Resolving the ‘Plugin with id ‘com.android.application’ not found’ Error in Android Studio

Resolving the 'Plugin with id 'com.android.application' not found' Error in Android Studio

19 December 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

When working with Android Studio, encountering build errors can be frustrating, especially for new users. One common issue is the error message: Error:(1, 0) Plugin with id ‘com.android.application’ not found. This article provides a comprehensive guide to resolving this error, using practical examples and solutions that have been effective for others.

Understanding the Error

This error typically occurs when the Gradle build system cannot find the specified plugin. This can be due to several reasons, including incompatible Gradle versions, missing build files, or incorrect Gradle configurations.

Solution: Update Your Gradle and Android Plugin

One of the most reliable solutions involves ensuring that your Gradle version is compatible with your Android Gradle Plugin. Follow these steps to update:

  • Check your current Gradle version by running ./gradlew -v.
  • Update to the latest Gradle version by executing ./gradlew wrapper --gradle-version=6.5 --distribution-type=all.
  • In your build.gradle file, update the Android Gradle Plugin version:
    buildscript {
            repositories {
              google() // For Gradle 4.0+
              maven { url 'https://maven.google.com' } // For Gradle < 4.0
            }
            dependencies {
              classpath 'com.android.tools.build:gradle:4.1.0'
            }
          }

Additional Solutions

If updating Gradle doesn’t resolve the issue, consider these additional solutions:

  • Ensure that your build.gradle file is correctly placed at the top level of your project structure.
  • Verify that all necessary build files, such as settings.gradle, are present and correctly configured.
  • Check for any missing dependencies or repositories in your build script.
  • For projects imported from a version control system, ensure all files are correctly pulled, and the project structure is intact.

Leveraging Repeato for Efficient Testing

While resolving build errors is crucial for a smooth development process, ensuring your app functions as intended through rigorous testing is equally important. Repeato, a no-code test automation tool, can significantly aid in this process. Designed for iOS and Android, Repeato allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests with ease. Its computer vision and AI-based approach make editing and running tests particularly fast and efficient. This is especially beneficial for Flutter mobile apps, where Repeato can streamline your testing workflow, ensuring your app meets quality standards efficiently.

For more information on setting up and using virtual test devices, visit our documentation. If you’re interested in learning more about Repeato, check out our Android Testing Tool page.

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