Check the PATH environment variable

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 129 views

Introduction

When working with Android development, creating a system image file is a crucial step. However, encountering the "make_ext4fs: command not found" error in Ubuntu 22.04 can be frustrating. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this issue and provide a step-by-step solution to resolve it.

Understanding the Error

The "make_ext4fs: command not found" error occurs when the system is unable to locate the make_ext4fs command. This command is used to create a system image file from a mounted folder. The error message indicates that the system is unable to find the make_ext4fs command in the system's PATH.

Possible Causes

There are several possible causes of the "make_ext4fs: command not found" error:

Missing make_ext4fs package: The make_ext4fs command is part of the android-tools package. If this package is not installed, the system will not be able to find the make_ext4fs command.
Incorrect PATH: The system's PATH environment variable may not be set correctly, leading to the system being unable to find the make_ext4fs command.
Corrupted system files: In some cases, corrupted system files can cause the system to be unable to find the make_ext4fs command.

Step-by-Step Solution

To resolve the "make_ext4fs: command not found" error, follow these steps:

Step 1: Install the Android Tools Package

The make_ext4fs command is part of the android-tools package. To install this package, run the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install android-tools

This will update the package list and install the android-tools package.

Step 2: Verify the Installation

After installing the android-tools package, verify that the make_ext4fs command is available by running the following command:

make_ext4fs --help

If the command is available, you should see a help message with the available options.

Step 3: Check the PATH Environment Variable

The system's PATH environment variable may not be set correctly, leading to the system being unable to find the make_ext4fs command. To check the PATH environment variable, run the following command:

echo $PATH

This will display the current PATH environment variable. If the android-tools package is installed, the path to the make_ext4fs command should be included in the PATH environment variable.

Step 4: Update the PATH Environment Variable

If the android-tools package is installed, but the PATH environment variable is not set correctly, update the PATH environment variable by running the following command:

export PATH=$PATH:/usr/lib/android-sdk/tools

This will update the PATH environment variable to include the path to the make_ext4fs command.

Step 5: Verify the make_ext4fs Command

After updating the PATH environment variable, verify that the make_ext4fs command is available by running the following command:

make_ext4fs --help

If the command is available, you should see a help message with the available options.

Conclusion

The "make_ext4fs: command not found" error in Ubuntu 22.04 can be frustrating, but it is often caused by a simple issue, such as a missing package or an incorrect PATH environment variable. By following the step-by-step solution outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the error and use the make_ext4fs command to create a system image file from a mounted folder.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues while following the step-by-step solution, try the following troubleshooting tips:

Check the package list: Make sure that the android-tools package is installed by running the following command: sudo apt list --installed | grep android-tools
Check the PATH environment variable: Verify that the PATH environment variable is set correctly by running the following command: echo $PATH
Check the make_ext4fs command: Verify that the make_ext4fs command is available by running the following command: make_ext4fs --help

By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve any issues that you encounter while following the step-by-step solution.