CODEWITHSUNDEEP
androidemailapk
Fredrik Widerberg
Fredrik Widerberg

Reputation: 3108

Installing APK from email attachment


Whenever i send a .apk file via email as an attachment and then open the .apk-file in my phone from my email-account, i get a parsing error.
However if i put the .apk on my website and provide a URL to it, it works like a charm.

A bug? Just me? Am i doing it wrong?
Thanks

Upvotes: 18

Views: 42596

Answers (6)

jamprad
jamprad

Reputation: 55

I recently ran into this problem when sending an apk from Mail on OSX but the same apk installed when sent from gmail.

To investigate this issue, I saved the output from 'Show original' in gmail for the emails sent from gmail and Mail. I ran:

diff fromGmail.txt fromMail.txt

And noticed the following difference in the attachment Content-Types:

from gmail:

Content-Type: application/vnd.android.package-archive;

from Mail:

Content-Type: application/octet-stream;

I suspect this difference is the major culprit.

You can refer to my question, here. My guess is that any mail client that sends apk attachments with the correct content-type would pass installation.

Upvotes: 0

craned
craned

Reputation: 3051

I started getting the error Can't find app to open file on Google's Inbox app when installing an .apk through it, but then I tried it in Gmail, and it worked like a charm.

Upvotes: 1

user2436436
user2436436

Reputation: 21

I experienced the same issue with Android ICS (4.0.4). I would suggest, do not try to open the attachment (.apk) if the gmail account is configured in the device. Instead, Open your gmail account in the browser,open the email and now try to download the attachment. It worked for me :) Hope it helps.

Upvotes: 2

Blackhawk
Blackhawk

Reputation: 11

The easiest way to transfer and install is by emailing it. When sending, set your text settings to Unicode text, if for some reason it gives you a parsing error when trying to install on your phone. Astro or another of file browser app is useful for finding the file after you download it from email, just tried it and it worked fine. The only errors came when I used any other text setting in email besides Unicode. Unicode text and everything installed perfectly.

Upvotes: 1

yeradis
yeradis

Reputation: 5347

That on new Android versions works very well, because, if the attachment is and apk then appear an install button. (on GMail native app)

But for older Android versions you will need and app like Email install this one : http://www.appbrain.com/app/email-installer/com.best.app.attachment

Upvotes: 14

Phobos
Phobos

Reputation: 9557

I can install apps received from in my gmail account. My exchange and pop mail accounts will not allow it.

FYI - If you have Astro File Browser make sure the 'Enable Browser Download' option is disabled. It is a handy feature to allow download of any file type, but it interferes with gmail attachments.

Upvotes: 1

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