How to Fix "Build Type Contains Custom BuildConfig Fields, But the Feature Is Disabled" Error in Android

You’re working on an Android app—maybe tweaking some settings or adding a cool feature—when you hit "build" and bam! An error pops up: "Build Type contains custom BuildConfig fields, but the feature is disabled." It’s like your project just slammed on the brakes, and you’re left wondering what went wrong. Don’t sweat it—this error is super common, especially with newer Android tools, and it’s totally fixable!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what this error means, why it’s showing up, and how to get rid of it step-by-step. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into Android development or a pro fine-tuning your app, we’ve got you covered with simple, friendly advice. By the end, you’ll be back to coding without this pesky glitch slowing you down. Let’s jump in!

What Does This Error Mean?

First, let’s break it down. The error "Build Type contains custom BuildConfig fields, but the feature is disabled" comes from Gradle, the tool Android Studio uses to build your app. It’s tied to something called BuildConfig, a special file Gradle creates to store handy info about your build—like whether it’s a debug or release version, or custom details you add yourself.

Here’s the catch: BuildConfig isn’t always turned on by default anymore, especially in newer versions of the Android Gradle Plugin (AGP), like 8.0 or higher (as of March 17, 2025). When you try to add custom fields—like a version number or API key—using buildConfigField in your build.gradle file, Gradle freaks out if the BuildConfig feature is off. It’s like trying to write a note on a locked diary—it won’t work unless you unlock it first!

This error usually shows up when you’re defining custom fields in your build types (like debug or release) or product flavors, but Gradle can’t generate BuildConfig to hold them. Don’t worry—we’ll unlock that diary together!

Why Does This Error Happen?

Before we fix it, let’s figure out why this error crashes your build. Here are the main reasons:

1. BuildConfig Is Disabled by Default

Starting with AGP 8.0 (released around 2023), the BuildConfig feature isn’t automatically enabled for all modules. This change speeds up builds by skipping BuildConfig generation when it’s not needed. But if you’re using buildConfigField, Gradle expects it to be turned on—otherwise, you get this error.

2. Custom Fields in Build Types

If your build.gradle file has something like this:

buildTypes {

    debug {

        buildConfigField "String", "API_KEY", "\"xyz123\""

    }

}

You’re telling Gradle to add a custom field (API_KEY) to BuildConfig. But if the feature’s off, Gradle says, “Nope, can’t do that!”

3. Outdated Setup After an Upgrade

Upgraded Android Studio or AGP recently? Older projects might still use buildConfigField without enabling the feature in the new system, triggering the error.

4. Multi-Module Projects

In apps with multiple modules (like a library and an app), one module might need BuildConfig while others don’t. If it’s disabled globally or not enabled where it’s needed, this error pops up.

The good news? It’s not a coding mistake—it’s just a settings tweak. Let’s fix it!

Image Suggestion: A cartoon of a locked diary with a “BuildConfig” label and a confused developer holding a key.
Alt Text: “Developer puzzled by disabled BuildConfig feature in Android error.”

How to Fix the Error: Step-by-Step Solutions

Time to get hands-on! Here are four easy fixes—try them in order or jump to the one that fits your project. We’ll keep it simple with examples you can copy.

Solution 1: Enable BuildConfig in build.gradle

The fastest fix? Turn on the BuildConfig feature in your build.gradle file. This tells Gradle, “Yes, I want that diary unlocked!”

How to Do It:

1. Open Your build.gradle: Find the module-level build.gradle file (usually app/build.gradle).

2. Add the BuildConfig Flag: Inside the android block, add this:

  android {

       buildFeatures {

           buildConfig = true

       }

       buildTypes {

           debug {

               buildConfigField "String", "API_KEY", "\"xyz123\""

           }

       }

   }

3. Sync Your Project: Click “Sync Project with Gradle Files” in Android Studio (or run gradlew build in the terminal).

4. Build Again: Run your build. Error gone? Sweet!

Why It Works:

The buildConfig = true line enables BuildConfig generation for that module, so Gradle can store your custom fields without complaining. It’s the go-to fix for AGP 8.0+.

Solution 2: Use androidComponents for Custom Fields

Newer AGP versions (like 8.0+) offer a modern way to add custom fields without relying on the old buildConfigField method. It’s like upgrading from a paper diary to a digital one!

