“Gradle project sync failed. Basic functionality will not work properly” error usually appears when a Build Tools Version is not set and you could resolve it by designating Build Tools Version. Depending on how things play out, close and reopen Android Studio, take a look at the network connection, adjust JDK, update Android Studio to the latest version, …. Read to the end to dismiss the error and put Android Studio to good use.
What You Should Try Out
Overall, when Android Studio acts up, developers could use a wide range of procedures to get things back to normal. That being said, regarding the “Gradle project sync failed. Basic functionality will not work properly” error, it’s a good idea to do the following
Close and open Android Studio
While it sounds simple, “turn it off and on again” is capable of eliminating numerous errors with applications and Android Studio is not an exception. You just need to close the app, wait a little bit then open it again.
Check out the network connection
The Gradle syncing error usually occurs once the network is unstable so you should take a look at network connection. Additionally, if you happen to use VPN (Virtual Private Network), you have to adjust the VPN connection on gradle.properties.
Designate the Build Tools Version
In several cases, the “Gradle project sync failed. Basic functionality will not work properly” error takes place because a Build Tools Version is not set. So it’s suggested that you go to File => Project Structure and select the Build Tools Version in Modules section.
Reconfigure JDK (Java Development Kit)
If you come across the Gradle syncing error after you update Android Studio, there is a chance that the obsolescence of JDK is at fault. To test that possibility, you should head over File => Project Structures => SDK Location => JDK Location. At that point, tick the Use embedded JDK (recommended) option.
Download the latest Gradle version
Keeping Gradle up-to-date permits developers to avoid irritating errors with Android Studio including “Gradle project sync failed. Basic functionality will not work properly”.
- Step 1: Visit the Gradle website
- Step 2: Download the latest version and proceed to unzip it
- Step 3: On Android Studio, go to File => Settings => Build, Execution, Deployment => Gradle
- Step 4: Choose Use local gradle distribution and select the Gradle version that you unzip previously
- Step 5: Hit OK
The Gradle syncing error persists? Then just go to your project, choose Gradle script and select build.gradle (Module.app). In there, change targetsdkversion to compilesdkversion and that should do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions About Android Studio And Gradle
- What exactly is resource shrinking?
In layman’s terms, resource shrinking in Android Studio automatically gets rid of unused resources from apps and library dependencies. It’s also worth pointing out that resource shrinking is able to work alongside code shrinking tools such as ProGuard.
- Is it possible to create multiple APKs on Android Studio?
Depending on the situation, Android Studio users could create separate APKs for particular screen densities. The multiple APK support is a big plus for developers of apps that don’t like to make large APK to support all target devices.
- May I use Android Studio to debug?
Android Studio is designed with a handy built-in debugger which lets developers debug apps on selected devices, set breakpoints in typical programming codes and assess variables/expressions at runtime. Moreover, the debugger of Android Studio comes in types so people can use the ideal debugging operation for their apps.
- How could I change the theme/ color of Android Studio?
To change the theme of Android Studio to something that soothes your eyes, you just have to go to File => Settings => Appearance & Behavior => Appearance => Theme. For the editor text, all you have to do to change its color is to head to File => Settings => Editor and apply changes to properties.
- What needs to be done to enter split-screen mode?
While using Android Studio, you should be able to enter split-screen mode at any time with a simple technique: right-click the tab of desired fired and select the split options that you like. Based on personal preferences, you can split the screen of Android Studio horizontally or vertically.
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Programmers using the IDE Android Studio experience the error message “Gradle Project Sync Failed” when they are compiling their code or running it on their Android device (either real or emulated). Gradle Sync is a Gradle task who’s main function is to check all the dependencies in your build.gradle files which are associated with your Android studio project and then download that specified version (if not downloaded already).
There are many variations in which this error message might occur. You might be facing something as simple as an internet connection to complex issues where your gradle compilation isn’t working. In this article, we will go through all the causes as to why this issue occurs and then move on to the solutions.
What causes the error message “Gradle Project Sync Failed” in Android Studio?
Like mentioned before, there are several reasons as to why your Gradle project might fail to compile or sync. Here are some of the causes (each one of them might not be applicable to you):
- Bad internet connection: Since Gradle downloads all the missing versions which are required to run your project, it might fail if you don’t have a valid internet connection.
- Issues in Gradle compiler: There might be cases where your Gradle compiler is not working properly. Here we can manually try to load Gradle and see if this does the trick for you.
- Bad cache in Android Studio: Android Studio makes use of cache in your computer in order to work properly. In some cases, it might get corrupt and cause issues in several modules (including Gradle).
