Unable to install .apk from /system/priv-app

Question

I moved my apk file to /system/priv-app just as you adviced me in this thread. When I'm trying to install it through clicking this .apk, Android said me that "The application has not been installed". I tried to use adb install myapp.apk for this purpose but again ADB gave me an error: Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_POLICY_REJECTED_PERMISSION] and I suppose that app requires permission which can be granted only by root. So the only way I see now is to run adb shell later su next cd /system/priv-app and install [-cdDsp] [-o USER] [-g GRP] [-m MODE] [-t DIR] [SOURCE]... DEST and that's a point because I totally don't understand this legend:

    Copy files and set attributes
    -c      Just copy (default)
    -d      Create directories
    -D      Create leading target directories
    -s      Strip symbol table
    -p      Preserve date
    -o USER Set ownership
    -g GRP  Set group ownership
    -m MODE Set permissions
    -t DIR  Install to DIR`

How to set attributes to install this apk as system app?

Because this install is not a command for Android. It's for Linux. — iBug, Jul 30 '17 at 12:24

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 30 '17 at 12:51

3

I think you misunderstand the whole process. You are not supposed to use install command or the likes of it anywhere in the process I mentioned. You simply:

mount the system partition in rw mode
copy-paste the apk into the location,

set the appropriate permissions using busybox's chmod and chgrp or through inbuilt tools:

adb shell su -c chmod 644 APK    # replace APK with your apk's absolute location, such as /system/priv-app/xyz.apk
adb shell su -c chown root:root APK   # replace APK as said above

do a reboot.

Follow those instructions religiously. You can altogether avoid the commands using a file manager app such as Solid File Explorer, ES File Explorer, etc.

During the following boot the Android would detect the apk and install it automatically.

answered Jul 30 '17 at 12:51

Firelord

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Can a fact that this APK haven't got a signature be the obstacle to this automatical installation? – Bartosz Królak Jul 30 '17 at 13:08
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Yes. An APK without a valid signature can't be installed normally. – iBug Jul 30 '17 at 13:21
Ok. I understand. – Bartosz Królak Jul 30 '17 at 13:42

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 30 '17 at 13:54

As suggested by @Firelord, you can eliminate the hussle of entering commands (and possibly reduce the likelihood of errors) using a file explorer such as the one mentioned already.

For instance with ES explorer, simply long press the target .apk file and choose properties then edit:

Afterwards you get proper permissions i.e -rw- r-- r-- and owner i.e root:

Disclaimer: the app used above in example is my own-made app, so you won't find it in playstore

score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 30 '17 at 12:47

1

You should move the APK file to /system/priv-app, then change its file mode to 0664 (-rw-r--r--) and change its owner to root:root.

chmod 0644 your.apk
chown 0.0 your.apk

Then it should be fine.

answered Jul 30 '17 at 12:47

iBug

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Unable to install .apk from /system/priv-app

3 Answers3