Flipper got archived, so I built an Android inspector that needs no SDK

Description and use

DroidLens replaces Flipper, works without an SDK, lets you inspect any installed app, supports automated checks, and records scenarios for CI.

Problem

Flipper was archived and its SDK made it unusable for release builds and non‑Android developers.

Outcome

DroidLens replaces Flipper, works without an SDK, supports any installed app, offers automated agent checks, and records scenarios for CI.

Workflow

• Install DroidLens via macOS/Windows/Linux installer or one‑line installer
• Launch DroidLens and connect to device via adb
• Use scrcpy mirroring to view screen, tap, swipe, type
• View hierarchy and 3D exploded view via uiautomator dump
• Explore screen flow with auto‑explorer
• Run automated checks via MCP server or CLI
• Save successful flows as YAML scenarios for CI replay

Evidence

Meta archived it, and I kept missing it.

Source

It works over adb alone, with no SDK, so it can open any app on the phone.

Source

The first version took about a day, from the first commit to v0.5.1. It's at v0.10.3 now.

Source

I added an MCP server. It hands Claude Code the same tools I use in the app: read the screen, tap, swipe, type, launch an app, read logs, look at network calls.

Source

The SDK hides passwords and tokens in the network log. But it only matched keys named exactly password or token. So newPassword, fcmToken and jwt were being logged in plain text.

Source