Develop Reference

"AndroidManifest.xml doesn't exist or has incorrect root tag" Error

I am new to AndroidStudio AND Gradle.
I imported a project from eclipse, created a module, and tried to run the project, but I got this error:
AndroidManifest.xml doesn't exist or has incorrect root tag
I have been looking at this previous solution for it:
How to build an android library with Android Studio and gradle?
But that solution is WAY too advanced for me.
Could someone please help me understand in simpler terms what is going wrong and how I can fix it?
Thank you!
Update after one of the answers:
These are the options I have under the build menu:

clicking on Sync project with Gradle files button will solve your problem.
That button is under File section on Android Studio 3.6.1

Close your Android Studio
Goto C:\Users\user\.AndroidStudioX.X\system and DELETE the cache
folder
Launch the Android Studio
Goto Build (menu) -> Clean Project when done click the
Build (menu) again and click rebuild project.
That should solve the problem.

For me the issue went away once I opened the android folder of the project in Android Studio to run the project.
So basically, because I was trying to run the Android project from the Root folder, it gave me the error. We need to run the project by selecting the android folder of the project only.
Hope this helps someone!

Click on File > Invalidate Cache/Restart, and that's it. Your project should start working.

For me clicking on Sync project with Gradle files button did not solve the problem alone.
After Syncing project with Gradle files, I explicitly had to invalidate the cache and restart studio. Only after this action, the red cross-mark over configuration disappeared and everything started working.

In my case, my android project got corrupted and some of the files were showing characters, binary numbers, etc. I tried the following solutions
Invalidate & Restart
Rebuild Project
Sync with Gradle File
But none of the above solutions worked for me.
Then I just deleted the cache folder under C:\Users\username\.AndroidStudio3.6\system
and all the invalid characters disappeared and the actual contents of all the files were displayed. This solution worked for me.

Every Android project needs a file called AndroidManifest.xml to tell Android about itself. Either your project doesn't have one, or it's not in the place that Android Studio expects it to be. Try to find it, and move it to the root folder of the project.

1.Check whether the manifest file is there or not.
2.If it is there, check whether the package name is correct or not..
3.If you project has small number of classes, then you create new project in android and then copy paste your code from eclipse. It will be simple. But it is recommended only for small project.
And finally click 'Sync' in the Gradle file. Followed by Rebuilding the project will do a trick.

In my case the Manifest file seemed to be corrupted or maybe its meta data. Trying to open it in Android Studio will show some characters that you see when opening a binary file with a text editor, for ex. Anyway, my project is under Git, so I just deleted it and restored it back, problem fixed.

Go to C drive click User then select your android studio folder then select System find Cache folder and delete this folder before doing this close your android Studio.It will surely work.

I also had this problem, things I tried:
I delete user->gradle-> delete cache folder
Android studio-> file-> Invalid cache/restart
Using my problem is get resolved

I also had this problem, things I tried:
Syncing the file with gradle
Invalidate/Restart
But the problem was still there in the manifest folder-> manifest.xml file it had only 1 line.
So I went to User-> your_username -> Android Studio v -> caches and Deleted the cache folder.
Started Android Studio, and my problem was gone.
But I am not sure which of these might solve yours.

I have opened AndroidManifest.xml in file editor. Add some letters, save it, then android studio found AndroidManifest.
After this I can build project successfully

if your AndroidManifest.xml looks wierd than you can try checking local history or git history. by doing that you can copy paste the previous version AndroidManifest.xml

Experienced that too, there is a line on your manifest code that's incorrect, simply go through it and make necessary corrections.

Android Studio not found AndroidManifest.xml

I'm using the Android Studio v0.2.x.
I just created a new application with default settings: File->New Project->..., then step by step.
When I built it, it failed. The log is:
Android Source Generator: [MyApplication] AndroidManifest.xml file not found
But I have checked the source. It has the AndroidManifest.xml file. Any idea what causes this?

I solved the problem by re-importing the project. By doing so, Android Studio will re-generate the .iml files.

