Develop Reference

android application resetting to older version

I have made an app which is pre-installed on android device of particular manufacturer. After this I have release an upgrade of application for example initial version 1.0.0.0 to upgrade version of 1.2.0.0. After upgrading the app if user restarts its phone then my application goes to the initial version of 1.0.0.0.
Don't know why this is happening ? Is there a problem in bundling the application to devices ?
Note: I am updating my app via my server and not from play store and this issue is reproducible only when app is pre-installed on devices.
In mainfest file of both the versions I forgot to change android:versionCode value, in both the versions android:versionCode=3. Is it creating problem because of this?
I have also changed the package name of Application class so is this is creating the problem ?
Manifest for first version:
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
package="com.xxx.apps.spinr"
android:versionCode="1"
android:versionName="1.0.0.0" >
<uses-sdk
android:minSdkVersion="8"
android:targetSdkVersion="11" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET"/>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE"/>
<application
android:icon="#drawable/app_icon"
android:label="#string/app_name"
android:theme="#style/SpinrTheme"
android:name="com.abc.xyz.GDApplication">
<activity
android:name=".SplashActivity"
android:label="#string/title_activity_splash" >
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
</intent-filter>
</activity>
</application>
</manifest>
Mainfest for second version:
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
package="com.xxx.apps.spinr"
android:versionCode="1"
android:versionName="1.2.0.0" >
<uses-sdk
android:minSdkVersion="8"
android:targetSdkVersion="11" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET"/>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE"/>
<application
android:icon="#drawable/app_icon"
android:label="#string/app_name"
android:theme="#style/SpinrTheme"
android:name="com.xxx.apps.GDApplication">
<activity
android:name=".SplashActivity"
android:label="#string/title_activity_splash" >
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
</intent-filter>
</activity>
</application>
</manifest>

Thanks for the suggestion. As #Mahmoud in comment suggested that "google play never release update for the app with the same version code", so I incremented version code of app and it worked fine. #Rat-a-tat-a-tat Ratatouille as I said in question I am not updating my app via google play neither my app is on play store so I was not able to figure this out initially. Anyways thanks for help.
So conclusion is
whenever you want to send upgrade of app always increase version code
of the app

Can't install APK correctly on device

I have built & sign my apk by Eclipse ADT as it is describes (export and sign by creating a new key). But it can't be install on real device while an errors occurs, such as "installer package error". I have no Android device & sent my apk to friends by email. I'm using AVD and everyth is fine with it. Any suggestions? Thanx guys.
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
package="com.XXXX.YYYY"
android:versionCode="0"
android:versionName="0.9.2" android:installLocation="internalOnly">
<uses-sdk
android:minSdkVersion="13"
android:targetSdkVersion="17" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE" />
<application
android:icon="#drawable/ic_launcher"
android:label="#string/app_name"
android:theme="#style/AppTheme"
android:hardwareAccelerated="true"
android:permission="android.permission.INTERNET"
android:allowBackup="true">
<activity
android:name="com.XXXX.YYYY.ActivityMain"
android:label="#string/main_activity_title"
android:launchMode="singleTop" >
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
</intent-filter>
</activity>
<activity android:name="com.XXXX.YYYY.ActivityDetails"
android:parentActivityName="com.XXXX.YYYY.ActivityMain"
android:excludeFromRecents="true"
android:configChanges="orientation|screenSize">
</activity>
</application></manifest>
UPD: apk installs good, but the error occurs if choose Open (see screenshot). After that app works fine. But on tablet if try open app it says "App deleted".
UPD2: add supporting API 4+ meta tag for the 2nd activity, but it takes no effect
<meta-data
android:name="android.support.PARENT_ACTIVITY"
android:value="com.XXXX.YYYY.ActivityMain" />

You probably need to make sure your device and your friend's devices can install apps that are not from the play store.
This is a feature you have to specifically set, or else apps that are outside the play store will not install.
Here is how to set it:
Open settings
Find the Security settings (Pre 4.0 it is under Applications)
Look for a setting that says Unknown sources, or non-market apps
Enable that setting
Everything should work after that!
Here is an article with pictures if you are still confused :)

Your example was missing the closing </manifest> and android:enabled. I'm not sure if the latter would prevent a device from fully installing it but the first one would.
I've also had issues using the full activity names in the past, so you may want to try using simplifying them to see if it helps.
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
package="com.XXXX.YYYY"
android:versionCode="0"
android:versionName="0.9.2" android:installLocation="internalOnly">
<uses-sdk
android:minSdkVersion="13"
android:targetSdkVersion="17" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE" />
<application
android:icon="#drawable/ic_launcher"
android:label="#string/app_name"
android:theme="#style/AppTheme"
android:hardwareAccelerated="true"
android:allowBackup="true">
<activity
android:name=".ActivityMain"
android:label="#string/main_activity_title"
android:enabled="true"
android:permission="android.permission.INTERNET"
android:launchMode="singleTop" >
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
</intent-filter>
</activity>
<activity android:name=".ActivityDetails"
android:parentActivityName=".ActivityMain"
android:excludeFromRecents="true"
android:configChanges="orientation|screenSize">
</activity>
</application>
</manifest>

Is "Unknown sources" option under "security" allowed on device?

My problem was a duplicate internet permission request on Manifest! When I remove that from activity app was run normally.

