Android Things: How to install apk from device with pm install -r

Question

I am trying to build an auto-updater for the Android Things app.apk. So far I have downloaded the new version of the .apk into the /sdcard/download/app.apk and I can also install it from there via the adb terminal e.g.

adb shell
pm install -r /sdcard/Download/app

Now I try to do the same via the device itself. Currently I have this

Process install = Runtime.getRuntime().exec("pm install -r /sdcard/Download/app");
install.waitFor();

But nothing happens. I tried to also open the shell like this, but this time I am getting Cannot run program "su": error=13, Permission denied

 Process install = Runtime.getRuntime().exec("su");
 DataOutputStream out = new DataOutputStream(install.getOutputStream());
 out.writeBytes("pm install -r /sdcard/Download/app");
 out.flush();

Is it possible at all to install the downloaded apk from the device itself? The general way with Intent.ACTION_VIEW doesn't work either. It blanks out and that's it. Nothing happens.

I know a way to install an apk but it needs a user to accept and install it. I can share it if you want — Mohammad Zarei, Nov 21 '17 at 15:03
Why you didn't use [OTA UPDATES](https://developer.android.com/things/console/update.html)? — Andrii Omelchenko, Nov 21 '17 at 18:22
@AndriiOmelchenko Because they take 5 hours. At least the documentation says so... — Murat Karagöz, Nov 21 '17 at 20:02
@Blundell Since there is only one apk running it's not feasible to wait several hours to provide a patch or hotfix. — Murat Karagöz, Nov 22 '17 at 09:07
"It checks for new versions every 5 hours." - it's not update time. " it can take several hours for all devices to be updated." - may be for you device quantity it not take "several hours". — Andrii Omelchenko, Nov 22 '17 at 09:45
@Onik I had the app opened and replace installed it over the adb terminal. Works fine. — Murat Karagöz, Nov 22 '17 at 13:48

score 0 · Answer 1 · edited Dec 04 '17 at 16:08

0

Use ADB command

adb install /path-of-your-apk/app.apk

edited Dec 04 '17 at 16:08

Sunny Patel

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answered Nov 21 '17 at 15:30

Vrushali Raut

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I am not using the adb terminal. I am on the device itself. – Murat Karagöz Nov 21 '17 at 20:02

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 21 '17 at 15:48

0

You can easily launch an install prompt:

Intent promptInstall = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW)
    .setDataAndType(Uri.parse("file:///path/to/your.apk"), 
                    "application/vnd.android.package-archive");
startActivity(promptInstall);

However, you cannot install .apks without user's explicit permission. Not unless the device and your program are rooted.

answered Nov 21 '17 at 15:48

Mohammad Zarei

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I tried many variations of these, but the Install Wizard never opens. It works fine on non Android Things devices. – Murat Karagöz Nov 21 '17 at 20:03

Android Things: How to install apk from device with pm install -r

2 Answers2