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How do I add APKs in an AOSP build?

I need to add some 3rd party APKs to my AOSP build. What folder should I keep these APKs so that when I build the code and the image is created, it is installed in the emulator?

It looks like the system apps are kept in the packages/app folder so I need to know where the third party APKs are kept.

Solution

  • Adding third party APKs to the build is definitely possible.

    Also APKs and APPs with source code go to the same place; the package/app folder.

    Adding a new APK to the build

    In the AOSP root add the folder:

    <aosp root>/package/app/< yourappfolder >

    Then inside this folder add:

    • empty Android.mk
    • < yourapp.apk >

    The android make file should have the reference to your apk, add this to your Android.mk:

    LOCAL_PATH := $(call my-dir)

include $(CLEAR_VARS)

LOCAL_MODULE_TAGS := optional

LOCAL_MODULE := < your app folder name >

LOCAL_CERTIFICATE := < desired key >

LOCAL_SRC_FILES := < app apk filename >

LOCAL_MODULE_CLASS := APPS

LOCAL_MODULE_SUFFIX := $(COMMON_ANDROID_PACKAGE_SUFFIX)

include $(BUILD_PREBUILT)

    Create an entry in the commons.mk (from AOSP 8.1.0 onwards it is called core.mk, and is usually found in build/target/product) for your apk add the line (check where all the others are)

    PRODUCT_PACKAGES += < what you have defined in LOCAL_MODULE, it should be your app folder name >

    Compile the AOSP and you have a brand new app installed on the system.

    Notes

    • If your APK is already signed, use the special value PRESIGNED as value for LOCAL_CERTIFICATE
    • If you want your APK to end up in the /data/app/ directory, add the line LOCAL_MODULE_PATH := $(TARGET_OUT_DATA) before the line include $(BUILD_PREBUILT)