You can configure the location of the manifest file like this:
open the Project Structure dialog
go to "Modules" (in the left tree)
select "Android" in the middle column of the dialog
Now you see on the right side a list of files where you can pick the Manifest file.

Try cleaning the project , after that refresh and try to build again.
Project -> Clean

Android Studio: Android Manifest doesn't exists or has incorrect root tag

I got this error on Android Studio (AS):
How I got it:
I created an AS Project from scratch and everything was fine.
Then a popup showed up, and (if I recall correctly) was saying something like: "Android Framework detected". I pressed "Yes' and some changes happened to the project/module. And after that I got the above error
Edit:
In my case the problem was not Gradle related. It had to do with IntelliJ/Android Studio configuration, an .iml file in particular.
I realized that after reading this informative post here.

On Android Studio v0.8.2 clicking on Sync project with Gradle files button solved my problem.
update
Thanks to the comment of jaumard. If the Sync project with Gradle files it's not visible you have to open the Gradle panel and click sync icon on top the toolbar.

Just call (in any case) File -> Invalidate Caches and Restart....

In my case:
settings.gradle file was empty. I added defualt code:
include ':app'
Then I clicked
Then project start works.

Double check that under project structure / module / Manifest file it points to the correct manifest file in your code and not the one in generated sources.
This is true for both Android Studio and Intelli J. Sometime when you import project from existing sources it prefer the manifest file inside the generates sources directory.

What helped for me was:
delete .gradle/ folder
delete .idea/ folder
delete ****.idea*** file
reopen Android Studio
import from gradle as Android Studio then suggests

I ran into a similar problem. Looks like my .../src directory for whatever reason moved under my .../lib directory. I moved it out of the /lib directory. Now both /lib and /src are at the same level. After a couple of clean rebuilds and restarts of Android studio everything is back to normal. My emulator started up fine.
You might want to check your directory structure. Compare the directory structure with a working project. You might be able to see the difference.

Moving my AndroidManifest.xml to PROJECT_NAME/src/main fixed the issue.

I had the same errormessage and noticed I had 2 MYPROJECTNAME.iml files, but with a different casing of MYPROJECTNAME. I created this situation after checking out from SVN the project into a directory with the casing error.
Just throw away the IML file with the wrong casing, after saving the content of both and use the content that works

I had this problem with a multi-module project when I renamed the app module. In my case to solve the problem I had to manually update the app module name in the project's settings.gradle file (Android Studio didn't update that value)

Happened to me. Found that i had wrongly opened the parent folder of the actual project in Android Studio.

In my case, it was my AndroidManifest.xml file, it was all messed up due to a new library that I added in my build.gradle.
So I took the AndroidManifest.xml from my latest commit on Git and I replaced it the current one, and also my settings.gradle was empty so I added include ':app'.
Hope it helps, and happy coding !

Facing same issue, resolve after adding the missing build.gradle file in root project.

Android Studio "Project Structure" not coming properly

I follow all the necessary steps for Android Studio installation. I also checked this question, but still facing the same issue.
But whenever I create any new project, following screen come. I couldn't found any project structure as I can see in Eclipse.
Here, I can't find any "src","res" or any file structure. Any idea, how to get proper Project Structure?
when I tried to add "New Module" following error comes to submit.
No message
java.lang.IllegalStateException:
at com.android.tools.idea.wizard.NewModuleWizard.onFailure(NewModuleWizard.java:159)
at com.intellij.openapi.externalSystem.util.ExternalSystemUtil$3.execute(ExternalSystemUtil.java:340)
at com.intellij.openapi.externalSystem.util.ExternalSystemUtil$4$1.run(ExternalSystemUtil.java:364)
at com.intellij.openapi.progress.impl.ProgressManagerImpl$TaskRunnable.run(ProgressManagerImpl.java:493)
at com.intellij.openapi.progress.impl.ProgressManagerImpl$6.run(ProgressManagerImpl.java:304)
at com.intellij.openapi.progress.impl.ProgressManagerImpl$2.run(ProgressManagerImpl.java:185)
at com.intellij.openapi.progress.impl.ProgressManagerImpl.executeProcessUnderProgress(ProgressManagerImpl.java:226)
at com.intellij.openapi.progress.impl.ProgressManagerImpl.runProcess(ProgressManagerImpl.java:175)
at com.intellij.openapi.application.impl.ApplicationImpl$10$1.run(ApplicationImpl.java:695)
at com.intellij.openapi.application.impl.ApplicationImpl$8.run(ApplicationImpl.java:458)
at java.util.concurrent.Executors$RunnableAdapter.call(Executors.java:471)
at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask$Sync.innerRun(FutureTask.java:334)
at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask.run(FutureTask.java:166)
at java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor.runWorker(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:1110)
at java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor$Worker.run(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:603)
at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:722)
at com.intellij.openapi.application.impl.ApplicationImpl$1$1.run(ApplicationImpl.java:154)
When I go to Edit Configuration, can't create any module due to above error.

