10 Ways to Fix an App not Installed Android Error

Are you currently experiencing an app not installed android issue or have you experienced one recently? It’s really frustrating as this error doesn’t allow you to install an APK app you downloaded from a source that isn’t Google Play Store.

But you don’t need to stress over that now as this post will be highlighting 7 different reasons this error message pops up and 10 effective ways to fix the app not installed error.

Android is the leading smartphone operating system and most phones and tablets are using this operating system.

Android users download many apps on it to make their lives easier, solve a problem, or to pass time.

Google Play is the most well-known source for downloading Android apps, but sometimes you might get your app APK from other sources (probably via transfer apps or a website).

While installing these apps you might see an error pop up, saying “app not installed”.

Here are the reasons it pops up and the ways you can resolve the issue.

 

Common Reasons for “Android App not Installed” Error

There are numerous reasons for the app not installed android issue.

In this section of the post, I’ll be highlighting some of the most common reasons for the Android app not installed error. Here they are;

1. Insufficient Storage Space

Sometimes, when the Android software, photos, music, messages, videos, apps, contacts, emails, etc. have taken up so much space in the internal memory and there is not adequate storage space left for the app you want to install.

This insufficient storage issue leads to the Android app not installed error.

2. Corrupted/Contaminated App File

Sometimes, app files downloaded or gotten from other sources apart from Goggle Play Store are corrupted and hence your Android system will not allow it to be installed on your device successfully.

You should be very sure of the source you’re downloading app APKs from, check its extension name, and make sure not to install contained files.

3. SD Card not Mounted in the Device

Your SD Card is mounted is when it is integrated into your phone and ready to use.

In a situation where the SD card isn’t mounted, any app you install and choose to save it to your SD Card will not install.

Android system will give you an app not installed notification.

4. Storage Location

Some apps tend to want to be stored in a particular location (either internal storage or SD card).

When an app that is meant to be stored in the internal storage is stored in the SD card or vice versa, the app will not install and display an app not installed notification.

5. Corrupt Storage

Storage locations (most times the SD card) might become corrupt because of some issues or modifications.

Here are some of the ways the storage can get corrupted;

• When the app’s storage files have been manually modified or changed.
• When the phone’s storage layer corrupted the files stored on the Android device.
• When there is a bug in some of the contents of the storage.

Take this issue very cautiously as corrupted storage and clogged up internal memory can put your device at risk.

6. Application Permission

Permissions are a method of regulating and controlling access to the specific system- and device-level functions by software.

Some apps tend to request a lot of unnecessary permissions and the Android system will notice those requests and stop the app from installing.

This in turn gives an app not installed notification.

7. Incorrect File

If you have already installed an app and download another version of that app having a different signed or unsigned certificate.

This different certificate can also make the Android system not install that app and the app not installed error will pop-up.

This sounds a bit technical, but this issue and all the other reasons listed above can be resolved by you.

 

Solutions to Fix App Not Installed Android Error

In the last section, I’ve already highlighted some of the reasons for the “app not installed” error.

But in this section of the article, I’ll be taking you through 10 different ways to fix the app not installed error.

Here they are;

1. Delete Unnecessary Apps/Files

To solve the insufficient storage issue, free up some storage space on your device by cleaning unwanted data, uninstalling unnecessary apps, and deleting extra media & other files.

You can also download a junk cleaning app from Google Play Store.

To get rid of heavy apps, follow these steps

• Open the “Settings” app on your device.
• Then select “Apps & Notifications” or “Apps”.

• Now select the application you want to uninstall and wait for the app info screen to open.

• Then, tap on “Uninstall” as shown in the screenshot below.

2. Only Download Apps from Google Play Store

Making Google Play Store your only app source is one of the best ways to prevent the “app not installed android” issue.

The Google Play Store is designed for Android users to download their favorite apps. This app store offers only trusted and safe apps.

It is sometimes known as the “Android Market” because it is filled with various types of apps to satisfy all your needs so that you don’t have to depend on other third-party sources to purchase or install apps.

3. Mount your SD Card

Another way to resolve the app not installed issue is to make sure that the SD card inserted in your device is mounted.

To do this, follow these steps;

• First, disconnect your device from your PC or any other device it is connected to.
• Then, go to “Settings” and tap “Storage” from the options.
• After that tap on “Mount SD Card” at the Storage Info screen.
• Lastly, restart your device and try to install the app now, it should work now!

4. Choose App Location Wisely

You shouldn’t tamper with any app’s location and let your Android system decide where the app needs to be placed.

As often as possible, let the apps be in your device’s internal memory.

5. Format SD Card

There is a high chance of your SD Card being corrupted. When your SD card gets corrupted, you can format it either in your device or externally.

Now to format your SD Card, just follow these steps;

• Go to “Settings” and select “Storage”

• After that, Tap on the SD Card

• Then, tap on “Format SD Card”

• After that, mount it again to use it.

6. Pick the Correct App File

Always ensure to download App files only from a trusted, well-known, and safe source to avoid any errors during installation.

7. Reset App Permissions/Preferences

You can resolve the Android app not installed error by resetting your app permissions.

• Go to “Settings” and then selecting “Apps”.

• Then, access the Apps menu and hit “Reset App Preferences” or “Reset application permissions”.

This will allow you to install third-party apps on your device.

8. Sign Unsigned Apps

To sign an unsigned app, you will need to download the Zipsigner app from the Google Play Store.

This app will also help you launch the signed app. Here are the steps to follow;

• Download and launch the Zipsigner app.
• On the dashboard, you will see input/output.
• Tap input/output and sign the app.
• After that, install and sign the file with APK.

Here’s a YouTube video on how to sign unsigned apps;

9. Clear Data & Cache of Package Installer

This is another way to resolve the insufficient storage issue.

You need to clear data & cache because some data & cache have been accumulating for a long time and sometimes, aren’t useful.

Here’s how to clear them

• Open the “settings”.
• Then, tap on “Apps & Notifications” or “Apps”.

• After that, tap the app you want to clear its cache & data. In the screenshot below, I chose the “Analyze This” app.

• Then, tap on “Storage”.

• Lastly, tap on “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache” to clear data and cache

10. Reboot your Device

Finally, if everything else doesn’t work, restarting your device to end all operations could be the solution you need.

To reboot your device, just firmly press the power button till you see a pop-up.

Tap on “Restart” or swipe up/down (depending on the Android version)  and wait for your Android device to restart.

 

Conclusion

With this comprehensive article on 10 ways to fix an app not installed android issue and 7 common reasons it happens, you will now know the reasons for the app not installed error message and the various ways you can easily resolve the issue.

If the app not installed android issue you’re currently facing and its solution isn’t featured in this article, kindly drop the issue in the comment section.

 

Frequently Asked Questions