Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_UPDATE_INCOMPATIBLE] even if app appears to not be installed

Question

I've seen this several times. Usually, it's due to having a signed release version on my phone, then trying to deploy the debug version on top. It gets stuck in an invalid state where it's not fully uninstalled.

The solution that works for me is to open a command prompt and type:

adb uninstall my.package.id

That usually completes the uninstall in order for me to continue development.

No need to do an adb uninstall, just go to your settings->apps and then do uninstall from there. You will see your application grayed out.

The issues usually has to do with a release vs debug version such as @Kiliman noted here.

Uninstalling the application would be enough to avoid this problem.

INSTALL_FAILED_UPDATE_INCOMPATIBLE

but sometimes even uninstalling the message is raised again, it occurs in Android OS 5.0 +, so this is the solution:

Go to Settings > Apps and you will find your app with the message:

"Not installed for this user"

, we have to uninstall manually for all users with the option:

"Uninstall for all users"

You have to make sure the application is uninstalled.

In your phone, try going to settings/applications and show the list of all your installed applications, then make sure the application is uninstalled for all users (in my case I had uninstalled the application but still for others).

I usually face this issue on Android 5.0+ version devices. Since it has multi-user profiles accounts on the same devices. Every app will install as a separate instance for all users. Make sure to uninstall for all the users as below screenshot.

I accidentally had two devices connected.

After removing one device, INSTALL_FAILED_UPDATE_INCOMPATIBLE error has gone.

Uninstall the apk(app that you are working) from your android device and then run again.