Go to File > Project Structure > Project Settings > Modules.
Click on the green colored + and add new module.
select Application module and set the content root to your project module.
Click next and then finish.
This should do the trick and the complete project structure will appear.
It worked for me.

Change the SDK to a level that you have installed in the SDK manager. The SDK manager can be accessed from Tools -> Android -> SDK Manager. For me, Android Studio was packaged with API Level 17 but the new project wizard tried to target API Level 18.

When something like that happens to me, to fix it, I go to
File -> Project Structure -> Modules, click (+) to add a module.
To import the main module you have to search for the IML extension file to load the project structure configuration again (for example app.iml), and thats all. I hope it helps.

Kip2's solution worked for me with a slight variation:
1.) File -> Invalidate Cached/Restart..
once android studio restarts:
2.) File -> Sync Project with Gradle Files
Just doing "File -> Sync Project with Gradle Files" (or doing "File -> Sync with File System"), did not correct the problem. I had to invalid the cache first, and then sync the project with gradle files for the project to display properly.

Finally find solution.
Whenever Android Studio starts, it search for "Gradle" installation. If not found, it will download new version of it and cache it here.
C:\Documents and Settings\user\.gradle\wrapper\dists\gradle-1.6-bin\72srdo3a5eb3bic159kar72vok
Here 72srdo3a5eb3bic159kar72vok directory name may be different.
What you need to do is, download gradle-1.6-bin.zip, place it in above directory. Then decompress it there. But make sure your path should like below.
C:\Documents and Settings\crathod.SOLUSOFTINDIA\.gradle\wrapper\dists\gradle-1.6-bin\72srdo3a5eb3bic159kar72vok\gradle-1.6\bin
Now, when you restart your Android Studio, Gradle will be initialized and Project will opened in Full Project Structure.

Modules or the project structure could also not appear because you're in a branch where *.iml files are missing. This happened for me when I was migrating from Eclipse and had decided to check back into the original branch that had the Eclipse-like project structure. What solved my problem:
Checkout the branch with Android Studio-like project structure
File -> Invalidate Cache & Restart

Also, make sure that the root iml file matches case with your root folder. Incorrectly named iml file will cause such problems.
Just delete the root iml file (you can backup if you like), close the project and re-open it. Android Studio will generate the correct iml file and the project structure will be restored.
This is tested on Android Studio 2.1

Before:
　　
After:
　　
　　I got the java folder (src folder) and others.
Solution:
　　
File > Sync Project with Gradle Files
Android Studio Version: 3.2.1
Note: This case did not appear on the old version. For example, 1.5.1 (2016/03 before)
Keywords:
file explorer
file structure
file hierarchy
file system
folder & file list
project explorer
project structure
project hierarchy
disappear / gone / did not see
Android Studio bug / issue

simple way to restore
Delete the project hidden .idea file and .gradle file and restart your project this will fix your issue.

I deleted the app from the list of apps when you open Android Studio, then I reimported the project.

For Android Studio 2.2, you can simply click the left bottom and then select Project

In Android Studio 2.3.1, you don't have the Application module option if you wanted to add a module. The best solution is to right click your project and select "Jump to the source" from the menu. That solved my issue.

Android Studio cannot resolve R in imported project?

