[2024] Android App Not Installed Error

Sometimes you need to install apps outside the Google Play Store when they are not available there.

But, while installing the .apk file from an unknown source, your Android smartphone’s settings restrict you from doing this. And sometimes it shows you the error message “App not installed” or “Application not installed”.

So, if you are also trying to download a .apk application and getting the same error, this guide will teach you how to fix “App not installed” error on Android.

But first, we will discuss why AKP is not installed or apps not installed on Android phones.

Why “Apps Not Installed” Error Occurs On Android?

Understanding the causes for the error message “Application not installed” is important for solving this issue easily.

So, here we have discussed some of the reasons behind this error prompt:

Corrupted App File: The apps you download from third-party sources can be corrupted. And that’s why you get the error message. So, you should check its extension name before downloading the .apk file.

Low Storage Space: All your Android data and apps are stored in the internal memory. That’s why your phone’s internal storage may be low and due to this new app is not getting sufficient storage, leading Apps not installed error.

SD Card Not Mounted: If your SD card is accessed by other devices and in that case, you are trying to install an app and select to save it on your SD card then it will show you this error. This happens because the application can’t find the SD card as it is not mounted on your Android device.

Corrupted Storage Location: If your device’s internal or external storage is corrupted or clogged due to unwanted files, and some of which might contain elements that disturb the storage location then also you will encounter this issue and not be able to install an app.

Incorrect Storage Location: As you know that Android apps work best when they are stored on the phone’s internal memory. So, if you are trying the store the app on an SD memory card then your Android device will show “App not installed” error.

Incorrect File: If you have an app installed on your phone but trying to install another variant of the same app having a distinct unsigned or signed certificate can also lead to this error message.

App Permission: If the software application is running in the background then also you will get an app not installed error on Android 12.

The unknown error code during app installation can occur due to any of the above causes. So, whatever may be the reasons you can fix it by following the below solutions.

How To Fix “Application Not Installed” Error On Android

If you are getting the error message “App not installed” on your Android device then the below-listed steps should help you to fix Android app not installed error.

Note: All the below-listed methods will work on all Android phone models such as Samsung, Vivo, Realme, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, Sony, HTC, Huawei, etc.

Fix 1: Restart Your Android Device

You should first restart your device to fix the problem. This will fix any minor bugs on your phone that may be causing the app to not be installed.

To restart/reboot your Android phone you need to press and hold the Power button until the options pop-up on the screen. From there tap on “Restart/Reboot” option to restart your phone.

Fix 2: Delete Unwanted Data Or Apps

If your device has low storage space then this will not let the app to installed on your phone.

Therefore, you are suggested to delete unnecessary files like photos, videos, documents, etc. Also, uninstall the apps that you rarely use.

Below, follow the steps to uninstall an app:

Navigate to Settings.
Next, tap on Manage apps/apps/Application Manager.
After this, choose the app that you wish to uninstall and then tap on “Uninstall” button on the app info screen.

Fix 3: Mount SD Card

Another way to get rid of the APK not installing error is to mount your SD memory card. Ensure that your external SD card is accessible on your Android device.

To check this, follow the below steps:

Disconnect your phone from your computer and then open the Settings app on your smartphone.
After this, tap on Storage.
Next, in the storage info screen hit on “Mount SD Card”.
Now, restart your handset and then try to install the app again.

Fix 4: Only Use Google Play Store

You should always try to download and install the app from the Google Play Store as it is a trusted and safe place to install apps for Android users.

If you are not finding the specific app here then you can search for the alternative one and install it.

Fix 5: Reset App Preferences

Resetting app permissions will also help you to resolve “Applications not installed” or “App not installed as the app isn’t compatible with your phone”.

Below, learn how to reset app permissions on Android:

Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
Scroll down and tap on Apps.
Now, tap on 3 vertical dots.
Next, tap on “Reset App Preferences” option.

Now, restart your device and then check whether you are able to install the application or not. If not, then follow the next solution.

Fix 6: Let App Decides Its Storage Location

Please don’t try to store the app on an SD card and just let it to decide where it wants to be placed. Internal Storage is the most reliable location for the apps to be stored.

Fix 7: Format SD Card

It may be also possible that your SD memory card gets corrupted and due to this, you are unable to download the APK file.

So, in this case, you should format the external SD card when it is placed on your phone.

You need to follow the below steps to format SD card on Android phone:

On your phone open the Settings app.
Then tap on Storage.
After this, hit on Format SD Card.
Now, mount it again so that it will work smoothly.

Fix 8: Select Correct App File

Always try to install apps only from trusted sources. When you do this then there is no chances of error “apps not installed”.

Fix 9: Clear Package Installer Cache & Data

You can clear the cache and data of the Package Installed to solve this troubleshooting problem.

Here are the steps to do the same:

Navigate to Settings.
Then tap on Apps.
Find and tap on Package Installer.
Now, hit on Clear Cache and Data.
After this, restart your smartphone and check the error has solved or not.

Fix 10: Use Android Repair Tool To Fix “App Not Installed” Error

Still, getting the error “App not installed” on Android? Don’t worry as you can fix “App not installed” error by using the professional and trusted Android System Repair software.

This tool allows Android users to solve various types of issues like system update failure, apps keep crashing, being stuck in black screen/bootloop, etc.

You don’t need any extra skills to use Android System Repair software and you just need to follow a few steps to fix an Android App not installed.

Note: Remember that Android Repair tool currently only supports Samsung phones and tablets. And backup your Android phone data before you follow the steps to repair your phone as it may erase your files.

Steps To Fix “App not installed” On Android Via Android System Repair Tool

Wrap Up

It is a very frustrating issue when you get the error message “App not installed” on Android. But reading and following the solutions mentioned above can help you to fix “App not installed” error on Android.

Remember that Android System Repair software is the best method to fix system issues like “Android app not installed”.

You May Also Like:

Max Field

Max Field is a founder of Recover Android Data. He is an Android lover and loves to write tips, tricks, fixes for errors, data recovery solutions and more related to Android.