I downloaded my android app onto my phone to test it and when I try to install it the install just stops and says "Application not installed" or something like that. I'm not getting an error or anything so I can't figure out why it is doing this. Any ideas?
-
Got enough free space on your phone? – Blundell May 02 '11 at 18:27
-
Have you uninstalled and tried again? I'm guessing the app exists on your phone, but is signed with a different signature (probably a debug key). – LeffelMania May 02 '11 at 18:27
-
I assume it runs fine on the emulator? – Bart May 02 '11 at 18:28
-
yes to having space and it never actually installed completely. – Kathryn Crawford May 02 '11 at 18:28
-
Perhaps this thread might give you some ideas: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4226132/application-not-installed-error-on-android – Bart May 02 '11 at 18:28
-
And yes it runs great on the emulator – Kathryn Crawford May 02 '11 at 18:28
-
Hmm...I haven't signed it yet since I am just testing it but I was able to install a friend's unsigned program. – Kathryn Crawford May 02 '11 at 18:30
-
@Seeshi_suin Have you checked the logs? – CRM May 02 '11 at 19:04
5 Answers
Try to see the error information in the log file. You can do that by:
- Plugging in your device into the PC;
- Run
adb logcat
to see the error you get when installing the application.
The problem may come from several places, therefore the best way to know what is happening is by checking the logs.
EDIT: I decided to include the official link of adb
for the ones that are not familiar with it: Android Debug Bridge

- 4,569
- 4
- 27
- 33
-
1@Seeshi_suin This [link](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4835925/unsigned-apk-can-not-be-installed) may also contain information that can be helpful for you. – CRM May 02 '11 at 18:39
-
Ah, I see. Needs to be signed! How inconvienient. Well thanks for your help! :D – Kathryn Crawford May 02 '11 at 19:25
Go to Settings -> Applications -> Check 'Unknown Sources'

- 4,994
- 2
- 24
- 37
-
Then you might check out some of the comments posted to the original question. – Justin Pearce May 02 '11 at 18:32
I encountered a similar problem when I updated my manifest file.
I could load the program onto the phone, but the clicking its icon on the home screen gave me that error - it was probably uninstalled when I updated the manifest. However clicking the icon in the apps list worked fine.
Perhaps something similar happened in your case?

- 3,106
- 3
- 23
- 32
I assume you are using your .apk file and NOT trying to buy it on Android Market.
FYI Developers can not buy/download their own apps.

- 1