- Missing files: There might also be missing files which are required to run Gradle. Installing them solves the issue instantly.
- Proxy servers: Even though proxy servers are becoming increasingly popular, we saw some cases where Gradle wasn’t syncing on them properly. Disabling the proxy server resolves the issue.
Before we start with the solutions, make sure that you have a backup of your current project. Save the file and make a copy elsewhere as well just in case. Also, make sure that you are logged in as an administrator on your computer.
Solution 1: Checking Internet Connection
Gradle requires that you have a working internet connection on your computer. As its main job is to download all the required versions from the internet which are missing on your computer, it is mandatory to have a proper internet connection. You also check the connection by trying to connect other devices to the same network. Once you are absolutely sure that this isn’t the problem, you can move to other solutions.
Solution 2: Disabling Proxy Server
Proxy servers are getting common day by day where they are used in organizations and other institutes to boost the current bandwidth and provide better internet access to all the users. However, proxy servers have their limitations. One of them include issues where syncing modules don’t work as required. This includes Gradle as well. Here is the method to make sure that you are not using a proxy server.
- Press Windows + R, type “inetcpl.cpl” in the dialogue box and press Enter.
- Now Internet Properties will be opened. Click on the tab Connections and then LAN settings.
- Now if you are using a proxy server, the field will be checked with the details inside. Uncheck any proxy servers if enabled. Now restart the Android Studio and check if the issue is resolved.
Solution 3: Installing Missing Components
Before we indulge in more technical methods, you should check if you have some modules missing which are necessary for syncing Gradle. Gradle isn’t standalone itself and it requires other services as well to perform properly.
Now whenever you try to sync Gradle and the error message appears, check if there is any hyperlink underneath the issue with the heading Install missing platform(s) and sync project. After clicking the link, Android Studio will start the download process and install everything which is missing. Try syncing your project now and see if this solves the issue.
Solution 4: Utilizing Local Gradle Distribution
Whenever you build your project and Gradle gets activated, it connects to an online distribution which is latest and downloads all the required modules or versions from there. We came across several cases where the online distribution was not working as expected and failed the Gradle sync. Another workaround to this issue is to download the Gradle distribution manually and make use of that. Follow the steps below:
- Download the latest version of Gradle from the official Gradle Release Website.
- After downloading, extract all the files to an accessible folder.
- Now launch Android Studio and go to File > Settings > Build, Execution, Deployment > Gradle.
- Now select the option of Local Gradle Distribution. Also, when in the Gradle home, point to the path where you just extracted the files.
Note: If you are using offline work in the Global Gradle Settings, uncheck that option.
- Now try building your project and check if Gradle syncs properly. You would have to repeat these steps every time you create a new project.
Solution 5: Enabling GPU Debugger
The GPU Debugger enables you to debug and analyze OpenGL ES applications. It has several functionalities where it lets you inspect the GPU state and also understand what caused a rendering outcome. In some Gradle build instances, there is some bug in the system where this is not enabled. In this solution, we will force the modules to refresh and install this component.
- Click on Tools and then select Android > SDK Manager.
- Now click on the tab of SDK Tools and then uncheck the option of Android SDK Build-Tools. After waiting for around 5 seconds, enable the option again.
- Now, wait a little while until the list is refreshed and items are populated.
- Once new items are populated, look at the list and check the option of GPU Debugging Tools. Press OK when you are done.
Now, these tools will be downloaded into your Android Studio application and you will be able to sync the Gradle properly without any issues.
Solution 6: Refreshing the Cache
Every application including Microsoft Windows has cache’s everywhere to help the application in running smoothly without any issues. They serve as temporary storage where the application stores preferences or temporary data to pick up later on. We determined that this cache, if corrupt, will halt the gradle build process. In this solution, we will refresh the entire cache and after deleting the existing Gradle files, restart Android Studio and see if this fixes the issue.
- Navigate to File and click Invalidate cache/Restart.
Invalidate cache/Restart - Now after the process is done, shut Android Studio down completely.
- Navigate to the .gradle folder in your Android Studio installation directory. Now you can either cut/paste it to some other location or simply rename it.
Now when Android studio tries to access the Gradle files, it will see that there are none present and it will attempt at downloading the entire thing again. - Restart your Android Studio and try Gradle sync again. Now check if the issue is resolved.
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In this article, we will see how to fix the error: “Gradle project sync failed. Please fix your project and try again” in Android Studio”. Before getting into the solution part, let’s discuss Gradle.
