If you are an Android Game enthusiast, you may know about the Vulkan API, which was developed by the Khronos Group. Vulkan, an advanced graphics API, exceeds the performance of the previous OpenGL standard. Many devices are now pre-enabled with the Vulkan API, but despite this hardware capability, there are many old devices that still default to OpenGL but support the Vulkan API. In this guide, we will guide you on how to enable Vulkan API on Android phones and Android tablets for a Better Gaming Experience.
The Vulkan API is a low-level graphics API that significantly enhances graphics performance on supported Android devices. First, Vulkan was introduced to Android 7.0 (Nougat, API level 24), and later it was pushed to 64-bit Android devices shipping with Android 10 (API level 29) or newer. But many Android device manufacturers may have disabled it by default because of hardware GPU support, or may have faced some issues with the Vulkan API, so they disabled it by default. So you can enable Vulkan API on Android with simple guides.
About Vulkan API and Technical Features
The Vulkan API is a high-performance graphics and computing API that enables developers to achieve improved graphics performance and efficiency when managing hardware resources, resulting in faster graphics display and enhanced efficiency on both the CPU and GPU. Features such as cross-platform applications, multi-threading, and GPU driver standards provide developers with immersive graphics and responsive applications for games and mobile applications.
Vulkan Vs OpenGL
Vulkan is a low-level graphics API, and gives developers a performance and development advantage over OpenGL. For large-scale games, applications, and experiences that require a substantial amount of hardware resources, Vulkan will perform better and handle and manage larger workloads more efficiently than OpenGL.
Vulkan provides developers with higher performance and lower CPU overhead in multi-threaded environments, improving responsiveness, frame rates, and battery life for mobile applications and Android games. OpenGL is an older, high-level graphics API, meaning it is easier to learn and understand, and there are more devices that support OpenGL. OpenGL does have its constraints when dealing with heavy loads. Nobody will argue that Vulkan is a more advanced graphics API; however, OpenGL is still a good option for projects with simple requirements or legacy projects.
Supported Devices and Software GPU Requirements
The Vulkan API supports most of the Android brands. Here is the top list that has been tested with the api.
Tested Brands
- Samsung
- Xiaomi
- OPPO
- Vivo
- OnePlus
- Nothing Phone
- Nokia
- Pixel series
- Asus
- Lenovo (Motorola)
- realme
- HONOR
- Sony
- Huawei
- NVIDIA SHIELD devices
Supported GPU and Android Compatibility
- Supported GPUs that are tested with Vulkan API – Qualcomm Adreno 5xx and above, Mali G71/72/76/77, or PowerVR GM9xxx are generally support Vulkan.
- All Android 10 64-bit Android devices or later are required to support Vulkan.
- There are many Android 7.0+ old phones that still support Vulkan 1.1.
- To check your Vulkan capability, you can download the “Vulkan Hardware Capability Viewer” from the Play Store to determine if your device’s hardware and software support Vulkan.
Pre-requisites:
- Charge the device for the interrupt installation.
- Install Google ADB-FASTBOOT Driver.
- Enable Developer Options, USB Debugging, and OEM Unlock to connect your device in ADB and fastboot mode.
- Download fastboot Tool ⇒ ADBfastboot Tool
How to Check if Vulkan Is Already Activated on Your Android Device?
- Open the developer settings in the system and locate and activate GPUWatch.
- Open any app, like Google, Phone Settings, etc.
- Check the Context Info card and see if the Vulkan API is being used or not.
How to Enable Vulkan API and Switch from OpenGL (3 Methods)
In this tutorial, we will share three methods with this guide that can enable the Vulkan API. We will share the Shizuku & Brevent app method, then the ADB method with the GAMA tool, and then aShell method.
Shizuku & Brevent Method
1. First, install the Shizuku and Brevent apps on your Android device.
2. Now check which graphics API your device is currently using by using this Command.
3. Open the Brevent App and navigate to “Exec Command” Enter the following command.
dumpsys gfxinfo | grep -i pipelineIf you see the ending lines with “OpenGL” then your device is currently using the OpenGL API.
4. Now Enable Vulkan API by executing this command in Brevent.
(setprop debug.hwui.renderer skiavk; for a in $(pm list packages | grep -v ia.mo | cut -f2 -d:); do am force-stop "$a" & done) > /dev/null 2>&1 &Note: Your screen will flash for a few seconds after executing the command. Reboot the device to the full active Vulkan API.
5. Go to step 3 after rebooting the phone to check if the api engine is enabled or not.
If you are facing any issue after activating the api, you can revert back to OpenGL at any time with this Brevent command.
(setprop debug.hwui.renderer opengl; for a in $(pm list packages | grep -v ia.mo | cut -f2 -d:); do am force-stop "$a" & done) > /dev/null 2>&1 &ADB GAMA.bat Method to Enable Vulkan API
1. Read Pre-requisites. Download adb driver and install it on your PC, Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging, and download ADBfastboot Tool.
2. Download gama.v1.4.1.4.zip and unzip it in ADBfastboot Tool folder.
3. Connect your Android device and run GAMA.bat, and follow the on-screen instructions on PC and mobile.
4. After activating the API, reboot the device.
Shizuku and aShell Method without a PC
1. First, install the Shizuku and aShell apps on your Android device.
2. Enable Developer Options on phone and enable Wireless debugging.
3. Open aShell and paste the following commands one by one.
adb shell setprop debug.hwui.renderer skiavk
adb shell am crash com.android.systemui
adb shell am force-stop com.android.settings
adb shell am force-stop com.sec.android.app.launcher
adb shell am force-stop com.samsung.android.app.aodserviceReboot the device and Active GPUWatch from Developer Options to see which gpu api is running. Open any app on your phone, and go to GPUWatch should show Vulkan Renderer (skiavk).
FAQ
What is the Vulkan API and why do I want to enable it on my Android device?
The Vulkan API is a sophisticated graphics engine created to elevate gaming analytics and gaming graphics. By enabling the Vulkan option on your Android device, you can attain better performance and quality visual output in demanding games that are notably supported and developed for Vulkan; like an overall improved experience with better frame rates and gameplay in addition to battery optimizations as compared to OpenGL which is the previous-generation graphics programming interface standard.
How do I know if my Android phone is capable of Vulkan API?
You can check compatibility by downloading the “Vulkan Hardware Capability Viewer” app from the Play Store. In an instant, this app will show you whether your device’s hardware and software will support Vulkan API.
What are the advantages of enabling the Vulkan API vs OpenGL to gaming on my phone?
The gulf between enabling Vulkan and OpenGL in gaming is notable with regard to your processor and game graphical analysis, and in terms of responsiveness with your game. The Vulkan API has better graphics, better use of hardware assets on a CPU and graphics card. The move towards Vulkan represents a greater impact on multi-threading and less CPU overhead which equates to less Lag, higher frame rates and in some cases possibly battery optimization while you play.
My phone is Vulkan capable, but it is defaulted to OpenGL. Why is that?
While some manufacturers sell the device with full Vulkan functionality support, you may find that OpenGL is still the default graphics option set, and that may be due to compatibility with cheap low-end hardware or stability. Either way, you can “turn on” your Vulkan capable graphics with this guide in order to take full advantage of the graphics architecture baked into your gaming phone hardware.
How do I enable the Vulkan API on my Android smartphone?
There are several very effective methods including Shizuku & Brevent apps, ADB, or the aShell method which does not require a PC. Each of which are elaborated on in detail in the guide – so you can easily and safely switch the default OpenGL to Vulkan and improve your gaming performance.
