Debuggable Release APK: Inspect the Built Artifact, Not Just Gradle
To check whether a release APK is debuggable, inspect the built artifact. A Gradle build type named release or a filename containing “production” is not.
Manifest & configuration
Debuggable APK Checker
Paste your AndroidManifest and check whether android:debuggable is enabled — a flag you never want in a release build.
Debuggable APK Checker is part of APKLint, an online toolkit for inspecting Android APK files. Paste your AndroidManifest and check whether android:debuggable is enabled — a flag you never want in a release build. Paste your AndroidManifest.xml in your browser to view the relevant details; results reflect what you paste.
Nothing is stored. What you submit is processed on our servers over an encrypted connection for this request only — it isn’t written to file or object storage, and never shared. No account required.
About Debuggable APK Checker
Paste your AndroidManifest and check whether android:debuggable is enabled — a flag you never want in a release build.
Debuggable APK Checker is part of APKLint’s manifest & configuration toolkit — Audit your AndroidManifest and security config. It’s free to use and needs no account.
Your privacy is the default: what you submit is processed on our servers over an encrypted connection for that request only — it isn’t written to file or object storage, and never shared.
What Debuggable APK Checker checks
- Whether android:debuggable is set to true
- Why a debuggable release build is risky
- Where the flag lives in the manifest
- What to set for a release build
Good to know: Paste-only manifest check. A debuggable release exposes the app to debugging and data extraction.
When to use Debuggable APK Checker
- Best for
- A one-question check: is android:debuggable enabled in your manifest, a flag that must be off for release.
- Not the right tool for
- Not a broad audit; it answers exactly one flag.
- What you get back
- Whether debuggable is set, and why it must be false in production.
- How it differs from related APKLint tools
- It is the single-flag version of a concern the Manifest Checker reports in passing.
- Limitations
- One flag only; pair with Manifest Checker for the rest.
How to use Debuggable APK Checker
- Paste your file — Paste your AndroidManifest.xml.
- Send for analysis — APKLint checks it on our servers over an encrypted connection.
- Review the findings — Work through each result with a short explanation of why it matters.
- Nothing is stored — Your pasted text is processed for this request only — it isn't written to file or object storage, logged for analytics, or shared.
Why use APKLint
Always free
Every tool is free with no login and no paywall. Reasonable file and input limits keep the free service stable.
No on-page ad banners
A clean, focused interface with no third-party ad banners cluttering your results.
Privacy-first
What you submit is processed for the request only — it isn't written to file or object storage, and never shared.
How it runs
Parses the XML or text you paste with a hardened parser (defusedxml).
No sign-up
Start immediately — no account, login, or email required.
Works anywhere
Runs in any modern browser, on desktop or mobile.
Frequently asked questions
What does Debuggable APK Checker do?
Paste your AndroidManifest and check whether android:debuggable is enabled — a flag you never want in a release build.
Why must release builds not be debuggable?
A debuggable build lets anyone attach a debugger and read app data. Release builds must ship with debuggable disabled.
Is it free to use?
Yes. Every tool on APKLint is completely free, with no sign-up and no account.
How is my data handled?
What you submit is sent to our backend over an encrypted connection only to produce your result. It isn't written to file storage, used for analytics, or shared.
What should I paste in?
Paste your AndroidManifest.xml.
Related tools
All product names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. APKLint is an independent toolset and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google, Android, or any other party.