What is Gradle?
Gradle is an open-source build automation tool that automates the creation of applications. The various steps involved in creating an application are compiling, linking, packaging the code. This process becomes much easier and convenient with the help of build automation tools like Gradle.
Why is Gradle used in Android Studio?
Gradle is used in Android Studio to develop the .APK files which are non-other than the Apps on our mobile phones. The Gradle combines all the Java and XML files into dex files and with the help of its tools produces an APK file.
What does the error, Gradle project sync failed Please fix your project and try again” in Android Studio mean?
Gradle sync is one of the Gradle tasks which checks for all the dependencies present in the build. Gradle files. It then downloads all the specified versions online. Here the meaning of error is that the Gradle sync has not functioned properly i.e it has not downloaded all the required files for the project due to various reasons as discussed below.
Why does Gradle Project Sync Fail?
There are various reasons as to why Gradle Project Sync can Fail to compile or build the project files. Some of the reasons are listed below:
- Lack of good internet connection: Gradle’s job is to install all the missing versions and packages online which are required for compiling the project, Hence it won’t be able to download in case of a bad internet connection
- Problems in Gradle Compilation: Sometimes there might be issues in the Gradle Compiler, In that case, we have to take the extra effort to download and load the Gradle manually
- Missing Files: There is a chance of Gradle files getting misplaced. This can be solved by re-installing the required files.
- Using the Proxy Servers: There was an issue with the syncing of the Gradle when Proxy Servers were turned on. Disabling it can help
- Cache Memory: Android Studio uses Cache memory for fast and smooth usage of the app. Sometimes the cache gets corrupted due to which Gradle sync fails.
How to Fix the Error?
Method 1. Check your Internet Connectivity
Gradle Sync requires a stable internet connection for downloading various versions required for the project online. Hence it is always advised to check your internet connection before syncing your project in Android Studio.
Method 2. Disabling the Proxy Server
Nowadays, there is an increase in the usage of the ProxyServer’s all around the world. It is basically used to increase the speed of the network and save on the network bandwidth. Usage of such ProxyServers can affect the Gradle sync. Hence it is better to disable the proxy server while syncing the Gradle. You can also make sure whether you are using a ProxyServer in the following way.
Step 1: Press Windows+R and type inetcpl.cpl
Windows + R
Step 2: You will observe a window displaying Internet Properties. Here click on the Connections tab present at the top.
Internet Properties
Step 3: Now press on the LAN settings, A LAN network settings window will be opened.
LAN Settings
Step 4: Then under the proxy server settings, uncheck the box saying “Use a proxy server for your LAN” if you have checked it. This will Disable the ProxyServer. Now you can verify if the issues have been resolved.
Method 3. Invalidating the Cache Files/Restart
A cache is a temporary storage that is used to store the temporary data for accessing it quickly. Even Android Studio stores the cache for faster and smoother running of the app. However, there are instances where the cache can go corrupt, which can hinder the Gradle Sync Process. In order to solve this, we will delete or refresh all the cache in Android Studio in the following way.
- Step 1. Firstly, we have to open Android Studio and go to the File > Press Invalidate Caches/Restart.
- Step 2. Then wait for the process to complete which will be done in around 5 mins.
- Step 3. Now, Restart Android Studio and check if the error still persists.
Invalidating the Cache
Method 4. Downloading a new version of Gradle Files
Every time a project is created, Gradle downloads the required versions and modules from the online distributions. However, sometimes there may be an issue with online distribution. To solve it is advised to download the Gradle distribution again manually. Here are the steps you can follow for downloading the files manually.
- Step 1. Visit the official Gradle website and download the latest version of Gradle
- Step 2. Now unzip the Gradle Files and place them in a Folder.
- Step 3. Then open Android Studio and go to File > Settings > Build, Execution and Deployment > Gradle > Use Gradle from > Set the path of the downloaded Gradle.
- Step 4. Now try syncing the Gradle again and check if the error still persists.
Loading the Gradle manually
Method 5. Updating Packages in SDK Manager
Updating the packages present in SDK Manager can solve the problem.
- Step 1. Open SDK Manager in Android Studio i.e: Tools > SDK Manager > Android SDK
- Step 2. Now check the “-” sign beside any package and click OK to install the required packages
- Step 3. Then Reload the android studio and start syncing the Gradle and check whether the error is resolved
Downloading the Required SDK Packages
Hence In this way, you can fix the “Error running android: Gradle project sync failed. Please fix your project and try again” in Android Studio.