Have you recently migrated your Android project to AndroidX and encountered the error “Error inflating class com.google.android.material.navigation.NavigationView”? This error can be quite frustrating, especially when it occurs after migrating to AndroidX and targeting SDK version 28. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this error and discuss some solutions to help you resolve it.
Understanding the Error
The error message “Error inflating class com.google.android.material.navigation.NavigationView” typically appears in the logcat when you try to start an activity that includes a NavigationView from the Material Design library. It indicates that there was an issue inflating or instantiating the NavigationView class, causing the app to crash.
Common Causes of the Error
- Incorrect Theme Compatibility: One possible cause of this error is an incompatible theme configuration. The theme applied to your activity or the
NavigationViewmight not be compatible with the Material Design library. This can happen if you are using an older theme or if you have not updated the theme after migrating to AndroidX. - Resource Mismatch: Another common cause is a resource mismatch. This can occur if you are referencing drawable or color resources that are not present or have been moved to the wrong resource folders. For example, if you have drawable resources in the
drawable-v21folder instead of thedrawablefolder, it can cause theNavigationViewto fail during inflation. - Compatibility Issues with Android Versions: Sometimes, the error can be related to compatibility issues between the Material Design library and the Android version you are targeting. Certain features or attributes used in the
NavigationViewmight not be supported in older Android versions, leading to an inflation error.
Resolving the Error
Now that we have a better understanding of the possible causes, let’s explore some solutions to resolve the “Error inflating class com.google.android.material.navigation.NavigationView” issue:
1. Check Theme Compatibility: Ensure that the theme applied to your activity or the NavigationView is compatible with the Material Design library. If you are using an older theme, consider updating it to a theme that supports Material Design components. For example, you can use a theme from the Theme.MaterialComponents family.
2. Verify Resource Locations: Double-check the locations of your drawable and color resources. Make sure they are placed in the appropriate folders (drawable for drawables, color for colors) and that they are accessible by the NavigationView. Pay attention to any resource references in the XML files related to the NavigationView and ensure they are correctly pointing to the resources.
3. Target AndroidX Dependencies: Confirm that you have updated all relevant dependencies to their corresponding AndroidX versions. Check your build.gradle file and ensure that you are using the correct AndroidX dependencies for the Material Design library and other related components.
4. Test on Different Android Versions: If you suspect compatibility issues with certain Android versions, try testing your app on different target SDK versions. Gradually decrease the target SDK version and see if the error persists. This can help identify if the error is specific to certain Android versions and guide your troubleshooting process.
Conclusion
The “Error inflating class com.google.android.material.navigation.NavigationView” error can be a common occurrence after migrating to AndroidX and targeting SDK version 28. By understanding the potential causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can effectively resolve this error and ensure the smooth operation of your Android app. Remember to double-check theme compatibility, verify resource locations, target AndroidX dependencies, and test on different Android versions to identify and address any potential issues.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and guidance in resolving the “Error inflating class com.google.android.material.navigation.NavigationView” issue.
