“android.useAndroidX” Property is Not Enabled: A Guide to Fixing the Error
Understanding the Error
The error “android.useAndroidX property is not enabled” arises when your Android project attempts to use AndroidX libraries, but the project configuration doesn’t allow it. AndroidX is the recommended replacement for support libraries, offering improved features and better maintainability.
Causes of the Error
* **Missing “android.useAndroidX” property:** The project’s `gradle.properties` file lacks the `android.useAndroidX=true` property.
* **Incorrectly set “android.useAndroidX” property:** The property might exist but is set to `false`.
* **Missing AndroidX dependencies:** Your project doesn’t have the necessary AndroidX dependencies.
* **Conflicting dependencies:** Your project might have both AndroidX and support library dependencies causing conflicts.
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Enabling the “android.useAndroidX” Property
* **Open `gradle.properties` file:** Navigate to your project’s root directory and open the `gradle.properties` file.
* **Add the property:** If the property is missing, add the following line:
“`
android.useAndroidX=true
“`
* **Set the property to `true`:** If the property exists but is set to `false`, change it to `true`.
* **Sync Project with Gradle Files:** After modifying the file, click “Sync Project with Gradle Files” in Android Studio.
2. Adding AndroidX Dependencies
* **Remove Support Library Dependencies:** Replace any support library dependencies with their corresponding AndroidX equivalents.
* **Add AndroidX Dependencies:** If you haven’t already, add the necessary AndroidX dependencies to your `build.gradle` file (Module:app). Refer to the AndroidX documentation for the appropriate dependencies.
“`
implementation “androidx.appcompat:appcompat:1.5.1”
implementation “androidx.core:core-ktx:1.9.0”
// … Add other required AndroidX dependencies
“`
3. Resolving Dependency Conflicts
* **Analyze Dependencies:** Use the “Analyze Dependencies” feature in Android Studio to identify any conflicting dependencies.
* **Update Dependencies:** Check if outdated dependencies might be causing conflicts. Update them to the latest versions.
* **Use Dependency Exclusion:** Exclude conflicting dependencies using the `exclude` block in your `build.gradle` file.
“`
implementation(“androidx.core:core-ktx:1.9.0”) {
exclude group: “androidx.lifecycle”, module: “lifecycle-common”
}
“`
* **Consider Dependency Management Tools:** Tools like Gradle Dependency Management can help in resolving complex dependency conflicts.
4. Clean and Rebuild Project
* **Clean Project:** Go to “Build” -> “Clean Project” in Android Studio.
* **Rebuild Project:** Go to “Build” -> “Rebuild Project” in Android Studio.
5. Invalidate Caches / Restart
* **Invalidate Caches / Restart:** Go to “File” -> “Invalidate Caches / Restart” -> “Invalidate and Restart” in Android Studio.
Example: Migrating from Support Library to AndroidX
**Original Support Library Dependency:**
“`
implementation ‘com.android.support:appcompat-v7:28.0.0’
“`
**AndroidX Equivalent:**
“`
implementation ‘androidx.appcompat:appcompat:1.5.1’
“`
Troubleshooting Tips
* **Check Android Studio Logs:** Review the Android Studio log files (located in `~/.AndroidStudio4.x/system/log`) for additional error messages or stack traces.
* **Use `./gradlew :app:dependencies`:** Run this command in your terminal to view a detailed list of your project’s dependencies, helping to identify potential conflicts.
Table: Common Support Library and AndroidX Mappings
| Support Library | AndroidX Equivalent |
|—|—|
| `com.android.support:appcompat-v7:28.0.0` | `androidx.appcompat:appcompat:1.5.1` |
| `com.android.support:design:28.0.0` | `com.google.android.material:material:1.8.0` |
| `com.android.support:recyclerview-v7:28.0.0` | `androidx.recyclerview:recyclerview:1.3.1` |
| `com.android.support:cardview-v7:28.0.0` | `androidx.cardview:cardview:1.0.1` |
| `com.android.support:support-v4:28.0.0` | `androidx.core:core-ktx:1.9.0` |
By following these steps and consulting the AndroidX documentation, you should be able to resolve the “android.useAndroidX property is not enabled” error and start using AndroidX libraries in your projects.