Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_CONTAINER_ERROR] when trying to install android apk package using adb for platform 4.1

Question

I generated an apk package for my android application. and I tried to install the package (apk) on android platform 4.1 (level 16) using the adb command but it genrates error:

Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_CONTAINER_ERROR]

when trying to run with eclipse (run button) for the same platform (4.1 level 16) it works without a problems

this behaviour is not reproduced for platform 2.1 and platform 3.2

possible duplicate of [What does this mean: Failure \[INSTALL_FAILED_CONTAINER_ERROR\]?](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5744298/what-does-this-mean-failure-install-failed-container-error) — mah, Sep 18 '12 at 16:18

score 82 · Accepted Answer · edited Jul 04 '13 at 08:46

82

You need to make changes in AndroidManifest.xml. The change which you need to do is. Change :

android:installLocation="preferExternal"

to

android:installLocation="auto"

this worked for me.

edited Jul 04 '13 at 08:46

emidander

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answered Jan 30 '13 at 04:29

JNI_OnLoad

5,472
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Where do I find the AndroidManifest.xml ? – Ry2254 Oct 05 '22 at 19:01

score 15 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 04 '13 at 08:44

15

This will happen if android:installLocation is set to "preferExternal" and you have an AVD with a too small SD card. Increase the size of the SD card or change installLocation to auto in AndroidManifest.xml.

answered Jul 04 '13 at 08:44

emidander

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1

There is a separate thread on the subject of emulator SD card size here: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/8260625/what-is-a-reasonable-value-for-sd-card-size-for-avds – emidander Nov 18 '13 at 22:14
i liked the explanation here than the first post. Thank you! – Rat-a-tat-a-tat Ratatouille Feb 07 '14 at 10:36

score 7 · Answer 3 · answered Aug 07 '15 at 19:35

7

I got this error when I deleted my app after changing the MainActivity's name. idk if the app didn't install due to space issues or the phone thought the package is corrupt but deleting the dalvik cache and rebooting solved it for me.

answered Aug 07 '15 at 19:35

user2161301

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score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Dec 01 '15 at 23:59

INSTALL_FAILED_CONTAINER_ERROR is also returned when trying to install an apk that contains native libraries compiled for a different architecture.

Try running "logcat" from the "adb shell" after you get the error. If it reports a java IOException "Failed to extract native code" then you need to install the apk on an avd created for the native library architecture, or include native libraries in your apk for the architecture on your avd/device.

score 1 · Answer 5 · answered Sep 28 '22 at 15:33

1

My issue got solved by wiping the emulator data

answered Sep 28 '22 at 15:33

JoelSebstn

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score 0 · Answer 6 · answered Nov 13 '14 at 09:03

0

I wasnt able to change manifest of the build, so for me was the solution unmount SD card, install app and then mount it back.

answered Nov 13 '14 at 09:03

user3098756

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score 0 · Answer 7 · answered Apr 14 '17 at 06:09

0

i change installLocation="auto" in manifest but not work. I found problem in something wrong with my sdcard.

So, i change android:installLocation="preferExternal to internalOnly. It work for me!

answered Apr 14 '17 at 06:09

Linh Van

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Alihan Kuru · Answer 8 · 2023-05-20T22:16:58.537

If you're testing your app on an emulator, I'd recommend wiping the emulator's data and starting it again:

1 - In Android Studio, navigate to the AVD Manager (Tools -> AVD Manager).

2 - Next to the emulator in question, click the drop-down menu on the Actions column.

3 - Click "Wipe Data" and "Cold Boot Now".

Remember to always keep your tools up to date, including Android Studio, Android SDK, and Expo CLI, as this might resolve the issue as well.

Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_CONTAINER_ERROR] when trying to install android apk package using adb for platform 4.1

8 Answers8