Resolving “Instrumentation run failed due to ‘Process crashed.'” Error in Android Testing

Resolving "Instrumentation run failed due to 'Process crashed.'" Error in Android Testing

21 May 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Encountering the “Instrumentation run failed due to ‘Process crashed.'” error can be a frustrating experience for developers running Android Instrumented tests. This guide aims to provide a structured approach to diagnose and resolve this issue effectively.

Understanding the Error

This error typically occurs when there is a configuration issue in the testing setup or a mismatch in dependencies. Below, we outline several common solutions to address this problem.

Solution 1: Update Test Instrumentation Runner

If you have recently updated to AndroidX, it is crucial to update your build.gradle file accordingly. The previous configuration:

testInstrumentationRunner "android.support.test.runner.AndroidJUnitRunner"

should be updated to:

testInstrumentationRunner "androidx.test.runner.AndroidJUnitRunner"

This change ensures that your project uses the correct test runner compatible with AndroidX.

Solution 2: Check Logcat for Detailed Errors

In many cases, the Android test console may not provide detailed error messages. It is advisable to check Logcat for more comprehensive error details. For instance, missing configurations such as the AdMob app_id in AndroidManifest.xml can cause the test to crash.

Solution 3: Verify Dependency Versions

Ensuring that all dependencies are compatible with each other is another critical step. Consider updating your dependencies to the latest versions:

androidTestImplementation "androidx.test.espresso:espresso-core:3.3.0"
androidTestImplementation "androidx.test:runner:1.3.0"
androidTestImplementation "androidx.test:core:1.3.0"
androidTestImplementation "androidx.test.ext:junit:1.1.2"
androidTestImplementation "androidx.test:rules:1.3.0"

Consistency in dependency versions helps avoid conflicts that may lead to crashes.

Solution 4: Adjust Build Configuration

Sometimes, certain build configurations such as minifyEnabled and shrinkResources can cause issues. Consider commenting out these lines in your build.gradle file:

buildTypes {
    debug {
        debuggable true
        //minifyEnabled true
        //shrinkResources true
        proguardFiles getDefaultProguardFile('proguard-android.txt'), 'proguard-rules.pro'
    }
}

This adjustment can resolve issues related to resource shrinking and code minification.

Solution 5: Downgrade JUnit Version

In some cases, upgrading the JUnit version can cause compatibility issues. If you recently upgraded JUnit, try downgrading to a previous version:

androidTestImplementation 'junit:junit:4.12'

This change has resolved the error for some developers.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the “Instrumentation run failed due to ‘Process crashed.'” error in your Android tests. Each solution addresses a specific aspect of the testing setup, from updating configurations to verifying dependencies.

Enhancing Your Testing Workflow with Repeato

For a more efficient and streamlined testing process, consider using Repeato, a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android. Repeato allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests for your apps quickly. Its intuitive test recorder and computer vision and AI-based approach make it particularly fast to edit and run tests. Additionally, Repeato provides a scripting interface for advanced testers to automate complex use cases.

Learn more about Repeato’s capabilities and how it can benefit your testing workflow by visiting our documentation or contacting us.

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