[Solved] Android Error Install_Failed_Insufficient_Storage Without Losing Data

Summary: In this tutorial we have provided the detailed guide on how to fix Android and SD card error message “INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE” without losing data. First use Android Data backup & restore software to backup Android files to PC and then follow the solutions to fix insufficient storage issue on Android.

Let us begin with practical scenario:

Android: Installation error: INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE   

I'm getting "Installation error: INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE" error while installing the application on my device today. It is working fine till yesterday, today only im facing this problem. I have deleted some files on my SD card, but still facing the issue. I'm sure it is not the issue with the space on SD card. Can anybody suggest how to resolve this.

--nehatha
- Original Post From Stack Overflow

It is said that 9 out of 10 Android users encounter the insufficient storage available on Android, while installing app on the device, even when there is lots of space available in both phone’s internal memory as well as external SD card. So, how did this error message occur?

Reasons For Android Error Install_Failed_Insufficient_Storage

First of all you have to first understand how Android App installation and update works.

For example, when you install the app for first time, the APK file is saved as /data/app/-1.apk (1.apk). Next when you update the app, the updated APK file is saved as /data/app/-2.apk (2.apk). In normal cases, the first version (1.ako) gets deleted.

But in some cases when you are about to install the updated app, the old APK files does not get deleted and thereby you get the installation error message - INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE.

Also Read: How To Fix Android Black Screen Of Death Issue

Solutions To Fix Android Error Install_Failed_Insufficient_Storage

So, here we provide some troubleshooting solution that will help you to fix Android Error Install_Failed_Insufficient_Storage.

Precaution you must take: Before you try the below mentioned solutions to fix the insufficient storage space issue, you must never on any account forget to backup Android data to PC in advance.

Here find out: Steps to Backup Android Data To PC

Once, you have backed up Android data to PC and ensured the data safety, you can then move ahead towards to solutions to solve the Install_Failed_Insufficient_Storage Android error. 

However, the general fix is to reboot your device once or twice and the error message will vanish. However, in some situation it comes back and if it comes back in your case, then follow the below-mentioned solution.

Solution #1: Delete Both APK Files

Here how to do this:

Uninstall the app. Now find the both APK files (/data/app/-1.apk & /data/app/-2.apk) and delete them.

Solution #2: Add android:installLocation Attribute

Step 1 - In your AndroidManifest.xml file add android:installLocation="preferExternal" within your manifest tag.

package="com.packagename.appname"
android:versionCode="1"
android:versionName="1.0"
android:installLocation="preferExternal">

Step 2 – Now, go to settings > storage > click on cached data and clear it. This will delete the cached data and will free the space.

Solution #3: Factory Reset Your Android Device

If above both solution fails, then it is time to restore your device to its factory settings.

Here how to factory reset Android device:

Go to Settings > Tap Backup & Reset > Tap Erase Everything.

If any confirmation message pop-up, then confirm it to erase everything.

This will definitely fix your problem.

Conclusion

I hope from the above solutions you were able to fix Install_Failed_Insufficient_Storage without losing data, since you have already backed up your Android data to PC with the help of Android Data Backup & Restore software.