Add System Application

To add a system app in AOSP, we need to place the app’s source code or prebuilt APK in the correct directory and include it in the build.

Add prebuilt APK

1. Place your `MyApp.apk` in a new folder:

packages/apps/MyApp/

2. Create an `Android.mk` file or `Android.bp` file in that folder:

LOCAL_PATH := $(call my-dir)

include $(CLEAR_VARS)
LOCAL_MODULE := MyApp
LOCAL_SRC_FILES := MyApp.apk
LOCAL_MODULE_CLASS := APPS
LOCAL_MODULE_PATH := $(TARGET_OUT_SYSTEM_APPS)
LOCAL_MODULE_TAGS := optional
LOCAL_CERTIFICATE := PRESIGNED
include $(BUILD_PREBUILT)

3. Add this path in your build `device.mk` or `PRODUCT_PACKAGES`:

PRODUCT_PACKAGES += MyApp

Last modified: 19 March 2026