adb-install

adb install [-rtdgf] [options] file

adb install pushes an Android application package (APK) to a connected device and installs it. The APK is copied to the device's temporary storage, installed by the package manager, and then the temporary file is removed.The command provides various options to control installation behavior, including replacing existing apps, downgrading versions, and automatically granting runtime permissions.

-r

Reinstall an existing app, keeping its data

Allow installation of test APKs

Allow version code downgrade

Grant all runtime permissions listed in the manifest

Install package on the internal system memory

Specify the installer package name

Install the package for a specific user (default: all users)

Set install location: 0 (default), 1 (internal), 2 (external media)

Update only the changed parts of an already installed package

Stream the APK in the background; launch before fully installed (requires APK Signature Scheme v4). Append --wait to block until done, or use --no-incremental to disable

Installation may fail if the APK is signed with a different key than the existing installation (requires uninstall first). Some devices restrict installation from unknown sources. Downgrading an installed version requires the -d flag. To install an app split into multiple APKs, use adb install-multiple instead.

adb install has been available since the initial Android SDK release in 2008. Options have expanded over time to support split APKs, instant apps, and Android App Bundles.

adb(1), adb-uninstall(1), adb-shell-pm(1), aapt(1), apksigner(1)

Source code · Documentation