Why aren't my apps installing?

[Heather R]

Apps Won't Install

For a while now I've had issues with being unable to install apps on my Galaxy S5 from anywhere other than the Google Play store, because the install gets processed through the Package Installer. No matter what the app (even if it's just an update of an app I already have), once it downloads and shows the permissions screen and gives me the option to cancel or install, it won't register any pressing of the install button, as if the screen is frozen, but will still allow me to scroll through the permissions list or cancel like normal. This happens to any and all app I try to download from the Amazon App Store, which is very frustrating. Apps from the Play Store download and install without issue.

I have made sure that the permission to install apps from sources other than the Play Store is turned on, and it does not give me the pop-up message that shows when this permission is turned off, so I know that this isn't the issue. And as this has been going on for a couple months now, my phone has been restarted multiple times with no improvement. I haven't seen anyone else with this same problem, so I'm not sure what it could be and would appreciate some suggestions and input.

 

[Golfdriver97]

Re: Apps Won't Install

The above post (removed by Moderators) suggesting an alternate file explorer might work too.

 

[Heather R]

Re: Apps Won't Install

Golfdriver97, yes, as I said in my original post I did make sure to have that permission checked, and something completely different happens when that permission is unchecked, as I tried unchecking and rechecking it several times in my own troubleshooting. I have previously downloaded apps from other sources before, but seemingly at random, where I don't do any changes to any of the settings, it will just go for several weeks at a time where I can't download or update anything, and then for an hour or so it will suddenly work for apparently no reason. Also, sorry for all the duplicate posts.

Acekung, how am I supposed to get a third party file manager without being able to install anything? And if there is some way I can install one, like through the Play Store, is there any one in particular I should use?

 

[Golfdriver97]

Re: Apps Won't Install

Golfdriver97, yes, as I said in my original post I did make sure to have that permission checked, and something completely different happens when that permission is unchecked, as I tried unchecking and rechecking it several times in my own troubleshooting. I have previously downloaded apps from other sources before, but seemingly at random, where I don't do any changes to any of the settings, it will just go for several weeks at a time where I can't download or update anything, and then for an hour or so it will suddenly work for apparently no reason. Also, sorry for all the duplicate posts.

Acekung, how am I supposed to get a third party file manager without being able to install anything? And if there is some way I can install one, like through the Play Store, is there any one in particular I should use?

Third party file managers are in Play. ESFile explorer is pretty good.

Sorry for the repeating of your question; I just wanted to make sure what I was thinking was what you were describing.

Samsung has a security protocol called Knox. That may be what is causing this issue.

From an AOSP M8

 

[Heather R]

Re: Apps Won't Install

I downloaded ES File Explorer and it still only gives me the option of using the Package Installer whenever I open the desired APK files. Is there another app or way I can install APK files without using the Package Installer, as I'm almost certain that that's where all my problems are happening right now.

Scratch all of that, I just figured out the problem. I finally found another thread where someone was having a similar issue, and they talked about apps with overlay elements potentially causing problems. Sure enough, I turned off my Bluelight Filter app and the problem is instantly solved. Thanks for the help and suggestions.

 

[Golfdriver97]

Re: Apps Won't Install

I downloaded ES File Explorer and it still only gives me the option of using the Package Installer whenever I open the desired APK files. Is there another app or way I can install APK files without using the Package Installer, as I'm almost certain that that's where all my problems are happening right now.

Scratch all of that, I just figured out the problem. I finally found another thread where someone was having a similar issue, and they talked about apps with overlay elements potentially causing problems. Sure enough, I turned off my Bluelight Filter app and the problem is instantly solved. Thanks for the help and suggestions.

Thanks for posting the follow up. See you around the forums.