[Resolved] Android Error INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE Without Data Loss

Installation error: INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE

Today, while installing the application on my device, I'm encountering an "Installation error: INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE." Despite deleting some files on my SD card, the problem persists. I'm certain that the issue is not related to the available space on the SD card. Can anyone offer advice on how to resolve this issue?

"Overview of Install_Failed_Insufficient_Storage"

It's commonly stated that 9 out of 10 Android users encounter the issue of insufficient storage space on their devices while attempting to install an application or perform any other task, despite having ample storage space available on both the internal memory and external SD card. How does this problem arise?

Causes for  INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE

First, you need to understand how an Android app installation or update works. For instance, when an app is installed for the first time, its APK file is saved as /data/app/-1.apk (1.apk). When the app is updated, the new APK file is saved as /data/app/-2.apk (2.apk). Normally, the initial version (1.apk) is removed.

Now you should understand the issue. When an updated app is about to be installed and the old APK file has not been deleted, this problem occurs quite frequently on many Android devices. If 1.apk remains in its original location, the system has no space to place 2.apk, resulting in an installation error: INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE.

Solutions to Resolve "INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE" Error

So, how do you troubleshoot the incorrectly reported "insufficient storage" error? Typically, restarting your device once or twice will clear the message, but it will undoubtedly reappear shortly. We understand the frustration for Android users who cannot install desired game apps, music apps, video apps, and others due to this annoying prompt. That's why we conducted extensive research and testing to confirm the effectiveness of the following three methods to fix the INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE error.

First and foremost, before attempting any workarounds, never forget to back up Android to PC beforehand. This is an essential step that must be taken.

Step 1: Backup Android, encompassing contacts, messages, photos, videos, and any essential data

1) Download and install the MobiSaver for Android tool on a Windows PC.

2) Connect the target Android device to the computer and wait for the software to detect it. Click on "Start".

Connect your Android device to the PC and start to backup data files

3) The scanning process searches for both existing and lost data on the Android phone.

4) All Android data will be displayed. Select the files you wish to save and click on the "Recover" button. You can save the backup file on your PC or other storage media such as a USB flash drive or a memory card.

Step 2: Examine each workaround to resolve the installation error: INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE

With the help of a reliable Android data recovery tool, data safety is ensured. You can now meticulously examine each workaround provided below to effectively resolve the issue.

Fix 1: Delete both APK files

1) Uninstall the app 2) Locate the paths of both files and employ your method to delete them entirely.

/data/app/-1.apk

/data/app/-2.apk

Or just run (this is somewhat higher leveled):

adb shell "pm uninstall"
adb shell "rm -rf /data/app/*"

Fix 2. Add the android:installLocation attribute

1) In your AndroidManifest.xml file, add `android:installLocation="preferExternal"` within the `` tag.

2) Go to Settings -> Storage -> Click on Cached Data and clear the cache data on your device. This will clear the cache and free up space.

3) Reconnect your device, clean your project, and then run it on the device again. The project should now run successfully on your device.

Fix 3: Increase the Android Emulator's Memory Capacity

1) Right-click on the root of your Android Project, then navigate to "Run As" and subsequently choose "Run Configurations...". 2) In the tree view on the left, locate the "Android Application" node, then select your project and proceed to the "Target" tab on the right side of the window. 3) Scroll down to find the "Additional Emulator Command Line Options" field, and finally, paste "-partition-size 1024" into it. 4) Click "Apply," followed by "Run" to utilize your emulator with the updated settings.