Offline Install of CommCare on Android

Owned by Clayton Sims
Last updated: Apr 01, 2024 by Krinda Wernicke
2 min read

Please note the documentation below requires more technical expertise

The documentation below may require knowledge of more technical software management and development topics.

Offline Install of CommCare on Android

The ability to install CommCare offline (e.g. without using the Google Play Store) can be useful in a variety of situations:

  1. You want to install CommCare at a time when you don't have access to the Play Store (note that you will still need an internet connection on your computer in order to access the Dimagi build server).

  2. You want to install an older version of CommCare that is no longer on the Play Store

  3. You want to install a custom build that a developer has prepared for you/your project and placed on the build server.

  4. You want to install the version of CommCare that is currently under development  (NOTE: this will always be an unstable, un-QA'ed build that the dev team will not accept bug reports for. Downloading this build should be reserved for specific instances where you have been instructed to do so, or if you just want to try out/see something that is in progress without relying on its stability).

For all of the preceding use cases, follow the step-by-step instructions below. Otherwise the standard instructions for installation can be found at https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/x/-wXKfw .

Obtaining a specific version of CommCare for Android:

From GitHub:

If you find yourself in situation 1) or 2) from above, obtaining the CommCare apk from the GitHub releases page is the easiest option. Note, you won't be able to find versions of CommCare that are unreleased or currently under development.
To download the apk:

  1. Navigate to https://github.com/dimagi/commcare-android/releases

  2. Find the version of CommCare you would like to install. The latest release entry corresponds to the version on the Play Store.

  3. Under the "Downloads" section of the desired release, click the link that ends in ".apk". For example: "CommCare_2.27.2.apk"

Installing the downloaded .apk on your device:

  1. Enable your device to install applications from unknown sources by ensuring that Unknown sources is turned on on your device; the location for this will vary by device, but should either be under the Settings -> Applications menu or Settings -> Security menu.

  2. Once your chosen .apk has downloaded, copy the file onto your device in 1 of 2 ways:

    1. Using Dropbox: Ensure you have the Dropbox app installed on your deivce and a valid Dropbox account. Add the APK file to your Dropbox account from your computer. Once it is uploaded, open the Dropbox app on your phone and find the file there.

    2. Using a USB connection: Follow the instructions here to simply drag the file from your computer to your device.

  3. Use a file browser on your device to navigate to the location where you saved the .apk, click on the file, and then follow the installation prompts to complete installation.