Companion Disconnected Error
I need help with this error code, I'm using a kindle fire and a chromebook, I get this when I try to connect to my app
Loops and procedure problem
Problems with connecting with emulator
Unable to retrieve the version of airstarter installed on your computer
Why my "do it" in the right click is grey?
There may be a problem with the sorting method of List
What tablets works best for app creation?
I wanna be able to test it on my laptop
My emulator stuck in Google logo
App Inventor texting gibberish
AI Starter install in AMD CPU computer unsuccessful
AI2 USB Connection works but AI2 says Companion not started when it is
Computer requirements of the emulator
aiStarter Connect Emulator not working Windows 11
Issues with the new emulator
Windows 10 GPU Driver Issue
Mit App Inventor emulator doesn't work well
Emulator Companion not loading. Is it just me?
trouble with companion
Minecraft Unlimited Items di App Inventor: Kenapa Tidak Muncul di Emulator?
Emulator does not work no connection HAXM required but installation failed
App para escritorio (desktop app / emulator)
Instalar Emulador
System requiments for running the emulator is good?
The emulator is not working properly
Emulator startet weder in Firefox noch in Chrome (Emulator does not start in Firefox or Chrome)
To start emulator on PC windows 11 is it a requirement to have an Intel processor
My emulator does not start
App Inventor Emulator Does Not Work on Mac
The aiStarter does not appear to be running
The emulator is not working properly
Emulator showing errors
Mac M1 chip Can't get apk file to add to emulator created through android studio
Keyboard problem (using an emulator)
Unable to connect to emulator error "cannot use two codes with one startup of the Emulator"
Please this error appears while emulation, what could be the problem?
HELP: Keyboard on Emulator doesn't recognize the PC's keys
Read with exact filter - works on columns, can it also work on rows?
Error from Companion: java.lang.RuntimeException: invalid syntax in eval form: :12:1: caught exception in inliner for # - java.lang.RuntimeException: no such class:
Problem with connection server
The emulator is not working properly
Unable to retrieve the version of aiStarter installed in your computer
Emulator error on windows 10
The "MIT_App_Inventor_Tools_30.265.0_win_setup64.exe" has not valid certificate
Installation folder cannot be selected
Chatbot issues with Android Emulator
The emulator is not working
How do you connect google firebase to MIT app Inventor
Companion does not work
Creating a repeating timer
How do you connect open trivia api with mit app inventor
MIT App Inventor emulator freezes every 4 seconds (plants vs zombies game)
Emulator problem
无法正常打开aistarter/ The aistarter cannot be started properly
Problem with Emulator
Installing and using companion using only a tablet
[CRITICAL] RE: FAQ Section: Companion and Emulator
What does it take to get MIT AppInventor ACTUALLY RUNNING?
Procedure call out of sync with its definition arguments
[CRITICAL] RE: FAQ Section: Companion and Emulator
Has Anyone tried the Google Play Games for Windows Beta emulator yet?
How can I install the appinventor emulator?
Divers problèmes dont lancement de l'émulateur
Can't get emulator to Work
Way to Ignore 1103 error message and continue?
Error connecting between MIT AI2 App Inventor Web and MIT AI2 Companion Android Phone
Please help me how to solve
Building project problem
App Inventor Tools and Emulator For All Users
App emulator will not work
Imagebot thing?
App Inventor Tools and Emulator For All Users
The emulator does not restart
Emulator download issue
Emulator from mit appinventor
I have this error in aiStarter
Companion not displayed any components at version 2.73a
Critical - aiStarter crashes OS and delete's some of it's files
For the past several days it has not connected to the emulator
My Intel is recognized as AMD
MAC Sonoma - Emulator Won't Launch M1/M2
Silent Install for 30.265.0 emulator
New error while installing App Inventor 2
How can I solve an error running the program using the emulator in App Inventor
Cannot get started with Android
Facing problem in connecting with the companion app even after trying multiple troubleshooting methods (Android)
Help test nb197
Need help with Mark Origin on spiriteimage
The aiStarter helper does not appear to be running
Medication Reminder (again)
Fehler vom Companion
Emulator does not work on Windows or Linux
When RegisterForStrings are connected, the App Inventer is forced to shut down
Please i need help now (unable to retrieve the version of aiStarter insstalled)
Como puedo instalar el aistarter ? no me deja ponerlo (How can I install the aistarter?)
Is there a way to start the emulator (in order to update the Companion APK) without logging into MIA APP INVENTOR site (i
Remote installation of emulator (school)
Bugs in emulator - is there a new release planned for the summer of 2024?
Hi there~After installing and running the AI starter, I got an error message, what should I do?
I can't start it normally.Help me!
In BLE extension RegisterForString crashes
Help test Companion app bugfixes for Android 14
Can I advertise BLE (StartAdvertising)?
BluetoothLE extension can't reconnect to ble device after using RegisterForString
Help test Companion app bugfixes for Android 14
Updating Companion App
Updating Companion App
Emulator Not Working(AI Starter)
Emulator has old SDK version 30
Emulator Install fails - not meeting Intel requirement on brand new Gamer Laptop ! ? I don't believe that my Intel Chip is not new enuf for this software. Either there needs to be a change in its design or there is an error ??
BLE NANO 33 SENSE Rev2 RegisterForByte crash
Not able to connect to the Emulator
AI Companion resets and APP does not launch to Android
MIT App Inventor won't load
Unable to Connect to Companion App
Any extension added will cause the app to crash
Emulator Not Connecting
Companion connection issue with iPads
aiStarter states emulator is out of date, how to fix this issue?
