When deploying an app update, you may get the following app install error on your devices:
INSTALL_FAILED_UPDATE_INCOMPATIBLE: Package xxx.xxx.xxx signatures do not match the previous installed version; ignoring!
This is an error thrown by the Android operating system when the new app version's signature does not match the signature of the currently installed version.
There are 3 possible solutions to this problem:
Option 1: Re-build and re-sign your new app version with the proper key
💡 Note: This option is for application developers who are building and signing their own apps.
The Android operating system uses app signatures to verify that app updates are coming from the same developer. This is a security measure that is important when managing app updates through typical app stores. It is highly recommended that you maintain the same app keys and signing procedures during the development and distribution of your app. Thus, if you're able to re-sign your app with the same keys as before, we recommend that you do so.
Re-build and re-sign your application using the correct keys;
Re-upload the new app version (you may need to delete the app version with the wrong signature from ManageXR first).
Option 2: Enable Force Install
Force installing an app will cause ManageXR to uninstall an app before installing the next version. To enable Force Install:
Navigate to your Configuration page;
In the Apps tab of your configuration, turn on the Advanced view toggle;
Enable Force Install;
Click Save Changes.
Now, every time this app is updated on a device, ManageXR will first uninstall the app before installing the new version. This will bypass the app signature issue.
Option 3: Uninstall and reinstall the offending app from the device
This option is similar to #2 and is recommended if you only have a small number of devices that are experiencing this issue.
As a one-time operation, you can manually uninstall the offending app from your device, which will allow the new version to install. To force uninstall an app from a device:
Navigate to your Device's detail page;
Open the Installed Apps tab;
Find your malfunctioning app and click Uninstall.
Your device will uninstall the specific app as soon as it comes online and receives this command. Once the app is uninstalled, the device will eventually re-attempt to install the next app version. You can click the Sync command to force the device to resync sooner.
💡 Note: Uninstalling an app will clear any data that the app may have downloaded into its local storage.
Need more help?
Talk to a member of our team using the chat bubble (in the bottom right of your screen), or reach out to support@managexr.com