T-Mobile Galaxy S 2 not seeing my app on the market

I have a device that is not seeing my app on the market. It is a Galaxy S II from T-Mobile. However, other devices can see it and it is listed as compatible in my Developer Console. The only obvious difference is that the owner loaded the new version of Gingerbread early to the device.
Manifest:
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
package="inc.rufus.repair"
android:versionCode="1"
android:versionName="1.0">
<uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="8" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET"></uses-permission>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE"></uses-permission>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES"></uses-permission>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.SUBSCRIBED_FEEDS_READ"></uses-permission>
<application android:icon="#drawable/icon" android:label="#string/app_name">
<activity android:name=".RufusRepairToolActivity"
android:label="#string/app_name"
android:configChanges="orientation|keyboardHidden">
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
</intent-filter>
</activity>
<receiver android:name="RufusRepairToolActivity$SecondaryReciever">
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="inc.rufus.REPAIR_CONTINUED" />
</intent-filter>
</receiver>
</application>
I have looked at other similar problems, but nothing seems related (the app is very small, etc).
The real problem is the device belongs to my boss, so it really doesn't matter how many other devices it runs on.
Device Information:
Type: Galaxy S II (SGH-T989)
Carrier: T-Mobile
Android Version 2.3.6 (GINGERBREAD.UVKL1)

Did you enabled copy protection when publishing it? If so, uncheck it.

search by the package name.
the marketplace search has been very wonky

For one reason or another reducing the minSDK to 1 allowed him to see the application. I do not understand why this would possibly be the case, but that's an issue for another day I guess.

Android market incompatible

I have published my app on android market. I was able to download it to my phone(samsung galaxy sl [i9003]) but, recently I updated my phone through kies to 2.3.6 from 2.3.5 and now market is saying your app is incompatible with my device. What should I do to make it compatible ?
My phone is rooted and have market version 3.3.12 . Do I need to change any properties of app in manifest ?
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
package="XXX"
android:versionName="1.1.1" android:versionCode="7">
<uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="7"/>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET"></uses-permission>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE"></uses-permission>
<supports-screens android:smallScreens="true" android:normalScreens="true" android:anyDensity="true" android:largeScreens="false"></supports-screens>
<application android:icon="#drawable/icon" android:debuggable="false" android:label="#string/app_name">
<activity android:name=".SplashActivity"
android:label="#string/app_name" android:screenOrientation="portrait">
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
</intent-filter>
</activity>
<activity android:name="MenuActivity" android:screenOrientation="portrait"></activity>
<activity android:name="com.inmobi.androidsdk.IMBrowserActivity"
android:configChanges="keyboardHidden|orientation|keyboard" />
<activity android:screenOrientation="portrait" android:name=".BrowseMovies"></activity>
<activity android:name="SongDisplayDetails" android:screenOrientation="portrait"></activity>
<activity android:name="com.google.ads.AdActivity"
android:configChanges="keyboard|keyboardHidden|orientation|screenLayout|uiMode|screenSize|smallestScreenSize"/>
<activity android:name="SearchDataActivity" android:screenOrientation="portrait"></activity>
</application>

There is options in market console: when you publish your app, in section "publish params" there is list of all known devices, and there you can see all incompatible devices, and reason why they are incompatible.
// I'm not sure in names of sections in market case I have Russian version of market console. Section "publish params" goes just before "Contacts"

Find out which devices are incompatible by clicking the "compatible devices see List" in Developer Console when you are able to "Upload APK".
This lists all those it will install on and also those it won't. For me this was teh Key step, find out which ones and whats "wrong" with them.
In my case the use of the phone was optional. It had the uses-permission for phones and recording for example which might not be needed. Some use cases need these, some don't.<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CALL_PHONE" />
This was what was causing it to exclude all my tablets.
<uses-feature android:name="android.hardware.microphone" android:required="false" />
<uses-feature android:name="android.hardware.telephony" android:required="false" />
This seems to have solved it, there are now no incompatible devices in the Play.Store.
Now I just need people to download and use it!

Confusion why a magic 1.6 user cannot find app on market

I've published an app today mainly for my forum users to use, just a
very simple app that displays wallpapers derived from the forum.
Problem I'm having is one guy says it doesn't appear in the market,
and I've even sent him the APK to install manually but it fails.
My minimum SDK version is 4, I created it with the 1.6 SDK specified
so not sure why he can't see it or install it. He has a 1.6 Magic
handset.
So just wondering if anyone has any ideas, the app is called bocn
wallpaper, it uses internet and set-wallpaper permissions.. but I
wouldn't have thought the permissions were the problem...
My manifest is as follows:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
android:versionCode="1"
android:versionName="1.0" package="net.dbws.bocnwallpaper">
<application android:icon="#drawable/launcher_icon"
android:label="#string/app_name">
<activity android:name=".Main"
android:label="#string/app_name">
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
</intent-filter>
</activity>
<meta-data android:value="xxxxx" android:name="ADMOB_PUBLISHER_ID" />
</application>
<uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="4" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET"></uses-permission>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.SET_WALLPAPER" />
</manifest>

Please, check the supported screens: http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/manifest/supports-screens-element.html
Android 1.6 has small-screens flag set default to false. May be it causes that the application is not seen on the device of the guy.