ADBApp ManagementSafe

adb install <path_to_apk>

Install Android application package (APK)

What It Does

Pushes an APK file to the device and invokes the package manager to install it.

Command Syntax

Terminal

$adb install [-r] [-d] [-g] [-t] <file.apk>

Parameters & Placeholders Breakdown

This command syntax includes specific placeholder tokens. Below is an explanation of what each word represents and concrete real-world values to replace it with:

[-r] R Parameter

Replace this placeholder with your specific r value.

Real-world value:your--r

Command syntax: adb install your--r [-d] [-g] [-t] <file.apk>

[-d] D Parameter

Replace this placeholder with your specific d value.

Real-world value:your--d

Command syntax: adb install [-r] your--d [-g] [-t] <file.apk>

[-g] G Parameter

Replace this placeholder with your specific g value.

Real-world value:your--g

Command syntax: adb install [-r] [-d] your--g [-t] <file.apk>

[-t] T Parameter

Replace this placeholder with your specific t value.

Real-world value:your--t

Command syntax: adb install [-r] [-d] [-g] your--t <file.apk>

<path_to_apk>Target File or Directory Path

A file or folder path on the Android device or host machine.

Real-world value:/sdcard/screenshot.png

Command syntax: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png

Usage Examples

$adb install app-release.apk

$adb install -r -g app-debug.apk

$adb install -d old-version.apk

Options & Flags

Flag / Parameter	Description
-r	Reinstall existing app, retaining its data and cache.
-d	Allow version code downgrade.
-g	Grant all runtime permissions listed in app manifest automatically.
-t	Allow installing test packages marked android:testOnly.

Prerequisites & Requirements

Device authorized
Unknown sources / debugging installation permitted

Related Commands

adb uninstall <package_name>

Uninstall application

adb install-multiple <apk1> <apk2> ...

Install split APKs / App Bundles (AAB)

adb shell pm list packages

List installed application packages

Found an error or missing flag for adb install <path_to_apk>?

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