In this guide, we will explain to you the reason why you cannot sideload third-party apps on your Pixel 7 Pro device. As soon as I finished setting up my Pixel 7 Pro, I straightaway download a few APK files, enabled Installation from Unknown Sources, and then proceeded with the installation of that app. However, I was straight away greeted with the following error: “You can’t install the app on your device”.
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Pixel 7 Pro Error: “You can’t install the app on your device”
Initially, my first instinct was that there was something wrong with the APK, so I downloaded it from another source but was again greeted with the same error message. To double-check the APK, I tried installing it on your OnePlus 7T running Android 12, and it was straightaway installed. So my initial speculation was there’s a new restrictive measure has been put in place in the latest Android 13 update.
However, this speculation proved to be correct as I tried installing the same APK on Pixel 6 Pro running Android 13 and it was installed without any error. just for a re-confirmation, I tried sideloading a couple of other apps, all of which were installed on Pixel 6 Pro but not on 7 Pro, although both were running Android 13. So this made one thing clear- the culprit was the Pixel 7/Pro. So next up, I tried the AD Sideload process, and even that didn’t work out either.
ADB Sideload Third-Party Apps on Pixel 7 Pro Won’t Work
Yes, even the ADSB sideload process wasn’t able to install the third-party app. Upon tying it out, I was greeted with the following error message:
adb install /file-location/filename.apk Performing Streamed Install adb: failed to install /file-location/filename.apk: Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_NO_MATCHING_ABIS: INSTALL_FAILED_NO_MATCHING_ABIS: Failed to extract native libraries, res=-113]
Just the words NO_MATCHING_ABIS in this error message made everything clear. Here’s what it means:
NO_MATCHING_ABIS: Pixel 7 Series Doesn’t Support 32-Bit Apps!
In simplest terms, the NO_MATCHING_ABIS means that the app version you are trying to install is not compatible with the current OS architecture. Upon further investigating this issue, I found this tweet from Mishaal Rahman stating that the Pixel 7 series ships with a 64-bit only build of Android 13! This means that you wouldn’t be able to install the 32-bit apps on your Pixel 7/Pro.
Do note that the underlying Tensor G2 chipset does supports the 32-bit ABIs, but has Google removed the previous ABIs in Android 13 for the Pixel 7 series. The same would be the case even with the Pixel Tablet as well because it is also expected to ship with a 64-bit-only version of Android!
So How to Install Third-Party Apps on Pixel 7/Pro?
let’s now address the elephant in the room- how could you bypass the “You can’t install the app on your device” error and sideload apps on your Pixel 7/Pro? Well, the only way to get this issue rectified is to get in touch with the developer o the concerned app and request they release the 64-bit version of that app. Considering Pixel devices are among the most popular players in the town, you might expect a positive response from the developers in this regard.
So on that note, we round off this guide on why you cannot sideload third-party apps/APK files on your Pixel 7 Pro. As you might have noticed, there isn’t anything in our hands and it completely depends on the developers as to when they roll out the 64-bit version of their app. In the meantime, if you have any queries or wish to share your valuable opinions with us, then do let us know via the comments section below.
How to Check if an App is 32-bit or 64-Bit App
If you are planning to move over to Pixel 7/Pro, then wait for a few moments. First off check whether your desired apps are 32-bit or 64-bit via the instructions given in this guide: Pixel 7/Pro: How to Check if an app is 32-bit or 64-bit. If it is 32-bit only, then request the developer to release a 64-bit update for the same, and then you may mold your purchasing decision accordingly.
NOTE: Restricted Settings for Sideloaded Apps in Android 13 is a different thing
Just to clarify, the new Android 13 restricted settings for third-party apps are completely different from the current 64-bit issue. The restricted setting feature prevents third-party apps from accessing system-level notification and accessibility API, in order to provide a secure OS environment.
However, you could easily bypass it via the Allow Restricted Settings option. To read more on this, do check out our detailed guide: How to Allow Restricted Settings missing from Sideloaded Apps in Android 13.
