How to Resolve the "Android Error: Module Not Specified" Issue

Encountering the “Android Error: Module Not Specified” can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of building or running an app in Android Studio. This error usually appears when Android Studio or Gradle is unable to locate a required module in your project, preventing successful builds or app execution.

In this guide, you’ll learn why the “Module Not Specified” error occurs, what causes it, and step-by-step methods to fix it. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to diagnose the issue quickly and restore your Android project to a working state.

This guide is ideal for Android developers, students, and anyone using Android Studio who encounters this error during development.

What Causes the “Android Error: Module Not Specified”?

Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand why this error happens. Common causes include:

• A missing or deleted module in the project
• Incorrect module references in settings.gradle
• Corrupted Gradle cache
• Improper project import
• Outdated Android Studio or Gradle plugin
• Renamed modules that were not updated in configuration files

In most cases, the error is related to misconfigured project structure or Gradle settings.

How Do You Resolve the “Android Error: Module Not Specified” Issue?

What You’ll Need

• Android Studio installed on your computer
• Access to your Android project files
• Basic knowledge of Gradle and Android project structure

Step 1: Check Your Project Structure

The first thing to verify is whether the missing module actually exists in your project.

1. Open Android Studio and load your project.

2. Go to File > Project Structure.

3. Select Modules from the left-hand menu.
4. Ensure all expected modules (such as app) are listed.

5. If a module is missing, click New Module and add it back.

Tip: If the module folder exists on disk but doesn’t appear in Android Studio, it usually means Gradle isn’t recognizing it.

Step 2: Verify settings.gradle and build.gradle Files

Gradle configuration issues are one of the most common causes of this error.

Check settings.gradle

1. Open the settings.gradle file.

2. Ensure all modules are included correctly, for example:
include ‘:app’

3. Confirm module names and paths match the actual folder structure.

Step 3: Sync and Rebuild the Project

1. Open the build.gradle file at the project level.

2. Ensure the “include” statements correctly reference your modules.

3. Next, open the settings.gradle file to verify module paths and names are accurate.

4. Sync your project with Gradle files by selecting File > Sync Project with Gradle Files.

This forces Android Studio to re-index modules and dependencies.

Step 4: Update Android Studio and Gradle Plugins

Outdated tools can cause compatibility issues.

1. Go to Help > Check for Updates.
2. Install any available Android Studio updates.
3. Open build.gradle and update the Android Gradle Plugin if needed.
4. Sync the project again after updating.

Keeping your tools up to date reduces unexpected build errors.

Optional Fix: Invalidate Caches and Restart

If Gradle or Android Studio caches are corrupted:

1. Go to File > Invalidate Caches / Restart.

2. Select Invalidate and Restart.

3. Let Android Studio restart and re-sync the project.

This can fix stubborn module recognition issues.

Tips and Best Practices to Prevent This Error

• Regularly back up your project files
• Use version control systems like Git
• Avoid renaming modules without updating Gradle files
• Keep Android Studio and Gradle plugins updated
• Learn the basics of Android project structure
• Refer to official Android documentation when making major changes

Common Issues and Fixes

• Problem: Module still not appearing in project structure. Solution: Ensure the module’s folder contains a valid build.gradle file and is correctly included in the settings.gradle.
• Problem: Gradle sync fails after correcting settings. Solution: Check for syntax errors in your build.gradle and settings.gradle files and re-sync.
• Problem: “Error loading project: Cannot locate module files.” Solution: Verify that all module files are present in their respective directories and re-import the project.

Ensuring a Smooth Android Development Experience

By following the steps above, you should be able to resolve the “Android Error: Module Not Specified” and get back to building your app without interruptions. Most of the time, the fix involves correcting Gradle settings, re-syncing the project, or re-importing it into Android Studio.

Maintaining a clean project structure and keeping your development tools updated will help prevent similar issues in the future. If problems persist, consulting the official Android documentation or developer forums can provide additional solutions.