CODEWITHSUNDEEP
androidapkandroid-install-apk
ef2011
ef2011

Reputation: 10641

What makes an Android app re-installable?

Through Eclipse I can easily re-install (without having to uninstall the app first), a small app I am currently developing, any change any number of times.

When I export that app ("release mode") and place it on a website, it downloads and installs without any problem. (I have to check "Unknown sources" for allowing installation of non-Market apps first, of course).

If I uninstall this app, then download it again and install it again, it installs without any problem.

However, if I try to re-install this app without uninstalling it first, then Android notifies that the installation failed.

My question is why? What makes an Android app re-installable? (i.e. without having to uninstall it first, thus losing its existing settings)

Upvotes: 2

Views: 246

Answers (2)

KaHa6uc
KaHa6uc

Reputation: 495

You fail to install it because it has the same app version. If you recompile it and then download it, it will update, because the version will have changed.

Upvotes: 0

Jim Blackler
Jim Blackler

Reputation: 23179

You cannot replace a signed application with an unsigned one.

Upvotes: 4

Related Questions