Android: how to open an apk file after downloading for auto-update?

Question

I have an application that I\'d like to add auto-update functionality (it\'s not in the marketplace). I have all the code in place that would check to see if there is an up

Answer 1

The answer above was for pre-API-24.

If your app targets API 24 or more (and it should), you need to use something else (otherwise you get FileUriExposedException, as described here) :

    File apkFile = new File(...);
    Intent intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW);
    Uri fileUri = android.support.v4.content.FileProvider.getUriForFile(this, getApplicationContext().getPackageName() + ".provider", apkFile);
    intent.setDataAndType(fileUri, "application/vnd.android.package-archive");
    intent.setFlags(Intent.FLAG_GRANT_READ_URI_PERMISSION);
    startActivity(intent);

provider_paths.xml:

where YOUR_PACKAGE_NAME is your app's package name.

manifest: