Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_UPDATE_INCOMPATIBLE] even if app appears to not be installed
I've seen this several times. Usually, it's due to having a signed release version on my phone, then trying to deploy the debug version on top. It gets stuck in an invalid state where it's not fully uninstalled.
The solution that works for me is to open a command prompt and type:
adb uninstall my.package.idThat usually completes the uninstall in order for me to continue development.
No need to do an adb uninstall, just go to your settings->apps and then do uninstall from there. You will see your application grayed out.
The issues usually has to do with a release vs debug version such as @Kiliman noted here.
Uninstalling the application would be enough to avoid this problem.
INSTALL_FAILED_UPDATE_INCOMPATIBLEbut sometimes even uninstalling the message is raised again, it occurs in Android OS 5.0 +, so this is the solution:
Go to Settings > Apps and you will find your app with the message:
"Not installed for this user"
, we have to uninstall manually for all users with the option:
"Uninstall for all users"