Changing display name of an Android app by modifying its apk file - (Android 5.0) -
i trying change display name of android file (the name shown on screen once app installed). have apk file*.
when unzip apk file, it's partially binarized. know change display name, have change androidmanifest.xml file, file partially in binary.
if unzip application, change (or nothing!), zip up, sign , zipalign it, application not work anymore. doesn't install, crashes while trying, claiming parse error - there problem while parsing package.
if unzip application using apktool, change (or nothing) , rezip using apktool b apkfolder -o changedapk.apk, sign , zipalign it, app install, changes seem present, app crashes moment opens up. stacktrace seems indicate following problem:
f/monodroid(12679): no assemblies found in '(null)' or '/storage/emulated/0/android/data/geocortex.app/files/.__override__'. assuming part of fast deployment. exiting... if rezip application using apktool b apkfolder (thus place changes in original apk file), sign , zipalign, application installs , works, none of changes present. last modified date on apk doesn't change, seems tool nothing.
apktool seems have been used in past many others same thing me, wondering if perhaps wasn't updated android l version.
i noticed original unchanged apk 3 mb bigger output both apktool , regular rezip. side note, using original key, keychain, password resign app.
does know how this, or why application might crashing? apktool work android 5.0+? insight appreciated!
*details source of apk , authorization (as requested chris in comment): particular application belongs company work (so yes, have entire source code , change androidmanifest.xml file there). however, application distributed our limited clients manually. application not exist in app store , every version manually changed suit client's desires (e.g. specific app names or icons match company). in order alleviate of developer's work load, creating windows program can these changes automatically , work our team easy having type in new name in textbox. @ end of project, plan on having windows tool can take current version of our application (in apk format), change app name or display icons inputted in simple text fields, , output signed , zipaligned application can sent our customers.