How to install non-Market apps via ADB (solved)

james27007 · March 8th, 2010, 07:50 PM

Ok the following steps have been reported and confirmed to cause issues with wifi, you can still see them below, but I do not recommend using them.

For the moment, the best way is using the side load wonder machine.

tae_254 · March 8th, 2010, 08:28 PM

Thanks for the information.

hoodtrix · March 8th, 2010, 10:47 PM

can anyone confirm this????

zanson · March 8th, 2010, 11:18 PM

it works... now you just need to find 1.5 apps for it -_-

james27007 · March 9th, 2010, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoodtrix

can anyone confirm this????

I actually tried it to make sure it worked before I posted it. For apps, I extracted a 1.5 build from the kaiser xda-forum and pulled those apps. A few don't install like SuperUser but most worked like Dev tools and spare parts... so yes it works. Don't believe me, give it a try

tliebeck · March 9th, 2010, 04:39 AM

I don't have a BackFlip, but do write Android apps and use ADB regularly. So figure'd I throw this out there for Mac/Linux people:

On MacOS, ADB doesn't need a USB driver for your phone. Just download the SDK, and you can execute ADB from a terminal.

On Linux, all you need to do are to follow the instructions here:
Developing on a Device | Android Developers

Specifically the bit about creating and chmod'ing an /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules file.

Hope AT&T fixes this issue soon, it's ridiculously stupid to attempt to disallow non-market apps given that ADB works.

linuxdood · March 9th, 2010, 05:53 AM

Yes, this is a good workaround. Once you get it all up and running it's not to painful. I did try to install the Amazon MP3 apk file and got a signer error. I even did try to sign it wit jarsigner and got some certificate chaining exception.

I am surprised we can't install the amazon mp3 store though.

I tried to manually installed it from the SD card and got the popup that it comes from a unknown source and only trusted applications can be installed. This gets back to the unknown sources thing we've been complaining about. Perhaps with jarsigner and your own keystore you can resign these apps as trusted to get through the install

Update: I could sign the amazon pkg file with my keystore. I was using jarsigner wrong. Let me try to install now.

Ok, Well, I signed it, but yes, I'm not a trust source on the phone. This is a problem.

spontem · March 11th, 2010, 11:36 AM

I just purchased the backflip yesterday and tried to install some non-market apps but what a big let down. I cant seem to get it to work. Can someone please guide me through the process. I am new to android and I dont understand how everything works. I cant find the adb folder specified in the instructions. If someone could help me, it would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

Spoonman · March 11th, 2010, 12:45 PM

Ill post something tonight for you guys. I don't install em quite the way the guide does. I'm at work though.

Spoonman · March 11th, 2010, 10:00 PM

ok here we go.

if you followed the instructions on the XDA link http://tiny.cc/batch659

you should have several things done including:

moto device drivers
android SDK
USB Debugging mode enabled on your phone
Enviromental variables set(not really needed for this, but it doesnt hurt)
Droid Explorer installed

what I use and I find easier to explain to people for installing *.apk's is Droid Explorer's Batch installer.

so(and this may differ) you will want to start up Droid explorer. On 64-bit win 7 ultimate i have to start it with my phone unplugged so it does not get stuck on starting ADB server protocols.

this is the window that will pop up. Connect your phone and hit refresh.

and then connect. This will put you lookin at the file structure for the phone, all we are concerned with at this time is installing an apk. So look at the upper toolbar icons for batch install.

once in there it will ask you to select your apk from whatever folder you saved it to on your computer.

After you choose the one you want its pretty easy from there if you have ever installed software before.

Hope that helps. Enjoy

spontem · March 11th, 2010, 11:47 PM

Im gonna try this as soon as I can. Thank you so much for your help!!! Ill let you know how it goes.

spontem · March 12th, 2010, 10:20 PM

I cant believe it, it actually worked!!!! Spoonman, I cant thank you enough. Its so simple...I was gonna give back my phone if I couldnt install non-market apps. Once again, thank you so much.