How to Do It:

1. Update Your build.gradle: Add this at the top:

  import com.android.build.api.variant.BuildConfigField

2. Add Fields with androidComponents: Replace buildConfigField with this:

  androidComponents {

       onVariants { variant ->

           variant.buildConfigFields.put(

               "API_KEY",

               BuildConfigField("String", "\"xyz123\"", "My API Key")

           )

       }

   }

3. Sync and Build: Sync your project and run the build.

Why It Works:

This method sidesteps the BuildConfig feature toggle by directly injecting fields into the build process. You might still need buildConfig = true in some cases, but it’s a future-proof approach.

Image Suggestion: A shiny digital tablet labeled “androidComponents” next to an old diary labeled “buildConfigField.”
Alt Text: “Switching to androidComponents to fix BuildConfig error in Android.”

Solution 3: Enable BuildConfig Globally

If you’re working on a big project with multiple modules, you might want BuildConfig on everywhere. You can do this via gradle.properties.

How to Do It:

1. Open gradle.properties: Find it in your project’s root folder (create it if it’s not there).

2. Add the Line: Paste this:

  android.defaults.buildfeatures.buildconfig=true

3. Sync and Build: Sync your project and rebuild.

Why It Works:

This globally enables BuildConfig for all modules, so Gradle won’t complain about custom fields anywhere. But heads-up: it’s deprecated in AGP 8.0 and will be removed in AGP 9.0 (expected later in 2025). Use it as a temporary fix only!

Solution 4: Remove Custom Fields (If You Don’t Need Them)

Don’t actually need those custom fields? Just take them out!

How to Do It:

1. Check Your build.gradle: Look for lines like:

  buildConfigField "String", "API_KEY", "\"xyz123\""

2. Delete Them: Remove those lines from buildTypes or defaultConfig.

3. Sync and Build: Sync and try your build again.

Why It Works:

If BuildConfig isn’t enabled and you don’t need custom fields, removing them stops the error. Gradle won’t try to generate something it can’t handle.

Common Scenarios and Quick Fixes

This error can pop up in different situations. Here’s how it might look—and what to do:

Debug Build Type

• Problem: debug has a buildConfigField, but the feature’s off.

• Fix: Add buildConfig = true to build.gradle (Solution 1).

Release Build Type

• Problem: release uses custom fields for an API key.

• Fix: Enable BuildConfig or switch to androidComponents (Solution 2).

Multi-Module App

• Problem: Only one module needs BuildConfig.

• Fix: Enable it just for that module with buildConfig = true, not globally.

How to Avoid This Error in the Future

Prevention beats fixing, right? Here’s how to keep this error away:

1. Check AGP Version

Newer AGP versions (8.0+) disable BuildConfig by default. After upgrading, always check your build.gradle files for buildConfigField and enable buildConfig if needed.

2. Use Modern Methods

Switch to androidComponents for custom fields—it’s the future of Gradle configs and avoids this issue.

3. Test After Changes

After tweaking build.gradle, run a quick build to catch errors early. Use ./gradlew build in the terminal for a full check.

4. Read the Docs

Peek at Android’s Gradle Tips page for the latest on BuildConfig changes.

Image Suggestion: A checklist with “Enable BuildConfig” ticked off.
Alt Text: “Checklist to avoid BuildConfig fields error in Android.”

What If the Fix Doesn’t Work?

Still seeing the error? Don’t panic—try these:

• Clean Your Project: Run ./gradlew clean then rebuild. Old files can mess things up.

• Update Android Studio: Make sure you’re on the latest version (e.g., Koala or beyond as of March 2025).

• Ask for Help: Share your build.gradle and error log on Stack Overflow—someone’s likely seen it!

Why Fixing This Matters

You might wonder, “Why bother if my app still builds?” Here’s why:

• Future-Proofing: New AGP versions push modern practices. Fixing this keeps you ready for updates.

• Clean Code: Enabled features mean your custom fields work as intended—no surprises later.

• Teamwork: A fixed build keeps your team’s workflow smooth.

Final Thoughts

The "Build Type contains custom BuildConfig fields, but the feature is disabled" error might feel like a buzzkill, but it’s really just Gradle asking for a little setup help. Whether you enable BuildConfig, switch to androidComponents, or tweak your approach, you’ve got plenty of ways to kick this error to the curb. Soon, you’ll be back to building awesome Android apps without a hitch!

Ever hit this snag before? How did you fix it? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to hear! And if this guide saved your day, share it with a fellow developer wrestling with Gradle woes.