[FIXED] “App Not Installed” Error On Android

If you are an Android user trying to install an app with a .apk file extension, you may experience issues with the installation process.

Some users may encounter the message “App not installed” or find that installed apps are not visible on the home screen.

Knowing the reasons why apps fail to install on Android devices is the first step toward solving this problem.

This post will explain what causes apps not to install on Android and how to fix the “app not installed” error on Android 14/13/12/11, or other Android OS versions.

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Reasons: Why Apps Fail To Install on Android Devices

Insufficient Storage: If there is not enough space on your Android device, the downloaded app will not be able to install correctly. It can also lead to other issues such as Android system update failure or Android process system not responding.

Storage Location: Some apps can only be stored on an Android phone’s internal memory, and if they are not stored in the appropriate location, you may encounter the “app not installed” error.

Corrupted Storage: Corrupted storage, particularly SD cards, is one of the most common reasons for the “app not installed” error. Unwanted data on the device may contain elements that disturb the storage location, causing the Android app to fail to install.

Corrupted/Contaminated App File: Apps downloaded from platforms other than the Google Play Store may not install correctly, and the message “app not installed” may appear. Ensure that you download apps from reputable platforms and check their extension names to avoid installing corrupt files.

SD Card Not Mounted in the Device: If your device’s SD card is not mounted, some apps that can be downloaded and installed on SD cards may still trigger the “app not installed” error.

Application Permission: If your phone’s software operations running in the background are not set to allow the installation of third-party software, you may encounter the “app not installed” error.

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Solutions To Fix ‘App Not Installed’ Error on Android Phone

There are several potential fixes for the “app not installed” error on Android, which are explained below:

#1: Install Apps Only From Google Play Store

If you only download apps from Google Play Store, the likelihood of encountering the “app not installed” error is significantly reduced.

#2: Restart Your Android

A basic yet effective step to solve the error is to restart your Android phone. This can fix various glitches that may occur on Android phones.

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#3: Mount SD Card

If your SD card is not accessible, even though it is inserted properly on your Android phone, you can make it accessible by mounting it. Go to Settings > Storage, and click on Mount SD card on the Storage Info screen.

#4: Choose App Location

It is best to let the app decide where it needs to be placed, rather than moving it to another location. Apps work best when they are stored in the phone’s internal storage.

#5: Format SD Card

If the “app not installed” error is due to a corrupted SD card, formatting it may solve the issue. However, make sure you backup the data on the SD card to avoid data loss.

Go to Settings > Storage > Format SD Card.

Next mount SD card mentioned in Solution 3. Now, install the app and see if your problem gets solved or not.

#6: Disable Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect is a built-in feature in the Google Play Store that scans and checks installed apps for security issues. However, it can also cause problems with app installations.

To disable Google Play Protect, follow these steps:

Open the Google Play Store app
Tap the three-line menu icon in the top-left corner of the screen
Select “Play Protect” from the menu.
Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
Toggle off “Scan apps with Play Protect“.

Restart your device and try installing the app again.

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#7: Enable Apps From Unknown Sources

By default, Android devices are set to only allow installations from the Google Play Store. If you want to install apps from other sources, you need to enable “Unknown Sources” in your device’s settings. Here’s how to do it:

Go to Settings > Security.
Find and enable the “Unknown Sources” option.

Restart your device and try installing the app again.

#8: Update Google Play Services

Google Play Services is a system app that provides core functionality for the Google Play Store and other apps. Updating it can sometimes fix issues with app installations. Here’s how to update Google Play Services:

Go to the Google Play Store app.
Search for “Google Play Services“.
If an update is available, tap “Update“.

Restart your device and try installing the app again.

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#9: Reset App Preference

The Android “app not installed” error can be fixed after resetting app preference.

Go to Settings > Apps > Reset App/Reset App Preference.

After this re-install the app on your device.

#10: Clear Cache and Data of Package Installer

Clearing the cache and data of the Package installer can also help you to fix the issue.

Here follow the steps to do so:

Go to Settings > App > Package Installer.
Tap on “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”.

Now, restart your device and check if problem is solved or not.

11: Sign The Unsigned App

The unsigned software that can assist you in resolving the problem notice has to be signed. You must obtain the ZipSigner app from the Google Play Store in order to do that.

The steps you should take are as follows:

You must first download and install the ZipSigner app on your phone. When the app is launched, you will see the app dashboard. There, you must click on Choose input/output. Next, click on the option to Sign The File.

Finally, wait for the signing process to be complete before installing the signed APK.

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12: Remove Unwanted Applications

There may be many apps on your phone, but only a few of them are actively being used.

That frequently occurs, however, it is bad for the health of your device and can cause you to receive multiple error messages.

Remove such unnecessary apps from the cellphone is a very easy option.

Go to Settings > Open Applications first, then look through the list of apps to see which ones you no longer require.

Now choose those apps and click on them. You will then see a Uninstall option; simply hit on it to get the app uninstalled.

13: Factory Reset Your Android Phone

The only option left is “Factory Reset” when nothing else seems to be going your way. This can fix the phone’s app not installed problem.

To factory reset your Android phone, simply follow the steps below:

The process is as follows:

Open Settings > System > scroll down to “Reset“.
Click on “Reset Options“.
Next, click on “Erase all data” option.
Tap on “Erase all data” to continue.

If the device is password-protected, enter the password.

The process now starts, and you should try to install your apps on the device once it is complete.

The Android app not installed problem should not recur now.

Bottom Line

By following these tips/solutions, you should be able to fix the “app not installed” error on your Android device. If none of these solutions work, you may need to reset your device to factory settings or seek assistance from a professional.

Good luck!

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Jasper Madison

Jasper Madison is a passionate technical writer with more than 9 years of experience. She has a keen interest in Android and iOS and everything surrounding it. She is a technology enthusiast and fascinated with technology since her childhood days.

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