Spoonman · March 12th, 2010, 10:51 PM

hah np man. the more info we get out and things figured out the better the phone and the os will be. and the simpler things will get.

srt4baby · March 26th, 2010, 01:04 AM

now that it works is there any way i can re-route the double home button to make it voice search as needed??

Spoonman · March 26th, 2010, 12:59 PM

just a guess but its not showing up in the list for settings>application settings>double tap home launch?

i dont have voice search installed currently(had to do a factory reset to test something)

NaplesBill · March 26th, 2010, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoonman

just a guess but its not showing up in the list for settings>application settings>double tap home launch?

i dont have voice search installed currently(had to do a factory reset to test something)

That's where it is on mine!

pd49 · March 31st, 2010, 12:12 PM

Hey, I followed the directions precisely but for some reason Droid Explorer does not detect my phone. I think maybe I have installed something wrong?

I have the SDK files installed in the C: folder as instructed.

The only other thing is that for some reason the Motorola drivers did not install/detect my phone properly. I use Win 7 home.

I'm usually really good when it comes to tweaking on the computer but this is the first time I want to tweak my phone, lol. Maybe someone can help me out? I am tempted to return the phone and just buy an unlocked Android, but I don't have the money for that.

v1nsai · April 7th, 2010, 01:37 PM

i found an app called apps installer on the market that searches my sd card for apps to install then tells me it doesnt find any. i havent tested i havent found any apps outside the market it but it seems like a third party app installer to me, anyone seen this before?

james27007 · April 7th, 2010, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v1nsai

i found an app called apps installer on the market that searches my sd card for apps to install then tells me it doesnt find any. i havent tested i havent found any apps outside the market it but it seems like a third party app installer to me, anyone seen this before?

When you try and install the app that way you get the non-trusted source error

james27007 · June 2nd, 2010, 01:03 AM

@ mods, is there a way to make this sticky?

theguy1995 · July 16th, 2010, 12:37 AM

this is wat i did!
downloaded the sdk to m download folder (dont know where to extract it too)
downloaded the 32 bit thing (dont know which one i needed so i got 32)
i did the settings applications development and checked the usb debbuging thing
put the armored strike 2.012.apk into the tools file
but i cant figure out wat the command propt thing is?????
and im not even sure if i did the other steps right?....
pm me back someone please!....

theguy1995 · July 16th, 2010, 12:42 AM

also my mom works at at&t and when i was there 1 day i asked the manager (randy) bout this and he said that their upgrading the software on their droids so they can get non market apps like every other freakin droid (by popular demand) so ask ur local at&t about it and see when the upgrade comes out (just in case u cant figure this out [which i cant])

theguy1995 · July 16th, 2010, 12:50 AM

where is the cmd.exe thing in step 3?

james27007 · July 16th, 2010, 11:07 AM

@theguy1995 it is in "C:\Windows\System32"

#1 make sure a rename the apk file to a name without spaces

So armored strike 2.012.apk needs to be renamed to armored_strike_2.012.apk

Another way to get to the command prompt is this:

Press Start -> Run
Then type cmd
Then (assuming you named your folder adb and all the files are in adb)

Code:

cd\
cd adb
adb install armored_strike_2.012.apk

adb will take care of the rest

Quote:

3. Copy the cmd.exe file (copy the file don't make a shortcut to it or move it) from your "C:\Windows\System32" folder to the adb folder

eghoti1 · July 19th, 2010, 01:09 AM

If I install apps through ADB setup, will they stay installed even if I switch out of my motoblur or google account to another one?

james27007 · July 19th, 2010, 04:37 PM

Yes, they only go away if you uninstall them (menu --> settings --> applications --> manage applications) or you do a factory reset of the phone.

