Who is this for?

This is an advanced topic for developers interested in learning how to use the Arm Memory Tagging Extension (MTE) to detect memory safety bugs with Android Studio on a Google Pixel 8 smartphone.

What will you learn?

Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:

  • Recognize common memory safety bugs in Android applications.
  • Describe how you can use an Android MTE Test app to implement common memory bugs.
  • Build the MTE Test app in Android Studio.
  • Enable and disable MTE in the Android Manifest.
  • Debug the MTE Test app in Android Studio on a Google Pixel 8 smartphone.

Prerequisites

Before starting, you will need the following:

  • A Google Pixel 8 smartphone.
  • Android Studio installed on your development computer.
  • A USB cable to connect your computer to your Google Pixel 8.
  • Android Debug Bridge (adb) installed on your device. If needed, follow the steps in the Android Debug Bridge documentation.

Summary

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This summary was drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

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You’ll use Arm MTE on a Google Pixel 8 to find memory-safety bugs in an Android app. First, you’ll clone and open the MTE Test app in Android Studio, edit AndroidManifest.xml to control MTE, and start a debug session on the connected device. Then, you’ll exercise built-in memory-bug scenarios and investigate them with MTE.

Frequently asked questions

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These FAQs were drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

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How do I get the MTE Test app into Android Studio?
Clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/rlopez3d/mte_test_app, then open the cloned Android project in Android Studio. The project opens in the default Android view.
Which project view helps me find AndroidManifest.xml to enable MTE?
Switch to the Project Files view. Expand app/src/main/res and open AndroidManifest.xml.
How do I confirm Android Studio is targeting my Google Pixel 8 before debugging?
Check that your device name appears in the device selector next to the Run/Debug controls. If your device isn’t listed, ensure the phone is connected over USB and the project is open.
What should I expect on the phone when I start debugging the app?
The app shows a message on the screen when it starts. Wait until the application interface appears before proceeding.
Where do I enable or disable MTE for this app?
Edit the application manifest AndroidManifest.xml to control MTE.
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