Fix 'App Not Installed' Error On Android

A common error that Android users face on a day-to-day basis is the ‘App Not Installed’ error. The main issue is that the OS will not give any detailed codes or reasoning behind why this error is occurring. People have tried rebooting their devices and removing and reinstalling existing .apk files, but nothing seems to be working. There are multiple reasons why this error may occur, and you may have to attempt several methods to try and solve the issue.

We have compiled a list of the most effective and common fixes to sole the ‘App Not Installed Error.’

Contents

1 Why Does The Error Occur?
2 How to Fix ‘App Not Installed’ Error on Android

Why Does The Error Occur?

1. Corrupted APK File

There is a possibility that when downloading an app from a source other than the Google Play store, it may be corrupted. It is important to ensure that the files have proper extensions and have the required prerequisites to run on an Android device.

2. Lack Of Storage Space

It is an unlikely event that modern-day Android devices have storage space issues. However, if your device has insufficient Storage, the apk file will not install. It is important to ensure that your phone has sufficient Storage available before you download the applications.

3. Application Incompatibility With Your Device

The application you are trying to install may be incompatible with your device or operating system version. Ensure you have the properly updated version of the OS and that the file is compatible with it.

4. Google Security

App not installed error usually only occurs when downloading from an external source. Google’s Security system may prevent you from downloading the file if it detects any form of malware that could harm your device.

5. Application Permission

By default, software operations on an Android device are not set to allow installations from 3rd party sources. However, the permission settings can be easily changed. This will be discussed in the ‘How to Fix The App Not Installed Error’ section.

6. SD Card Not Mounted

It’s common for users to install apps onto an SD card, but one possibility of why this error may occur is because the SD card is not properly mounted on this device.

How to Fix ‘App Not Installed’ Error on Android

Here is how you can repair Android system issues with simple clicks.

FIX 1: Using APK Editor Pro

The APK Editor app lets you do exactly what the name states. It enables you to make any alterations to .apk files saved onto your device. Here we will be using this app to change the install location of the app you are trying to install.

Go to the Google Play Store and install “APK Parser or any other APK Editor.”
Once the app is installed, open it and press “Select an Apk File” or “Select Apk from App.”
Select your desired app from the list of apps that appear and press “Common Edit.”
Change the install location of the app to “internal only.”
After doing so, make sure you save the changes before closing the APK Editor.

FIX 2: Turn off Google Play Protect

Google has a security system set in place for apps that are not installed from the app store. The file you are trying to download may cause potential harm to your device. If you are sure the .apk file you are trying to install is harmless, then turn off google play protect and install your file using the method below.

Open Google Play Store
Press the three-bar menu icon in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Now open “Play Protect.”
Toggle the “Scan device for security threats button” to off.
Now try installing the apk file.

FIX 3: Using Airplane Mode

This is one of the simpler fixes, but many have found this to work. Doing this will prevent all transmission signals and data from reaching the device from the app you are trying to install.

Swipe down from the status bar of the phone on the main screen.
Select the Airplane Mode icon and press TURN ON
Now attempt to install your application.

Note: When downloading, a popup may occur stating “Blocked by Play Protect.” Expand the “Details” and select “Install anyway.”

FIX 4: Use A Signing App to Sign The APK File

The file you are trying to install may not be signed or authorized. Android requires that all apps be digitally signed with proven authorship or certificate. However, android apps can use self-signed certificates. In this case, we will use the “ZipSigner” app to sign our file.

Download and install ZipSigner from the google play store.
After launching the app, choose input/output and locate the file you are trying to install on your device.
Select the file and tap ‘Sign the file.’
The process will take place and after it is completed, attempt to install your file.

FIX 5: Reset the App Preference

Resetting the app preferences will reset all the restrictions your device has in place for downloading apps. Any permission settings and background restrictions running will be reset.

Go to Settings on your device.
Open Apps Manager
Click on “All Apps”
Here, select the menu icon and press “Reset App Preferences.”
Hit “RESET APPS”

FIX 6: Enable App Installation from Unknown Sources

This fix will allow downloads from 3rd party sources. Downloads that are not authorized by the google play store will be possible now.

Go to Settings
Click on Security
Click on Unknown Sources
Then toggle Unknown Sources to ON

FIX 7: Mount Your SD Card

If you’ve tried all the methods above it is a possibility that your SD card is corrupted or not mounted properly. Even if your SD card is inserted into your device, it may not necessarily be accessible. Mounting your SD card will make it accessible.

Go to Settings, then press Storage.
Click on Mount SD Card on the storage info screen.
Restart your device and attempt to install your apk file

FIX 8: Format Your SD Card

The only option left now is to format your SD card. Please note that this will erase all of the data on the SD card, therefore, make sure you create a backup of your SD card’s data.

Go to Settings
Go to Storage
Press Format SD Card
Then Remount the SD card with the steps mentioned in FIX 7

Final Words:

There are several reasons why the ‘App not installed’ error may occur. The most common reason is that your android device has not allowed permission or, by default, has installations from unknown sources disabled.

If none of the methods mentioned above fix your issue, you should take your device to an android software expert who can help solve this issue for you.
Cheers!

Fix ‘App Not Installed’ Error On Android – 8 Possible Ways