Flutter doctor --android-licenses gives a java error

java

java-8

environment-variables

sdk-manager

byAlex Kataev·Oct 15, 2024

Overcome the flutter doctor --android-licenses java error by:

Confirm Java 8+ is installed: java -version.
Map JAVA_HOME to the JDK directory: export JAVA_HOME=/path/to/jdk.
Run the problematic command: flutter doctor --android-licenses.
Add the JDK bin directory to PATH: export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH.
Invoke the Android sdkmanager to accept licenses: sdkmanager --licenses.

Repeat flutter doctor to assess whether the issue has been addressed.

Step-by-step solution

Could it be a JDK 8 issue?

Although Flutter supports JDK 9+, Android command-line tools are a bit old school and prefer JDK 8. To downgrade:

Download JDK 8 from Oracle's official site.
Set the JAVA_HOME environment variable to the JDK 8 install path.
UpdatePATH with the JDK's location for streamlined access to Java binaries.

Install Android command-line tools

A classic offender causing flutter doctor --android-licenses java error is the absence of Android command-line tools. To install:

Navigate to Android Studio's SDK Manager (Tools > SDK Manager to the rescue! 🚁).
Tick the checkbox for Android SDK Command-line Tools and kickstart the installation.

Post-installation, a quick check in your Android Studio SDK settings should now display the command-line tools. Amplify your joy by running flutter doctor --android-licenses.

Let's accept all Android licenses

Make use of the sdkmanager to accept required licenses via yes | sdkmanager --licenses. This command basically breaks free from those pesky license prompts.

Setting environment variables right on Windows, Linux, and macOS

If you are on Windows, follow these steps:

Visit System Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables.
Set a new JAVA_HOME variable directed to your JDK directory.
Modify PATH to include %JAVA_HOME%\bin.

For Linux and macOS users, the trusty shell configuration files such as ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc are the paths to salvation for correctly exporting JAVA_HOME.

Final Flutter check

Execute flutter doctor -v for an intense health check-up of your Flutter environment. The jargon-filled output also lets you identify the current state of your Android toolchain.

Advanced troubleshooting

Is your Android Studio updated?

The flutter doctor --android-licenses java error might be a cover for an outdated Android Studio or its components. Regularly visit Help > Check for Updates in Android Studio. Review the Android SDK Manager for any required updates (but please, no candy crush updates).

Beware of clashing JDKs

Multiple JDK versions could rig your setup. For a smooth sail, use only JDK 8 for Android command-line tools. Tools like jEnv can help manage Java versions if multiple projects are on your roster.