I'm trying the new Android Studio. I've exported a project from eclipse, using the build gradle option. I've then imported it in Android Studio. The R.java file under gen has a j in a little red circle on it. And in my source files, I get "cannot resolve symbol R" wherever I have a reference to a resource, e.g. "R.layout.account_list" etc.
I have never used Intellij before. Would appreciate any help as there obviously aren't many answer yet about Android Studio. Thanks!

Press F4 into Project Structure, Check SDKs on left
Click Modules ---> Source Tab, check gen and src as sources
PS: The answer over a year old and the menus have changed.

File -> invalidate caches
then
Restart application

None of the answers on the web so far have helped. Build > Make Project did not work for me. For me it was as simple as choosing this other option (on Android Studio 1.3.1):
Build > Make Module 'module name'

In my case I had an Activity file imported from Eclipse that had the line:
import android.R;
So all of my R classes were resolving to the SDK, as soon as I commented out that line everything compiled correctly to my package. I only noticed the issue when I was moving the project from my Mac to my Windows machine.

This issue starting occurring for me when I started working with build.gradle to incorporate the data necessary (signingConfigs) to build a signed .apk. After what appeared to be a successful build from the command line, I discovered that going into any class using R.* that all R.* references were unresolved.
The answers here didn't help me. I decided to re-import the project and it magically fixed the issue. File/Import Project... and select the build.gradle file in my apps root folder. I would love to know why re-import fixed this :)

This is probably due to a failed resource build
Once the issue is fixed, a mere Build > Rebuild Project will do the trick

Goto File -> Settings -> Compiler now check use external build
then rebuild project

I've been frustrated on many occasions with this problem, especially when intergating a project library as part of another project. In the most recent occurrence of this plagued problem, my Android lib project was using a WebView. It turns out that Gradle builds the R.class file in a sub directory called "web" whose path does not have anything to do with my source code path. When I imported this, my problem was gone. What have I learned? In the future, simply do a file search for R.class and note the path where it is located. Then import the package into your code using that path. It really sucks that you have to manually perform this. Gradle should automatically import packages it generates.

I was also facing the same issue and I went through lot of answer on stackoverflow. Then i found one solution which help me resolve this issue.
Check package name in AndroidManifest.xml file. I forgot to change it while copy pasting another project into new project.

At first check if there is import android.R; in top of your class this happens when auto import in enable in android studio.
after that comment all lines of your code that you use R variable (you can comment entire class or ...)
then run application it regenerates R variable and you can uncomment your code.

Here's what worked for me in IntelliJ (Not Studio), in addition to the replies presented above:
You need to attach an Android facet to an existing Android module. To do this, select the module from the module list in 'Module Settings', hit the '+' button on top and select 'Android'. See https://www.jetbrains.com/idea/webhelp/enabling-android-support.html.

The solution is to open project structure window. [by press command+; on mac ox s. i don't what's the key shortcut for other platforms. you should be able to find it under "File" menu.]
and click "Modules" under "Project settings" section, then your project is revealed, finally mark the generated R.java as Sources.
I am using Intellij idea 14.0 CE.
The generated R.java is located at build/generated/source/r/debug/com/example/xxx
Really not easy to find for the first time.

Follow the five steps below:
Step 1 ===>Delete(CTRL X) the additional tag(s) in XML manifest file.
Step 2 ===>Open Build-->Clean project.
Step 3 ===>Open XML manifest file and past the last additional tag(s) like:
Tag Manifest file example:
(<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.VIBRATE"></uses-permission>)
Step 4 ===>Step 2 again.
Step 5 ===> Open Tool-->Android-->Sync project with 'Gradle'.
I have had the same problem but after all the steps it's work for me.

On IntelliJ 14
Check if the generated sources are excluded. Usually in Project Structure -> [module] -> Paths -> Compiler output: "Inherit compile output path"

My problem was that I had file 'default.jpg' in drawable folder and for some reason every resource was not resolved. Fixed after deleting that file!

