androidandroid-install-apk

Silent install apk programmatically by system app (without root)


I have system-level app with android:sharedUserId="android.uid.system" (UID: 1000).

Device is not rooted! INSTALL_PACKAGES permission is included to Manifest.

Can I install downloaded *.apk silently?


Solution

  • I`ve found the issue.

    1. Added "android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES" permission.
    2. I signed my application using "signapk.jar" with certificate that I`ve got from manufacturer of my device.
    3. And now this app can install others using "pm install /.../app.apk" without "su".

    It works!

    P.S. Updating application using just "pm install" doesn`t replace existing application with new one, but returns exit_value = 0. So to update there are two ways: