How to build an APK file in Eclipse?

425
votes

When I develop the project using Eclipse, the APK file goes on the emulator. But I want to upload my application to a real device. Is there a tool to build an APK file?

What is the process? Or is it possible to pull the APK file from the emulator?

12
androideclipseandroid-emulatorapkandroid-install-apk
Too many answers are about how to install the generated apk file or are answers that takes other concerns (key signing) into consideration. What if all I want is to generate the apk (in bin directory) as if I had clicked the "Run" button without any further questions or decisions? – Jarl
I am looking for exactly the same thing. BTW, using "export unsigned application package" in the Android tools is immensely slow and I have to specify the location each time, so not really suitable. – TommyTh
Below, Salil Pandit suggested to "set run to Manual and when you hit play it'll list applicable devices / AVDs as soon as you have done this, the APK is created - you don't actually have to fire up the emulator." That was what I needed. (Could warrant a separate question if it does not exist already?) – TommyTh
Sarwar Erfan's answer is much better. Why not changing the accepted answer? – NLemay

12 Answers

399
votes

When you run the project on the emulator, the APK file is generated in the bin directory. Keep in mind that just building the project (and not running it) will not output the APK file into the bin directory.

315
votes

For testing on a device, you can connect the device using USB and run from Eclipse just as an emulator.

If you need to distribute the app, then use the export feature:

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Then follow instructions. You will have to create a key in the process.

173
votes

There is no need to create a key and so forth if you just want to play around with it on your device.

With Eclipse:

To export an unsigned .apk from Eclipse, right-click the project in the Package Explorer and select Android Tools -> Export Unsigned Application Package. Then specify the file location for the unsigned .apk.

33
votes

The APK file is in the /workspace/PROJECT_FOLDER/bin directory. To install the APK file in a real device:

  1. Connect your real device with a PC/laptop.

  2. Go to sdk/tools/ using a terminal or command prompt.

  3. adb install <FILE PATH OF .APK FILE>

That's it...

24
votes

Just right click on your project and then go to

*Export -> Android -> Export Android Application -> YOUR_PROJECT_NAME -> Create new key store path -> Fill the detail -> Set the .apk location -> Now you can get your .apk file*

Install it in your mobile.

21
votes

We can a make a signed and unsigned APK file. A signed APK file can install in your device.

For creating a signed APK file:

  1. Right-click the project in the Package Explorer

  2. Select Android Tools -> Export Signed Application Package.

  3. Then specify the file location for the signed .apk.

For creating an unsigned APK file:

  1. Right-click the project in the Package Explorer

  2. Select Android Tools -> Export Unsigned Application Package.

  3. Then specify the file location for the unsigned APK file.

12
votes

When you run your application, your phone should be detected and you should be given the option to run on your phone instead of on the emulator.

More instructions on getting your phone recognized: http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/device.html

When you want to export a signed version of the APK file (for uploading to the market or putting on a website), right-click on the project in Eclipse, choose export, and then choose "Export Android Application".

More details: http://developer.android.com/guide/publishing/app-signing.html#ExportWizard

6
votes

The bin/XXX.apk file can be built automatically as soon as you save any source file:

Window/Preferences, Android/Build, uncheck "skip packaging and indexing..."

6
votes

The simplest way to create signed/unsigned APKs using Eclipse and ADT is as follows:

  1. Right click your project in the "Project Explorer"
  2. Hover over "Android Tools"
  3. Select either "Export Signed Application Package" or "Export Unsigned Application Package"

  4. Select the location for the new APK file and click "Save".

    • NOTE: If you're trying to build a APK for beta distribution, you'll probably need to create a signed package, which requires a keystore. If you follow the "Signed Application" process in Eclipse ADT it will guide you through the process of creating a new keystore.

Hope this helps.

6
votes

Eclipse 3.7 (Indigo): Go to Windows -> Preferences -> Android -> Build and uncheck "Skip packaging and dexing until export or launch"

Also, you can build it manually via Menu -> Project -> **Uncheck "Build automatically"**.

5
votes

Right click on the project in Eclipse -> Android tools -> Export without signed key. Connect your device. Mount it by sdk/tools.

5
votes

No one mentioned this, but in conjunction to the other responses, you can also get the apk file from your bin directory to your phone or tablet by putting it on a web site and just downloading it.

Your device will complain about installing it after you download it. Your device will advise you or a risk of installing programs from unknown sources and give you the option to bypass the advice.

Your question is very specific. You don't have to pull it from your emulator, just grab the apk file from the bin folder in your project and place it on your real device.

Most people are giving you valuable information for the next step (signing and publishing your apk), you are not required to do that step to get it on your real device.

Downloading it to your real device is a simple method.