You should check all your files if it don't have errors and again rebuild your project in:
Build > Rebuild Project.
Or in:
File > Settings > Build, Execution, Deployment > Compiler
Check use external build and after rebuild the project.

After you tried Clean and Rebuild without success, check your res folder for corrupted files.
In my case a corrupted .png file caused all the trouble.

Regarding the following, from Crossle Song's answer
Press F4 into Project Structure, Check SDKs on left
Click Modules ---> Source Tab, check gen and src as sources
Despite the message "We will provide a UI to configure project settings later....etc" this worked for me.

None of these answers helped me!
My problem was not a problem! The program could compile completely and run on the device but the IDE has given me an annoying syntax error. It has underlined the lines of codes that included "R.".
The way that I could solve this issue:
I just added these three classes in "myapp/gen/com.example.app/" folder:
BuildConfig
package com.example.app;
public final class BuildConfig {
public final static boolean DEBUG = true;
}
Manifest
package com.example.app;
public final class Manifest {
}
R
package com.example.app;
public final class R {
}

I solve that problem setting JAVA_HOME, CLASSPATH.
People sometimes skip JAVA_HOME and CLASSPATH when setting Java_path.
So try to check Environment Variable.
CLASSPATH -> .;
JAVA_HOME -> C:\Program Files\Java\jdk(version) or where Java installed
and then check the xml file which can have error(Do not naming well-known things such as button,text etc)

In my case (Linux, Android Studio 0.8.6 ) the following helps :
File > Project Structure > Modules > select main module > select its facet > Generated Sources
change value of "Directory for generated files:"
from
MY_PATH/.idea/gen
to
MY_PATH/gen
Without that code is compiled, apk is build and run successfully
but Android Studio editor highlights mypackage.R.anything as "cannot resolve" in all sub-packages classes

I had the same problem and got it fixed by deleting an extra library.
To do try this solution go to File > Project Structure (on a mac you can use the command "Apple ;")
Then select app on the left tab. Go to the dependencies tab and delete the extra library.

check the build tools version in build.gradle(for module app). Then go to android sdk manager see if the version is installed if not install it or change the build tools version to the one which is installed like below.
android {
buildToolsVersion "22.0.1"
..
..
..
}

The solution posted by https://stackoverflow.com/users/1373278/hoss
above worked for me. I am reproducing it here because I cannot yet comment on hoss' post:
Remove import android.R;
from your activity file in question.
My setup:
Android Studio 1.2.2
Exported project from one Mac to Git (everything was working). I then imported the project on another Mac from Git. Thats when it stopped resolving the resource files.
I tried everything on this thread:
invalidating cache and restart
Delete .iml files and .idea folder and reimport project
Clean and Rebuild project
Nothing worked except removing import android.R; from my activity java file.
To avoid this issue in the future add .idea folder to your .gitignore file. There is a nice plugin from git for gitignore in Android Studio. Install this plugin and right click in .idea > Add to .gitignore

just clean project and then sync your project with gradle file.

In my case, I found that "android.R.layout.account_list" was referenced instead of "R.layout.account_list". Simply remove "android." can fix the problem. Hope this help because sometimes you may overlook when you are too focusing.

In my case:
I had to Copy Reference the R file; i.e. right click gen/<package>/R and Copy Reference. Then paste that over the R in your code where it fails to resolve.
That solved it for me (after trying everything else here). Still not sure why it worked to be honest.

I had this same issue. The package name was wrong in two of the following three files. I manually updated the package name and everything started working again.
gen/com/example/app/BuildConfig.java
gen/com/example/app/Manifest.java
gen/com/example/app/R.java
I'm not sure what caused them to change as I've never modified these files before.

Had this error when importing project from Eclipse. The reason was some of the xml files had errors. Check ALL your XML files for errors. Including androidmanifest.xml, and values, themes, styles, layouts folders, etc. Warnings in xml are ok, but errors will generate this error.
Afterwards, do a Clean Project and rebuild.

For me, with Android Studio 1.5.1, the solution was to recreate the whole project with a slightly different name.
I think it didn't handle the app name "Kommentator_AS", because several places the package was named"Kommentator" instead.