Android Studio: Installation failed since APK was not signed

Question

I am attempting to run my app in an emulator and have been receiving the following error:

Installation failed since the APK was either not signed, or signed incorrectly. If this is a Gradle-based project, then make sure the signing configuration is specified in the Gradle build script.

I am attempting to run the app with a debug setting so signing the app should not be necessary as it will be given a temporary signature upon building.

Answer 1

This happens often when you install the same app generated on a different computer. Even the unsigned apk has a signature, so your phone is confused why you're trying to install something with the same package name that was generated on a different computer.

Go to your settings -> apps, then find the app in the list, and clear its data and uninstall it.

Then try installing again. That'll fix it.

Answer 2

This problem can be resolved by below two ways

1. Change Built Variant to debug
2. Define your application`s signingConfigs

First solution works when you built your application in debug mode. But, once you are ready to publish your application on Google Play store you need to go by second way.

Read for more -> Sign Your App

Hope this will help one and all!