If you switch motoblur accounts and/or gmail accounts, as long as you do not factory reset the phone, you are ok. However from what I understand, you can swicth gmail accounts without resetting the phone, however you cannot swap motoblur accounts witout resetting the phone.

ewingr · July 21st, 2010, 12:15 PM

JFYI...I read somewhere that you could take out your SIM card, and just use a file manager and install. I tried that, and it did not work.

handson · August 14th, 2010, 11:09 PM

FWIW,
copying cmd.exe is bad practice cuz you don't want versions littering your hdd,
and copying apk to tools is bad practice cuz you don't want "personal data" mingled with installs. I got mine working with the following steps:

1. install all the stuffs per stock instructions (SDK, USB driver, etc...)
2. add tools dir to path:
set path=%path%;c:\android-sdk-windows\tools
3. go to path where apk lives (hopefully under your docs or downloads).
4. C:\users\[myusername]\eclipse\HelloWorld\bin>adb install Your.apk

HeatherVela · November 2nd, 2010, 03:08 PM

I can't seem to find the app after all this.

james27007 · November 2nd, 2010, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeatherVela

I can't seem to find the app after all this.

Find what app; the app must be in the same folder as adb. This works if you have apps (the file type is apk) that you want to install.

Beach_Head · November 14th, 2010, 10:25 AM

If you're on the 2.1 update and you want to install non-market apps straight from your microSD, here's how to do it: Install Non-Market Apps

LightFighter · November 25th, 2010, 09:32 PM

I'm doing something wrong. After I make sure my device is connected, I start ./abd shell, run ls to make sure I'm connected to the phone. When I run abd install xxyy.apk I get this error - abd: permission denied.

Any suggestions?

***** Edit
I may have a permission issue with my Linux box, but,

Android Centrals Sideload Wonder worked to get a 3rd party app installed...

james27007 · November 27th, 2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightFighter

I'm doing something wrong. After I make sure my device is connected, I start ./abd shell, run ls to make sure I'm connected to the phone. When I run abd install xxyy.apk I get this error - abd: permission denied.

Any suggestions?

***** Edit
I may have a permission issue with my Linux box, but,

Android Centrals Sideload Wonder worked to get a 3rd party app installed...

Welcome to the forums, we are glad to have you

Are you running under linux or windows? HAve you tried other apk files to make sure it is not a android version issue?

BudyIam · November 30th, 2010, 01:43 PM

I have 2.1 on my backflip. I used this method to install google earth 1.0 apk. It installed. It shows up as an app. But will not run.
Any suggestions?

Google earth runs fine on my Motorola Charm 2.1

sixtythree · December 6th, 2010, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j101399j

1. Create a folder called adb on your C drive

2. Extract all files to your adb folder

3. Copy the cmd.exe file (copy the file don't make a shortcut to it or move it) from your "C:\Windows\System32" folder to the adb folder

4. Install the downloaded USB driver

4. Once you have the driver installed, on your phone enable debugging mode (Menu --> Settings --> Applications --> Development --> Check USB Debugging)

5. Copy the apk files you want installed to your "C:\adb\tools" folder. The adb.exe and cmd.exe should be in that tools folder.

5. Open the cmd.exe file

6.Type the following command:
Code:

Code:
adb install application.apk
Where application.apk is the name of the apk to install

Your app should now be installed

Please note that you cannot install apps used on 1.6, 2.x builds
You can also use Droid Explorer listed below

with this same proceedure i can install aps downloaded to my pc and install them to my phone? is that what i am understanding and is it correct?

james27007 · December 6th, 2010, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixtythree

with this same proceedure i can install aps downloaded to my pc and install them to my phone? is that what i am understanding and is it correct?

Correct. All android phones except the ones offered by AT&T allow you to install apk files (application install files) from your memory card. There is normally an option called Unkown Sources, AT&T removed this option, so unless you hack your phone, this is one way to do it.

sixtythree · December 8th, 2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j101399j

1. Create a folder called adb on your C drive

2. Extract all files to your adb folder

3. Copy the cmd.exe file (copy the file don't make a shortcut to it or move it) from your "C:\Windows\System32" folder to the adb folder

4. Install the downloaded USB driver

4. Once you have the driver installed, on your phone enable debugging mode (Menu --> Settings --> Applications --> Development --> Check USB Debugging)

5. Copy the apk files you want installed to your "C:\adb\tools" folder. The adb.exe and cmd.exe should be in that tools folder.

