Android App Bundle introduces Resource Not found crash in Android app

Error Overview

The error message “Android App Bundle introduces Resource Not found crash in Android app” is a common issue faced by developers when distributing their applications using the Android App Bundle format. When users attempt to install or run the app, they may encounter crashes due to missing resources. This typically occurs when the app is shared through non-standard methods such as P2P sharing or direct APK downloads from third-party websites.

Common Causes

This crash can arise from several underlying issues, including:

1. Sideloading: Users installing the app from APKs shared via P2P programs or downloaded from the web may not get all necessary resources.
2. Incomplete Installation: If the app is not fully installed (for example, missing required split APKs), it can lead to resource not found errors.
3. Outdated Tools: Using older versions of the Android Gradle plugin or bundle tool can contribute to these problems.
4. Missing Resources: Resource files such as images or layouts may be missing or improperly referenced in the code.
5. Integration Issues: Improper integration of the Android App Bundle features may lead to conflicts or errors.

Solution Methods

Method 1: Use Sideloading Crash Prevention

To address the issue of users sideloading the app, you can utilize the new API introduced by Google for detecting incomplete installations. Follow these steps:

1. Open your build.gradle file and ensure you include the bundle tool dependency:
   “`groovy
   buildscript