Application could not be installed

 INSTALL_PARSE_FAILED_MANIFEST_MALFORMED

The error message "INSTALL_PARSE_FAILED_MANIFEST_MALFORMED" in Android indicates that there's an issue with the AndroidManifest.xml file within your APK. This file contains crucial information about your app, such as its components (activities, services, receivers, etc.), permissions, and supported Android versions.

Here's a breakdown of common causes and how to troubleshoot them:

1. Missing or Incorrect Elements

• Check for required elements: Ensure your AndroidManifest.xml includes the following essential elements:
  • <manifest>: The root element of the manifest file.
  • <application>: Contains information about your application, such as its name, icon, and components.
  • <activity>: Defines each activity within your app.
  • <uses-permission>: Declares any permissions your app needs to access system features (e.g., camera, location).
  • <uses-sdk>: Specifies the minimum and target SDK versions your app supports.
• Verify element attributes: Double-check that all required attributes are present and correctly set within each element (e.g., android:name, android:label, android:icon).

2. Incorrect Syntax or XML Structure

• Check for typos: Carefully review the AndroidManifest.xml file for any typos, missing quotes, or incorrect XML syntax.
• Use a linter: Utilize tools like Android Studio's built-in linter to automatically detect and highlight potential syntax errors.

3. Conflicting Permissions or Dependencies

• Check for conflicting permissions: Ensure that the permissions requested in your AndroidManifest.xml do not conflict with each other or with the permissions of other libraries you're using.
• Review library dependencies: If you're using external libraries, make sure they are compatible with your target SDK and that their AndroidManifest.xml files do not conflict with your app's manifest.

4. Issues with intent-filter

• Check intent-filter definitions: If your app uses intent-filter to handle specific intents (e.g., for handling incoming calls or SMS messages), ensure that the intent-filter definitions are correct and do not conflict with other apps or system components.

5. Target SDK and API Level

• Check target SDK and API level: Ensure your targetSdkVersion is set appropriately for the Android version you are targeting. Using an outdated targetSdkVersion can lead to compatibility issues and installation failures.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Clean Build: Clean and rebuild your project to ensure that the AndroidManifest.xml file is properly generated.
2. Check Logcat: Examine the logcat output for more specific error messages. Look for lines that mention the AndroidManifest.xml file and the specific line number where the error occurred.
3. Compare with a Working Project: Compare your AndroidManifest.xml file with a working project's manifest file to identify any missing or incorrect elements.
4. Use a Linter: Run a linter to automatically detect and fix common errors in your AndroidManifest.xml file.

I am trying to test my app for upcoming Android 12. My build fails at :Execution failed for task ':app:installDevDebug'. com.android.builder.testing.api.DeviceException: com.android.ddmlib.InstallException: INSTALL_PARSE_FAILED_MANIFEST_MALFORMED:Failed parse during installPackageLI: /data/app/vmdl545282450.tmp/base.apkcom.transistorsoft.tsbackgroundfetch.BootReceiver: 

Targeting S+ (version 10000 and above) requires that an explicit

 value for android:exported be defined when intent filters are present.

I have fixed other similar errors by adding attribute android:exported to < activity > components that have < intent-filter > s declared in the app’s

 AndroidManifest.xml file, but i can't find solution for this one.

It is not important to targetSdkVersion S for at least 6 months.

SO USE :30 INSTAED OF 31 ATLEAST FEW MONTHS 

android {
    compileSdkVersion 30
    buildToolsVersion '29.0.2'

    defaultConfig {
        applicationId "nanoakhi.rcfinternal"
        minSdkVersion 22
        targetSdkVersion 30
        versionCode 94
        versionName "23.5.35"
        multiDexEnabled true
    }
    buildTypes {
        release {
            minifyEnabled false
            proguardFiles getDefaultProguardFile('proguard-android.txt'),

 'proguard-rules.pro'
        }
    }
    productFlavors {
    }
}

ALSO:

buildscript {
    repositories {
        jcenter()
        google()
    }
    dependencies {
        classpath 'com.android.tools.build:gradle:4.1.3'

        // NOTE: Do not place your application dependencies here; they belong
        // in the individual module build.gradle files
        // Add this line
        classpath 'com.google.gms:google-services:4.3.10'
    }
}