5. Open the cmd.exe file

6.Type the following command:
Code:

Code:
adb install application.apk
Where application.apk is the name of the apk to install

Your app should now be installed

Please note that you cannot install apps used on 1.6, 2.x builds
You can also use Droid Explorer listed below

I am kinda slow. if you will go thru step by step on installing z4root that is in a file on my computer to the phone.

#1 is done

question- i assume #2 unzip the file to this adb folder

#3 done

4. Install the downloaded z4root file {need more details on the step}

Do not understand #5 where did this tools folder come from?C:\adb\tools" folder

no 4- install the downloaded driver what is this driver you speak of

android galaxy s t959

sixtythree · December 9th, 2010, 01:27 PM

android galaxy s t959 vibrant

it will not work as z4root.zip after extrction is not apk file. also not sure where this usb driver for my phone is located.
Unless there is a way to get the z4root.apk into my phone i quess i will not beable to reinstall it. since it was rooted with that file will i be able to unroot it needed with another file?

Beach_Head · December 18th, 2010, 08:15 AM

I posted an easier way of installing apps from Unknown Sources. Post #31 of this thread. I guess nobody bothered to read it.

All you have to do is download the zip file and replace two (2) files and you will have the "Unknown Sources" option in Settings->Applications.

Instructions:

Note: This is only for the official Motorola 2.1 Update. If you're using j_r0dd's Preclair ROM, you already have this.

Allow Non-Market Apps for Backflip users with the 2.1 Update: Enable Non-Market Apps 2.1

Just replace the files on your phone with the ones in the zip file and set the permissions of the files as stated below.

1. Location: data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/
- Permissions: settings.db: rw-rw----

2. Location: data/data/com.motorola.android.providers.settings/databases/
- Permissions: settings.db: rw-rw----

xdunlapx · April 23rd, 2011, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beach_Head

I posted an easier way of installing apps from Unknown Sources. Post #31 of this thread. I guess nobody bothered to read it.

All you have to do is download the zip file and replace two (2) files and you will have the "Unknown Sources" option in Settings->Applications.

Instructions:

Note: This is only for the official Motorola 2.1 Update. If you're using j_r0dd's Preclair ROM, you already have this.

Allow Non-Market Apps for Backflip users with the 2.1 Update: Enable Non-Market Apps 2.1

Just replace the files on your phone with the ones in the zip file and set the permissions of the files as stated below.

1. Location: data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/
- Permissions: settings.db: rw-rw----

2. Location: data/data/com.motorola.android.providers.settings/databases/
- Permissions: settings.db: rw-rw----

Ok did that. Still can't sideload z4root. I used to be able to sideload... I bet AT&T or Motorola updated the Backflip devices to disallow it and rooting. I've been at this for 6 hours now. Nothing I've tried is working.

I checked. Unless I'm not in the right area, there is no option to enable non-market apps. I checked in settings/applications/debugging. it's not there.

james27007 · April 23rd, 2011, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xdunlapx

Ok did that. Still can't sideload z4root. I used to be able to sideload... I bet AT&T or Motorola updated the Backflip devices to disallow it and rooting. I've been at this for 6 hours now. Nothing I've tried is working.

I checked. Unless I'm not in the right area, there is no option to enable non-market apps. I checked in settings/applications/debugging. it's not there.

To use those steps you need to be rooted. I updated the 1st post on how to do that the semi-easy way. So check it out...

LocalPCGuy · April 27th, 2011, 09:14 PM

I followed these instructions, and while it worked like a charm to get non-market apps, now I have a different problem that seems related.

The Wifi radio turns off after about 30s, regardless of Wifi-Settings. Any ideas?

Can I reverse this process so I can make sure that is the cause of the problem?

james27007 · April 28th, 2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LocalPCGuy

I followed these instructions, and while it worked like a charm to get non-market apps, now I have a different problem that seems related.

The Wifi radio turns off after about 30s, regardless of Wifi-Settings. Any ideas?

Can I reverse this process so I can make sure that is the cause of the problem?

There is nothing that these files do that messes with Wifi. Try the app FXR WiFi Fix and rescue; that works for my captivate.

