[CB-11742] After upgrading to version 6.3.1, apps won't install in Android because they are detected as DOWNGRADE

• Type: Bug
• Status: Closed
• Priority: Major
• Resolution: Won't Fix
• Affects Version/s: 6.3.1
• Component/s: cordova-android
• Labels: android triaged

Environment

Developing on Windows 8.1 with node v5.1.0, cordova 6.3.1 for android

• Assignee: Unassigned
• Reporter: David Martinez Borque
• Created: 23/Aug/16 12:49
• Updated: 23/Aug/18 06:57
• Resolved: 07/Sep/16 21:05

Description

I have updated to cordova 6.3.1
Then I compile all my apps, generating new release apks (v.1.17).
Then I try to install the new apk into an android device where I already have an older version of the app (v 1.16)
When upgrading the app (adb install -r android-release.apk) I always get this error:

[INSTALL_FAILED_VERSION_DOWNGRADE]

Most curiously, when I install the new apk (with adb install -r -d) the Android system detects that the version of the app is 1.17!!

---------------------------> further on...<--------------------------

I found a workaround for this problem. I modified the build.gradle file from:

    /*

    ELSE NOTHING! DON'T MESS WITH THE VERSION CODE IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO!

    else if (!cdvVersionCode) {
      def minSdkVersion = cdvMinSdkVersion ?: privateHelpers.extractIntFromManifest("minSdkVersion")
      // Vary versionCode by the two most common API levels:
      // 14 is ICS, which is the lowest API level for many apps.
      // 20 is Lollipop, which is the lowest API level for the updatable system webview.
      if (minSdkVersion >= 20) {
        defaultConfig.versionCode += 9
      } else if (minSdkVersion >= 14) {
        defaultConfig.versionCode += 8
      }
    }
*/

to:

    /*

    ELSE NOTHING! DON'T MESS WITH THE VERSION CODE IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO!
*/
    else if (!cdvVersionCode) {
      def minSdkVersion = cdvMinSdkVersion ?: privateHelpers.extractIntFromManifest("minSdkVersion")
      // Vary versionCode by the two most common API levels:
      // 14 is ICS, which is the lowest API level for many apps.
      // 20 is Lollipop, which is the lowest API level for the updatable system webview.
      if (minSdkVersion >= 20) {
        defaultConfig.versionCode = Integer.parseInt(defaultConfig.versionCode + '9')
      } else if (minSdkVersion >= 14) {
        defaultConfig.versionCode = Integer.parseInt(defaultConfig.versionCode + '8')
      }
    }

With this, the generated apk is not detected as a downgrade, and when I check the app version in Settings of the Android device, it shows the correct version number.