why won't the new version of my android app apk install over the old version

Question

I successfully produced a small private android app (using appcelerator if that makes a difference) and installed it on my device from the signed apk file.

I then made some changes to my application and repackaged it with an updated version number but signed with the same certificate and that when I ran into my problem.

When I try to install this on my android device, as expected it warns me that "The application you are installing will replace another application" but "All previous application data will be saved". I agree to the replacement and the install goes ahead with out an error until it gets the and says "Application not installed", without any other details.

The version code and name in the original apk are:

android:versionCode="1" android:versionName="1.0"

and in the second version

android:versionCode="2" android:versionName="1.1"

I am being driven mad by this, what am I missing?

Answer 1

First, try installing you application using adb:

adb install -r /path/to/your.apk

If that does not help, try:

adb shell pm uninstall -k com.your.package
adb install /path/to/your.apk

This uninstall the apk, while keeping all its data. And then reinstalls it once again. If this also doesn't help, adb will at least give you error code which is much easier to troubleshoot with.