Why Does the “INSTALL_FAILED_NO_MATCHING_ABIS” Error Happen and How Can You Fix It?

Struggling with “Failed to Extract Native Libraries”? Here’s How to Solve It Quickly!

This error pops up when the app you’re trying to install has native libraries that don’t match your device’s CPU architecture. Think of it like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—it just won’t work. For instance, if your device runs on an arm64-v8a architecture but the app is designed for armeabi-v7a, the installation fails.

Key Architectures to Know:

• armeabi-v7a
• arm64-v8a
• x86
• x86_64

The issue boils down to incompatibility between the app’s architecture and your device’s processor.

How It Differs from “App Isn’t Compatible with Your Phone”

These two errors may sound similar but are distinct. The “App isn’t compatible” message usually occurs when an app is built for an older Android version (SDK) and doesn’t align with your current OS. This is often fixable with a simple ADB command. However, the “INSTALL_FAILED_NO_MATCHING_ABIS” error is tied specifically to CPU architecture mismatches, requiring more technical fixes.

Fixing INSTALL_FAILED_NO_MATCHING_ABIS

Here are four practical solutions:

Solution 1: Download the Correct APK for Your Device

1. Visit a trusted site like APKMirror.
2. Search for your app and check the “All Variants” section.
3. Download the version that matches your device’s architecture (e.g., arm64-v8a).

Solution 2: Adjust APK Build Settings (For Developers)

If you’re working in development environments like Visual Studio or Gradle, tweak the build settings:

For Xamarin in Visual Studio:

1. Open your project in Visual Studio.
2. Right-click on the Android project > Select Properties.
3. Go to Android Options > Advanced tab.
4. Choose your device’s architecture under “Supported Architectures.”
5. Save changes and rebuild the project.

For Gradle Projects:

Modify your build.gradle file:

splits {
abi {
enable true
reset()
include 'x86', 'armeabi-v7a', 'arm64'
universalApk true
}
}

Rebuild and install the APK.

Solution 3: Request a Compatible APK from Developers

Ask the app developer to release a version tailored to your device’s architecture. If possible, suggest creating a universal APK that supports all architectures.

Solution 4: Universal APK Option

Developers can create a universal APK that works across all architectures by including multiple native libraries in one package.

Checking Your Device’s Architecture

Not sure what your device supports? Use an app like CPU-Z:

1. Open CPU-Z and go to the “System” tab.
2. Look for “Kernel Architecture.”
   • Example: If it says “aarch64,” it’s equivalent to arm64.

This error can feel frustrating, but understanding its cause simplifies finding a solution. Whether you’re downloading an appropriate APK or tweaking build settings, there’s always a way forward.