The SDK manager is notoriously picky about folder structures. If you don't set this up correctly, you will run into "Could not find or load main class" errors.
Many users find themselves searching for a way to get just the (Software Development Kit) to save disk space and system resources. While Google makes the "SDK-only" option a bit harder to find than it used to be, it is still entirely possible.
If you are a developer looking to set up an environment for React Native, Flutter, or Unity—or if you simply have a low-spec machine—you probably don't want to install the massive IDE.
Create a main folder for your SDK (e.g., C:\Android\cmdline-tools or ~/Android/cmdline-tools ). Inside that folder, create a subfolder named .
Here is the step-by-step guide to downloading and setting up the Android SDK standalone. Step 1: Download the "Command Line Tools"
How to Download the Android SDK Only (Without Android Studio)
Download the package corresponding to your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Step 2: Organize Your File Structure (Crucial)
Google no longer provides a simple "SDK.zip" file. Instead, they provide the . This package includes sdkmanager , which allows you to download the actual SDK components. Go to the Android Studio Download Page. Scroll down to the "Command line tools only" section.
Unzip the downloaded contents. You will see a folder named cmdline-tools . Move everything inside that folder (bin, lib, source.properties, etc.) into the folder you just created.
How Do I [portable] Download Android Sdk Only May 2026
The SDK manager is notoriously picky about folder structures. If you don't set this up correctly, you will run into "Could not find or load main class" errors.
Many users find themselves searching for a way to get just the (Software Development Kit) to save disk space and system resources. While Google makes the "SDK-only" option a bit harder to find than it used to be, it is still entirely possible.
If you are a developer looking to set up an environment for React Native, Flutter, or Unity—or if you simply have a low-spec machine—you probably don't want to install the massive IDE. how do i download android sdk only
Create a main folder for your SDK (e.g., C:\Android\cmdline-tools or ~/Android/cmdline-tools ). Inside that folder, create a subfolder named .
Here is the step-by-step guide to downloading and setting up the Android SDK standalone. Step 1: Download the "Command Line Tools" The SDK manager is notoriously picky about folder structures
How to Download the Android SDK Only (Without Android Studio)
Download the package corresponding to your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Step 2: Organize Your File Structure (Crucial) While Google makes the "SDK-only" option a bit
Google no longer provides a simple "SDK.zip" file. Instead, they provide the . This package includes sdkmanager , which allows you to download the actual SDK components. Go to the Android Studio Download Page. Scroll down to the "Command line tools only" section.
Unzip the downloaded contents. You will see a folder named cmdline-tools . Move everything inside that folder (bin, lib, source.properties, etc.) into the folder you just created.