Extensions not loading correctly or causes errors in Companion v2.73a, 2.73au, 2.73ad2
Its doesn't connect to aiStarter Emulator
BLUETOOTH CLIENT not connecting in HC-05 with arduino
HAXM Emulator Install requirements error Windows 11
Silent Install for 30.265.0 emulator
My app companion won't connect?
What's a good emulator to try?
Page Failing to Render in Emulator
Emulators don't work on a school network but work at home
I'm creating a game where you can fight
The Companion is Not working on these Extension Addition?
String IndexOutOfBounds Exception while using extensions in companion app
Can't connect to the emulator
AI companion not connecting via QR or typing code wifi
Mit app inventor error
AI companion error
App inventor emulator
Extensions do not work
Companion problems when testing app
Impossible to connect with my cellphone
Help Creating a basic small application
How to fix HAXM Installation error
The emulator is not working
Having to connect your phone?
Starting a new class in MIT App Inventor
Emulator behaves randomly
Antivirus shows that there is a virus in this application. :)
Problema con iniciar el Appinventor Offline
Help Needed – Intune Deployment of MIT App Inventor 2
First time using.My phone cant load into my project i tried many times but it always says Your companion app is out of date.Restart the companion and use it to scan the QRcode below in order to update.I did scan but it said it was invalid
AI2 Companion on Emulator on Kubuntu Linux - blank screen
Error con App Inventor
How do you install the emulator in a computer which has AMD Ryzen 7 processor?
Live test in browser
Installation error - help!
Connect function not working
Unable to debug using AI Partner connection code connection
I can't install Emulator on Windows
Can't Install aistarter
Parece que el asistente de aiStarter no se estñá ejecutando
Why when I download the app installer it says that This installer package is incompatible with this version of macOS
Emulator status128 Error Problem
Bulk or Institutional Google Accounts for App Inventor
WSA ADB label reading
I can't download emulator for mac
App Inventor Not Connecting To AI Companion
I can't connect to the Emulator in my project
App Emulator Problem
Emulator not opening
Can't install App Inventor Tool
Error when emulator run... Failed to open /qemu.conf, err: 2
AI companion ha dejado de funcionar
Help parsing XML data
Help i am trying to start a emulater without build the app then scan then download
I have trouble running the app i created?
Emulator says "aiStarter helper does not appear to be running"
Run the aiStarter with MIT App Inventor on Windows 11
S.O.S : I can not find my previous detailed post here (1rst Post) + Impossible
S.O.S : I can not find my previous detailed post here (1rst Post) + Impossible
We would like to install MIT App Inventor in chromebooks
Mit App download problems (emulator on Windows)
Windows 10 not working (aistarter issue)
How do you use the emulator?
MIT app inventor emulator not working
How do you open offline appinventor in windows 10?
Cannot connect 5037? how to do?
Windows Based Emulator Will Not Launch
aiStarter Connection Issue
The emulator isn't working for me.
Can Yoy Would Open The Mit Ai2 Companion For Windows 11 for arm64?
AiStarter Not Working
Emulator issues
Is there a way to get MIT App Inventor Emulator on Windows 11
Andoid Studio emulator with App Inventor?
ERROR: No initial system image for this configuration
Emulator does not work
I downloaded this but it`s not working properly
Bug firebase Gettag list
Android Emulator
Can't connect to location and wi-fi on emulator
Failed to connect to emulator
App Inventor Setup Software installation for Chromebook
Какой самый лучший эмулятор?
Emulator Compatibility with Windows 7 (32-bit) for MIT App Inventor
Companion stuck after boot for Android Virtual Device (API31)
Is there any way to view error messages before the companion crashes?
I am not able to use a firebase app on the emulator
The emulator does not work
Responsive design with image sprites
Install MIT AI2 on Amazon Fire HD 10
6 digit code and my qr code
Trying to connect LG Stylo with Firefox (no QR code to scan with companion app
Emulator will not work
Emulator continuosly freezing
It takes so long to start the emulator
Running as emulator
Invoke: no method named `ShowTextDialog' in class java.lang.Boolean
Delete companion files
Specify different color for the current day only in day list items!
App Inventor Emulator Crashed
Emulator and java errors and BLE
Erro Com Emulador App inventor
Can we fix the testing bugs and other issues
MIT App Inventor Setup is NOT responding
Emulator package parse error
Proxy support? Emulator works fine - except browser app
Proxy support? Emulator works fine - except browser app
Testing AI Extensions on Non-Android platforms
Update companion on emulator
I keep getting an error stating that mi aistarter is not recognized but it has worked in the past
Built In Google Sheets Component for App Inventor
Unable to load and use the Inventor on my Smart phone or install the Emulator
AI starter 5554 emulator white screen only
I can't use Android emulator to test my app. Please assist
Help a newbie with sending variables from arduino
Trying to use a different emulator for App Inventor
Need help with emulator!
Need help with emulator!
Emulator Is not working since 2 week
Problem facing while using emulator
Using App Inventor on mobile
How can I read values from a Google spreadsheet?
Blue stacks not supplying data to Google sheets
Error en el emulador
Lib64OpenglRender.so - No such file or directory
MIT AI2 Companion has unexpectedly crashed
Не запускается эмулятор
Automatic update for emulator using aiStarter?
Emulator - white screen
Unable to download emulator for windows
Proxy support? Emulator works fine - except browser app
L émulateur ne fonctionne pas
Need Help After Download
Cant install emulator
New Connection problem (using Companion with Chrome and some other browsers)
How can i change the size from the Emulator?
Uninstall aiStarter on Windows 10
aiStarter update MIT AI2 Companion2 to 2.58au
Proxy support? Emulator works fine - except browser app
Is there a new emulator
Need problem solv
Unable to Install macOS emulator on Intel Sequoia MacBook Pro
Emulator Has White Screen
I wont emulator for MIT app inventor (I want an emulator)