Android server .apk fails install

[Jmolly11 2]

Hello, I am new to Emby. Bought a Galaxy S9+ tablet to run the server and also control our other misc smart home devices. I am only hoping to stream music from the server. I downloaded the .apk, it throws an installion warning that the app was developed for an older version of Android, I click "Got It", server tries to install, then pops up as it did not install... is there something I am doing wrong?

[seanbuff 1313]

1 hour ago, Jmolly11 said:

Bought a Galaxy S9+ tablet to run the server

Hi and welcome, are you sure that the S9+ tablet is your best choice to run the server? Not saying it won't work, but typically phones and tablets are not really designed to be running the Emby Server software, but rather the client apps instead.

Ideally you should be running the Emby Server software on dedicated hardware like a laptop, or desktop PC or NAS somewhere on your home network.

Please see: Quick Start for more info.

[Jmolly11 2]

The tablet will live on the wall and only be used for server for music and controlling smart home items, I'd think it will work. I hope this doesn't sound arrogant,  but you've changed the direction of my question... don't want this thread to become about it i should even try to use a S+ tablet.

I should be able to install Emby on a android device, no? Or is the android .apk not compatible with a S+?

[ebr 16168]

Hi.  The S9 is several years old, correct?  What version of Android is it running?  How will it get access to your content and where will that content be?

[Jmolly11 2]

Yes, the S9+ is a few years old, it is a 2023 model. It is running Android 16.

Forgot to add... media will be on the tablet, potentially on a SD card

Edited November 23, 2025 by Jmolly11
Forgot detail

[Luke 42077]

Hi, are you able to install from the store?

[Jmolly11 2]

I have installed Emby from the Play Store. Opening the app it prompts me to download the .apk to make a server

[Luke 42077]

18 hours ago, Jmolly11 said:

I have installed Emby from the Play Store. Opening the app it prompts me to download the .apk to make a server

Hi, you installed the Emby client app from the store. You also need an Emby Server. Have you checked out our quick start guide?

Quick Start

[Jmolly11 2]

Yes, this is the .apk file (com.emby.embyserner_4.9.1.90.apk) that will not install. After I download it, I run it and the installer throws a warning that the app was made for an older version of Android, I click "Got It", then immediately there is a pop-up that says "Not Installed".

My setting on the tablet are set to allow unknown apps to be installed from chrome and the file folder

[sa2000 673]

13 hours ago, Jmolly11 said:

 and the installer throws a warning that the app was made for an older version of Android,

Is there a "More Details" button/link ?

Click on it and then select "Install Anyway"

 

[Jmolly11 2]

Sa2000, that did it! The "Learn More" linked to a page on Google Play protect. I paused the scan service and it installed. I'd assumed Play Protect wouldn't be a problem since the promt said "Install Anyway".

I'll play with the server later, hopefully no more hiccups

[realcodeguy 2]

I'm running the server on a Samsung Z Flip 6 phone and I have over a hundred movies on it and it's working fine as long as the device running the client doesn't require transcoding. So, his tablet should run the server no issues.