To go back you need the original files. My backflip is at home; and I am out of the state. IIf you can wait, I will flash it back to stock next week and upload the files. In the mean time I will work on a quick backup of the originals for others. Sorry I forgot to include that part.

LocalPCGuy · April 29th, 2011, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j101399j

There is nothing that these files do that messes with Wifi. Try the app FXR WiFi Fix and rescue; that works for my captivate.

To go back you need the original files. My backflip is at home; and I am out of the state. IIf you can wait, I will flash it back to stock next week and upload the files. In the mean time I will work on a quick backup of the originals for others. Sorry I forgot to include that part.

I tried FXR WiFi - It said it fixed it, but it continues to do the same thing. I would appreciate the stock files, at the least I can get it back to stock without a hard reset.

skate6566 · April 30th, 2011, 05:43 PM

OP confirmed working on Motorola Flipside following exact instructions.

Upon reboot I was told my sim was locked and I had to reenter my MOTOBLUR info, but other than that this worked perfectly. Now am fully able to use apps like applanet (i know, shame on me).

Thx j101399j

james27007 · May 1st, 2011, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LocalPCGuy

I tried FXR WiFi - It said it fixed it, but it continues to do the same thing. I would appreciate the stock files, at the least I can get it back to stock without a hard reset.

I am now havingthe same issue AND GPS will not tuen off. This is very weird. I will have the stock files up in the next day or so. In the mean time, I am taking the OP down,

james27007 · May 2nd, 2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LocalPCGuy

I tried FXR WiFi - It said it fixed it, but it continues to do the same thing. I would appreciate the stock files, at the least I can get it back to stock without a hard reset.

Ok here are the 5 original files to undo the bad mod (I have no idea what happened, sorry). Just follow the same steps but use these files. Let me know how it works.

Step 1: Download and extract the five files from the zip at the bottom of this post into your folder with adb

Step 2: Open the command prompt and navigate to the folder with adb

Step 3: Type the following:

Code:

adb push settings1.db /data/local/tmp/settings1.db
adb push settings2.db /data/local/tmp/settings2.db
adb push secure.mkitso3 /data/local/tmp/secure.mkitso3
adb push system.mkitso4 /data/local/tmp/system.mkitso4
adb push settings.mkitso5 /data/local/tmp/settings.mkitso5
 
adb shell
su
 
mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock1 /system
 
cp /data/local/tmp/settings1.db /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db
cp /data/local/tmp/settings2.db /data/data/com.motorola.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db
cp /data/local/tmp/secure.mkitso3 /system/etc/motorola/com.android.providers.settings/secure.mkitso
cp /data/local/tmp/system.mkitso4 /system/etc/motorola/com.android.providers.settings/system.mkitso
cp /data/local/tmp/settings.mkitso5 /system/etc/motorola/com.motorola.android.providers.settings/settings.mkitso
 
chmod 644 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db
chmod 644 /data/data/com.motorola.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db
chmod 644 /system/etc/motorola/com.android.providers.settings/secure.mkitso
chmod 644 /system/etc/motorola/com.android.providers.settings/system.mkitso
chmod 644 /system/etc/motorola/com.motorola.android.providers.settings/settings.mkitso
 
reboot

LocalPCGuy · May 2nd, 2011, 08:13 PM

never mind, cross posted. Thanks for posting these!

LocalPCGuy · May 2nd, 2011, 09:38 PM

I ended up having to do the factory reset anyways. After restoring the 5 files, the phone wouldn't come out of Airplane mode, and the phone would not work. Wifi actually seemed to be working fine, despite it not coming out of Airplane mode.

If I tried to actually make a call, it just say at a screen saying it was enabling radio.

Booting up from the factory reset now, just will need to reinstall everything. It worked as far as allowing non-market apps, was able to install the Amazon app store and then install apps from it. But obviously the other issues prevent me from leaving it that way.

thenishland · October 27th, 2011, 03:07 PM

hi guys,
i m new android user, and i have HTC Magic with Android 1.5,
anybody can tell me how to install vending apk and how to upgrade to Android 2.3...
thanks in advance.