The error "Failed to install the app. Command failed with exit code 1: gradlew.bat app:installDebug" in a Node.js app (likely a React Native or Expo project) usually indicates a problem with your Android build setup. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Check the Full Error Log

Run:

npx react-native run-android --verbose

This provides more details about why the installation is failing.

2. Check If the Emulator or Device Is Running

Ensure that an Android emulator or physical device is connected:

adb devices

If no devices are listed, start an emulator:

npx react-native run-android

or manually open Android Studio and launch the emulator.

3. Grant Execution Permission to gradlew.bat (Windows)

If you're on Windows, navigate to your project folder and run:

cd android
chmod +x gradlew.bat

Then try rebuilding the project:

cd ..
npx react-native run-android

4. Clean and Rebuild the Project

Try cleaning the Gradle build and rebuilding:

cd android
gradlew clean
cd ..
npx react-native run-android

Or, if using macOS/Linux:

cd android
./gradlew clean
cd ..
npx react-native run-android

5. Delete node_modules and Reinstall Dependencies

Sometimes, reinstalling dependencies helps:

rm -rf node_modules package-lock.json
npm install
cd android
gradlew clean
cd ..
npx react-native run-android

6. Check Your Android SDK and Environment Variables

Make sure your Android SDK path is correctly set. Run:

echo $ANDROID_HOME

If empty, add this to your ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc (Mac/Linux):

export ANDROID_HOME=$HOME/Android/Sdk
export PATH=$ANDROID_HOME/emulator:$ANDROID_HOME/tools:$ANDROID_HOME/tools/bin:$ANDROID_HOME/platform-tools:$PATH

For Windows, add this to Environment Variables:

ANDROID_HOME = C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk

Then restart your terminal.

7. Ensure Java JDK is Installed

Check your Java version:

java -version

If it's outdated or missing, install JDK 11 or 17.

8. Check Gradle and Dependencies

Manually build your project in the android folder:

cd android
gradlew.bat build --stacktrace

If there are dependency errors, open android/build.gradle and update dependencies.

9. Run the App with Clean Cache

Try running the app with a clean cache:

npx react-native start --reset-cache
npx react-native run-android

10. Verify Metro Bundler is Running

Ensure Metro Bundler is running before launching the app:

npx react-native start

Then, in a separate terminal:

npx react-native run-android

Final Step: If All Else Fails

If nothing works, try deleting your entire android folder and regenerating it:

rm -rf android
npx react-native eject
npx react-native run-android