How to fix “install failed insufficient storage” errors

It’s possible that you’ll encounter the following error when trying to run your app on your Android emulator:

adb: failed to install <path_to_your_apk>/app.apk: Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE]

Android Debug Bridge (adb) is a command-line utility that allows you to communicate with an Android device. This includes installation of apps when you run them in Android Studio.

This error can happen when trying to run your apps on an emulator that’s configured with a low internal storage size or when the internal storage is full. You can fix this issue by doing one of the following:

  • Uninstall previous apps installed on the emulator to make room for the new app.

  • Increase the internal storage size of your emulator via AVD Manager.

FAQ

How can I resolve the “install failed: insufficient storage” error in Android?

This error can be resolved by clearing cache, uninstalling unnecessary apps, or moving apps and data to an external storage device to free up space.

What causes the “install failed: insufficient storage” error?

The error occurs when there isn’t enough free space on the device or in the partition where the app is being installed, often due to large files or a cluttered cache.

Can insufficient storage errors occur on devices with ample free space?

Yes, errors can occur if the system partition is full or if there are restrictions on app storage allocation, regardless of overall free space.

How do I check available storage space on my Android device?

You can check available storage by going to Settings > Storage, where you’ll see a breakdown of space used by apps, media, and other data.

Are there tools to manage storage effectively on Android?

Yes, tools like Files by Google help manage storage by cleaning up unused files, managing app caches, and organizing media efficiently.