I am aware the .apk downgrade method is the last resort when trying to parse SM, and IM from mobile devices, however have always been able to do so until recently. I have a Samsung A series and the .apk icon disappeared during the downgrade (not unusual), using Cellebrite UFED 4PC, however my instructions were to manually install, this I was unable to do, so abandoned the extraction, my instruction was then to install from the saved .apk files in UFED - Tools, I attempted this and "apk not installed", I then attempted via sd card and "apk not installed". I was provided with the same version apk file from .apk PURE, and attempted both ways, and "apk not installed. I can see the files (encrypted) on the device, but not the application. Can anyone offer advice for reinstallation on the app, so I can perform a manual extraction on it ?
I'm sure this is a common issue, however cannot find any advice anywhere.....
Try install via adb. Copy apk to the /data/local/tmp, then adb shell pm install -r -d /data/local/tmp/your.apk. Use option -d if you are downgrading application.