Summarize this article with:
Want to build iOS and Android apps from one project? It starts with knowing how to add the Flutter plugin in Android Studio.
Without this plugin, you’re stuck switching between tools or missing out on Flutter’s best features entirely.
The Flutter plugin unlocks hot reload, widget inspector, device selection, and the Dart language support you need for building production-ready apps.
This guide walks you through the complete installation process in under 10 minutes.
You’ll learn how to access plugin settings, install both Flutter and Dart plugins, verify the setup works, and troubleshoot common issues that block developers.
How to Add the Flutter Plugin in Android Studio
Adding the Flutter plugin in Android Studio is the process of installing an extension that enables Flutter SDK integration, Dart language support, and cross-platform development tools within the IDE.
Developers need this when building apps for Android and iOS from a single codebase.
This guide covers 4 steps requiring 5-10 minutes and Android Studio version 3.0 or higher.
Prerequisites
Before installing the Flutter plugin, verify your development environment meets these requirements.
Required Software
- Android Studio version 3.0 or higher (latest stable recommended)
- Flutter SDK downloaded and extracted
- Git installed for version control
- Minimum 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
System Requirements
- Operating system: Windows 10/11, macOS 10.14+, or Linux
- Disk space: 2.8GB minimum for IDE, plus 1.5GB for Flutter SDK
- Internet connection: Required for plugin download
Time and Skill Level
Total time: 5-10 minutes.
Skill level: Beginner-friendly.
If you haven’t set up the IDE yet, follow the guide on how to install Android Studio first.
Step One: How Do You Open the Plugin Settings in Android Studio?
Open Android Studio and access the Settings dialog using the menu bar or keyboard shortcut to reach the plugin manager where extensions are installed and configured.
Action
Windows/Linux path: File > Settings
macOS path: Android Studio > Settings
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + S (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + , (macOS)
Expected Result
The Preferences dialog opens with a navigation list on the left sidebar.
You should see categories including Appearance, Keymap, Editor, and Plugins.
Purpose
The Settings dialog provides centralized access to all IDE configuration options, including the plugin marketplace for extending functionality.
Step Two: How Do You Access the Marketplace Tab?
Select Plugins from the left sidebar, then click the Marketplace tab at the top of the panel to browse available extensions including the Flutter development tools.
Action
- Left sidebar: Click “Plugins”
- Top tabs: Select “Marketplace” (not “Installed”)
- Search field: Located at the top of the Marketplace panel
Expected Result
The Marketplace tab displays featured plugins and a search field.
Popular extensions appear in a grid or list format below the search bar.
Purpose
The Marketplace connects to JetBrains plugin repository where official and third-party extensions are hosted, including Flutter and Dart plugins for cross-platform app development.
Step Three: How Do You Find and Install the Flutter Plugin?
Type “Flutter” in the search field, locate the official Flutter plugin by flutter.dev, click Install, and accept the Dart plugin dependency when prompted.
Action
- Search field: Type “Flutter”
- Search results: Select “Flutter” by flutter.dev (official plugin)
- Install button: Click the green “Install” button
- Dart prompt: Click “Yes” when asked to install the Dart plugin
Expected Result
Download progress bar appears during installation.
Both Flutter and Dart plugin show as installed when complete.
A “Restart IDE” prompt appears at the top of the dialog.
Purpose
The Flutter plugin enables project creation wizards, hot reload, widget inspector, and device selection features.
Dart plugin provides language support, code completion, and syntax highlighting for the Dart programming language.
Together, they transform Android Studio into a complete Flutter development environment capable of building apps built with Flutter for multiple platforms.
Step Four: How Do You Restart Android Studio After Installation?
Click the “Restart IDE” button in the notification banner or manually restart through File > Restart IDE to activate the Flutter and Dart plugins.
Action
- Notification banner: Click “Restart IDE” at the top of Settings dialog
- Alternative method: File > Restart IDE (or close and reopen manually)
- Wait time: 10-30 seconds for full restart
Expected Result
Android Studio closes and reopens automatically.
The Welcome screen now displays “New Flutter Project” option.
Purpose
IDE restart loads plugin components into memory; without it, Flutter features remain inactive even after installation completes.
Verification
Confirm your Flutter plugin installation succeeded by checking these locations within the IDE.
Plugin Status Check
Path: File > Settings > Plugins > Installed
Both “Flutter” and “Dart” should appear with checkboxes enabled.
Version numbers display next to each plugin name.
New Project Option
Path: File > New > New Flutter Project
The Flutter project wizard appears with options for Application, Plugin, Package, and Module.
If this option is missing, the plugin installation failed.
Flutter Device Selector
Look for the Flutter device selection dropdown in the toolbar area.
Connected devices and emulators appear here once configured.
