Solving the Frustrating “Could not run phased build action using connection to Gradle distribution” Error

Are you tired of seeing the frustrating error message “Could not run phased build action using connection to Gradle distribution ‘https://services.gradle-” pop up in your Android Studio or IntelliJ IDEA? You’re not alone! This error has been plaguing developers for years, and it’s about time we put an end to it.

Understanding the Error

The error message “Could not run phased build action using connection to Gradle distribution ‘https://services.gradle-” is quite vague, isn’t it? It doesn’t give you a clear idea of what’s going wrong or how to fix it. But don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you.

The error occurs when your Android project is trying to connect to the Gradle distribution, which is a crucial step in the build process. The Gradle distribution is a repository of pre-built Gradle binaries that your project uses to compile and build your app. When the connection to the Gradle distribution fails, the build process grinds to a halt, leaving you with the annoying error message.

Causes of the Error

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what might be causing the error in the first place. Here are some possible reasons:

• Internet Connection Issues: A slow or unstable internet connection can prevent your project from connecting to the Gradle distribution.
• Gradle Distribution Issues: Sometimes, the Gradle distribution itself might be down or experiencing issues, causing the connection to fail.
• Firewall or Proxy Issues: Firewalls or proxies can block the connection to the Gradle distribution, resulting in the error.
• Gradle Version Issues: Using an outdated or incompatible version of Gradle can cause the connection to fail.
• Corrupted Gradle Cache: A corrupted Gradle cache can prevent the build process from completing successfully.

Solutions to the Error

Now that we’ve covered the possible causes, let’s dive into the solutions! Here are some step-by-step instructions to help you resolve the error:

Solution 1: Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure your internet connection is stable and working correctly. Try restarting your router or modem if necessary. If you’re using a VPN, try disconnecting and reconnecting to see if it resolves the issue.

// Check your internet connection using the command line
ping google.com

Solution 2: Check the Gradle Distribution

Visit the Gradle Distribution page to check if the service is down or experiencing issues. If it is, wait for a while and try building your project again.

Solution 3: Configure Your Firewall or Proxy

Check your firewall or proxy settings to ensure they’re not blocking the connection to the Gradle distribution. Add an exception for the Gradle distribution URL if necessary.

// Example of adding an exception in Windows Defender Firewall
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Gradle Distribution" -Direction Outbound -Protocol TCP -Action Allow -RemoteAddress https://services.gradle.org

Solution 4: Update Your Gradle Version

Make sure you’re using the latest version of Gradle. Open your `build.gradle` file and update the Gradle version:

// Example of updating Gradle version in build.gradle
buildscript {
    repositories {
        jcenter()
    }
    dependencies {
        classpath 'com.android.tools.build:gradle:4.2.0'
    }
}

Solution 5: Invalidate Gradle Cache and Restart

Invalidate the Gradle cache and restart your Android Studio or IntelliJ IDEA:

// Invalidate Gradle cache and restart in Android Studio
File -> Invalidate Caches / Restart

Solution 6: Use a Local Gradle Distribution

Use a local Gradle distribution instead of the online one. Download the Gradle distribution from the Gradle Releases page and configure your `gradle-wrapper.properties` file:

// Example of configuring gradle-wrapper.properties
distributionUrl=file:///path/to/gradle-6.7.1-all.zip

Solution 7: Disable Phased Build Action

As a last resort, you can disable the phased build action in your `build.gradle` file:

// Example of disabling phased build action in build.gradle
android {
    compileSdkVersion 29
    defaultConfig {
        applicationId "com.example.app"
        minSdkVersion 21
        targetSdkVersion 29
        versionCode 1
        versionName "1.0"
    }
    buildTypes {
        release {
            minifyEnabled false
            proguardFiles getDefaultProguardFile('proguard-android.txt'), 'proguard-rules.pro'
        }
    }
    // Disable phased build action
    build_finished {
        buildComponents.each { component ->
            if (component instanceof com.android.build.gradle.tasks.PrepareLibraryTask) {
                component.phasedBuildAction = null
            }
        }
    }
}

Conclusion

The “Could not run phased build action using connection to Gradle distribution ‘https://services.gradle-” error can be frustrating, but it’s not impossible to resolve. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you should be able to fix the error and get back to building your Android app.

Remember to check your internet connection, Gradle distribution, firewall or proxy settings, and Gradle version. If all else fails, invalidate the Gradle cache, use a local Gradle distribution, or disable the phased build action.

Happy coding, and may the Gradle force be with you!

Solution	Description
1. Check Internet Connection	Ensure a stable internet connection
2. Check Gradle Distribution	Verify the Gradle distribution is up and running
3. Configure Firewall or Proxy	Allow the Gradle distribution URL in your firewall or proxy settings
4. Update Gradle Version	Use the latest version of Gradle
5. Invalidate Gradle Cache and Restart	Invalidate the Gradle cache and restart your IDE
6. Use a Local Gradle Distribution	Use a local Gradle distribution instead of the online one
7. Disable Phased Build Action	Disable the phased build action as a last resort

1. Gradle Distribution
2. Gradle Releases

Frequently Asked Question

Having trouble with Gradle distribution? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out these FAQs to get back on track.