Android phones come handy not only by means of their easy-to-use features, but also because most applications on Android can be downloaded from the Google Play Store with just a few clicks. However, at times you need to download some apps from an a. apk file extension that is from a source other than the Google Play Store.
The ‘App not Installed’ error is a very common issue that crops up when you try installing an app from any source other than the usual Google Play Store. Contrary to popular belief, this may not always be something related software or the app, it may rather have to do with the device. Read on to know more about when this issue occurs and how to fix ‘App not Installed’ in Android phone.
Why does ‘App not Installed’ error Occur?
- Corrupted Application- One of the most common reasons for ‘App not installed’ pop-ups is that of a corrupted file or it may be so that a few of the core files of the apps might have been modified. It is advisable to recheck files while installing and ensure not to download contained files.
- Insufficient Storage- If your Android device is too full, it causes the package installer to malfunction, leading to the ‘App not Installed’ pop-up. Even a corrupted Internal Storage Card or an SD card which is not mounted properly may lead to clogged storage and thus give you the App not installed error message.
- Application Permission- At times, even without your knowledge there may be software applications running at the backdrop with set permissions not to allow any other third-party installation source to function which may also give the installation error message.
- Incompatible App Version- Google Play Store allows you to install the most stable versions of the applications that you are seeking to install. However, when you try installing from other external sources, it may lead to CPU incompatibility and may be versions that your phone is unable to support.
- Unsigned Applications- Applications that are not available on the Google Play Store are referred to as unsigned apps. However, this does not mean you cannot mean you have to let go of unsigned apps if they are blocked by default. There are ways to fix this issue as well.
Once you know the reasons behind the ‘App not Installed’ Error, it will be easier for you to fix the issues as well. Let us check how to fix the ‘App not Installed’ issue on your Android phone.
How to fix ‘App not Installed’ in Android
- Restart your Android phone- One of the first things to do to resolve the issue is to restart your Android phone. In order to restart, it is advisable to close all the running apps and then hold on the power button for long to restart your device. This should solve most of the errors that your device is facing.
- Install from Reliable Sources- When installing an app be sure to install it from a secure and reliable source which generally occurs on the top of the search engine. As you go down, you may become victim to malicious sources which may harm your device. You may also try transferring the app that you installed into your device’s root directory and install the app again, especially if yours is an older Android version.
- Check storage location- In most cases, downloading the app on an external mount such as an SD may lead to the error pop-up. It is therefore, best to install any third-party app on your internal storage as the mobile’s package installer enables you to accept the files without any issues. In case your internal storage is not available, you have to rely on your external storage or clear your internal storage. In order to do the latter, it is best to move all the large files in your mobile to the SD card or you could also store it on other locations such as Drive and then try reinstalling it.
- Clear Cache- The easiest way to clear Cache is to use your pre-installed Phone Manager or install it from Google Play Store. In case of older versions of Android, you need to go to the Settings- Manage Apps – System Apps- Package Installer App. You will be redirected to Clear Data and Clear Cache options which would solve your problem.
- Unknown Source Application Permission- In order to allow applications from unknown sources, go to the Security tab under Settings which will lead you to Unknown Sources tab. Enable this to allow third party installations to take place seamlessly.
Other ways to fix the ‘App not Installed’ issue include removing the SD card while installing the app, or deleting .android_secure/smdl2tmpl.asec from the SD device, uninstalling similar versions of the app that you wish to install or install ZipSigner, which is a trusted app for signing the file from the Input/Output tab on the app and your unsigned app issue will be fixed.
So the next time you get irked with the pop-up, you would know just how to fix ‘App not Installed’ in Android and get going with your installations without any hassle.