Learn how to open emulator in Android Studio if no devices show.
Flutter Doctor Command
Open Terminal within Android Studio (View > Tool Windows > Terminal).
Run: flutter doctor
Green checkmarks indicate properly configured components; red X marks show issues requiring attention.
Troubleshooting
Common issues during Flutter plugin setup and their fixes.
Issue: Plugin Installation Fails
Cause: Network restrictions, firewall blocking, or corrupted download.
Solution: Configure proxy in File > Settings > Appearance & Behavior > System Settings > HTTP Proxy, or temporarily disable firewall.
Issue: Dart Plugin Not Installed Automatically
Cause: Dependency prompt dismissed or skipped.
Solution: Install manually via File > Settings > Plugins > Marketplace > search “Dart” > Install.
Issue: Flutter SDK Path Not Recognized
Cause: SDK location not configured in IDE settings.
Solution: Set path in File > Settings > Languages & Frameworks > Flutter > Flutter SDK path; browse to your extracted Flutter folder.
Issue: “Flutter Commands” Banner Not Appearing
Cause: Cached data conflicts with new plugin files.
Solution: File > Invalidate Caches > select all options > Restart.
Issue: Plugin Version Incompatibility
Cause: Outdated Android Studio version.
Solution: Follow how to update Android Studio to latest stable release, then reinstall plugins.
Issue: Hot Reload Not Working
Cause: Debug session not active or structural code changes made.
Solution: Run app in debug mode (Shift + F9); for structural changes, use Hot Restart (Ctrl + Shift + F5).
Related Processes
Continue your Flutter development environment setup with these guides.
- How to use Android Studio emulator for testing Flutter apps
- How to build APK in Android Studio for Android distribution
- How to sync Gradle in Android Studio for dependency management
- How to connect phone to Android Studio with USB for physical device testing
For broader context on building apps across platforms, explore mobile application development fundamentals.
Comparing frameworks? Check Flutter vs React Native to understand each option’s strengths.
FAQ on How To Add The Flutter Plugin In Android Studio
Is the Flutter plugin free to install in Android Studio?
Yes. The Flutter plugin is completely free and available through the JetBrains Marketplace.
Google maintains it as open-source software. No subscription or license fees required for personal or commercial use.
Do I need to install the Dart plugin separately?
No. When you install the Flutter plugin, Android Studio prompts you to install the Dart plugin automatically.
Click “Yes” on the prompt. Both plugins work together for Flutter development.
Which Android Studio version supports the Flutter plugin?
Android Studio 3.0 and higher supports Flutter plugin installation.
The latest stable version is recommended for best compatibility with current Flutter SDK releases and Android SDK tools.
Can I use the Flutter plugin with IntelliJ IDEA instead?
Yes. The same Flutter plugin works in IntelliJ IDEA Community and Ultimate editions.
Installation steps are identical. Compare options in our IntelliJ IDEA vs Android Studio guide.
Why does my Flutter plugin show as incompatible?
Plugin incompatibility occurs when your Android Studio version is outdated.
Update your IDE to the latest stable release, then reinstall the plugin from the Marketplace tab.
How do I verify the Flutter plugin installed correctly?
Check File > Settings > Plugins > Installed for both Flutter and Dart entries.
Successful installation also adds “New Flutter Project” to File > New menu options.
Can I install the Flutter plugin offline?
Yes, but it requires manual steps. Download the plugin ZIP from JetBrains Marketplace website.
Then use Settings > Plugins > gear icon > Install Plugin from Disk to load it.
Does the Flutter plugin work on Mac, Windows, and Linux?
Yes. The plugin functions identically across all three operating systems.
Only the keyboard shortcuts and menu paths differ slightly between macOS and Windows/Linux installations.
How do I update the Flutter plugin to a newer version?
Go to File > Settings > Plugins > Installed tab.
If updates are available, an “Update” button appears next to the Flutter plugin. Click it and restart the IDE.
Will installing the Flutter plugin affect my existing Android projects?
No. The Flutter plugin adds new capabilities without modifying existing Android projects built with Kotlin or Java.
Your current workspace and project configurations remain unchanged.
Conclusion
You now know how to add the Flutter plugin in Android Studio. Four steps, under 10 minutes, and your IDE is ready for Flutter development.
The plugin installation process involves accessing Settings, navigating to Marketplace, installing Flutter with Dart dependencies, and restarting the IDE.
Verification through the Plugins tab and flutter doctor command confirms everything works.
With the Flutter plugin active, you gain access to project wizards, hot reload, widget inspector, and device selection tools.
These features speed up your software development process significantly.
Start building your first Flutter app now. Create a new project, connect an emulator or physical device, and run your code.
The Flutter framework handles the rest, compiling your Dart code into native Android and iOS applications from a single codebase.
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