Plant Base for Android - Installation

Requirements and Device Compatibility

Runs on Android versions 2.2 (Froyo) or later. Tested up to Android 14.

Should work on most Android smartphones and tablets. It is not designed for other types of device such as Android TV or watches.

We have tested many real devices from 3" phones to 10" tablets. However, due to the very wide range of available screen types we cannot guarantee correct display on every device.

Works on Amazon Fire tablets. Installation is the same as Android. Previous versions to Fire OS 5, including the original Kindle Fire, used a carousel style interface and the Plant Base launcher icon appears fuzzy and unsightly although the app works fine. In the past we have supplied special builds for FireOS/Kindle embedding larger icons, please contact us if this is an issue for you. Later models from about 5th generation onwards are no problem.

No internet connection is needed for any for the core functions to work.

Certain Android permissions are needed for the main app :-

• file system storage access for the database files
• GPS location service, option for plant list records

The Data Support app additionally requires full network access permission. This is to enable the function that downloads the database files from our server.

Storage requirement for the main Plant Base app itself is modest at only 4.6Mb. The separate Data Support app, if used, is larger at 6.5Mb.

The database files are not included with the app install, but are loaded separately either manually or by the Data Support app. They are kept in their own directory, named PlantBase. They are normally large, same size as for desktop editions. Current minimum requirement is about 375Mb and will increase if more data and pictures are added. The picture image library occupies most of the space. When updating the database using the Data Support app, the space needed will double because a backup copy is made.

Install the Plant Base app

The Plant Base for Android app is now completely free for all users.

Plant Base Android 1.43 APK download

Installation of the downloaded APK file is by the "sideload" method:

• Ensure that installs from Unknown Sources are allowed - found under the device Settings/Security menu for up to Android 7, or for Android 8 onwards by the permission setting when you first attempt to install.
• If you downloaded with the browser on the device, after saving the apk file you may be offered the option to open it and then install.
• Alternatively open the downloaded APK file with any File Manager app, which will then give the option to install it (for Android 8 onwards this is where you can allow the "Install Unknown Apps" permision).

If you are unsure about the sideload install method please refer to one of the many good websites for guidance. The APK's downloaded from this site are completely safe to install and run. The apps can be easily uninstalled if no longer wanted. The only disadvantage of sideloading compared with an app market store is that you will not be offered automatic version updates, but they can be done manually.

Load the database

There are two alternative methods - either copy existing database base files from your PC or Mac to the Android device, or use our Data File Support app to download them directly from the internet onto your device. The database is large, so if you already have a copy then it will be quickest to copy it across manually.

Download using the support app:

• The Data Support app is also free  Plant Base File Support 1.07 APK download
• Installation is by the sideload method, as above.
• The support app is simple, just go to the download section and tap the button. The files are downloaded from our web server. Please note this a large download - about 350Mb, so please consider your internet connection.

Alternatively - manually copy the files from Plant Base on a computer:

• Locate the database files on your computer. There are normally 4 files, all ending ".dpb2" and you can find their exact location from the About display in the desktop Plant Base program. Beware that on some systems they might be placed under a "hidden" folder, but you can set a visibility option. It does not matter if your PC/Mac/Linux Plant Base install is in the free trial period or even if that has expired - the database files are still fine.
• Connect your device to the computer with a USB cable. For Macs you may need to install "Android File Transfer" if you don't already have it.
• Check there is a directory named "PlantBase" on the built-in device storage or SD-card. If you first installed and attempted to open the Plant Base app, then this directory may already exist. If not, make a new "PlantBase" directory using a File Manager app or Windows Explorer. This directory should be created alongside standard default directories such "Books", "Music" and "Pictures" and so on.
• Using the system file manager, Windows Explorer, Mac Finder or a Linux file manager, copy the database files from the computer to the "PlantBase" directory on the Android device .

• See also:
• Plant Base for Android
• Plant Base Mobile PPC Edition
• Plant Base release status
• Blog posts about Plant Base Android