Several users across many forums have reported an issue with the libsm.so.6 file. This issue causes Android software to not recognize the existence of the file, giving an error that the shared object file could not be opened.
This problem is most commonly encountered when trying to install Android software via an .apk file. The installation process will give you a warning about downloading files from unknown sources, which you must accept to complete the install.
After doing so, the problem seems to disappear, but what actually happens is that it hides the problem. The problem actually persists, and won’t be fixed until you fix the missing libsm.so.6 file.
How do I fix libsm.so.6: Cannot Open Shared Object File: No Such File or Directory?
If you are running a Fedora based system, you can try to fix this problem by running some commands in your terminal.
First, you will need to update your repository lists with the following command:
sudo dnf update –enablerepo=fedora-updates-testing
Then, you will need to download and install the libsm6 library with this command:
sudo dnf install libsm6 -y
Finally, you will need to restart your computer and try to open Signal again! If this does not work, try rebooting one more time and check your settings. Maybe your phone number was not recognized due to a wrong setting.
What causes libsm.so.6: Cannot Open Shared Object File: No Such File or Directory?
A missing library can be caused by deleting a library file or uninstalling an application. Sometimes, the library files are still located on your computer, but the system is unable to find them.
Other times, the files are completely removed and no copies remain. When this happens, the system needs to be re-installed in order to fix it.
Still other times, the issue is not with the libraries themselves, but with where they are being looked for. If the computer cannot find where a specific library is located, then it will not be able to use it. This can be checked and fixed by professionals.
Yet another cause of this issue is having corrupt files. If you have recently had issues with your computer due to viruses or other malware, then these may have corrupted some of your files. Professionals can check and repair these files for you.
Can I fix it?
Unfortunately, at this time, there is no fix for the libsm.so.6: Cannot Open Shared Object File: No Such File or Directory error. You will have to reinstall the software that requires it or upgrade your operating system to a version that comes with it.
Many users have had to re-install their operating system due to this error. It is not a mistake to do so, as many people have found solutions on different forums and sites.
It is important to remember that you can always re-install an operating system, but it takes a lot of time and effort. Backing up your data is important!
If you are having issues with your OS, try looking into installing an alternative one onto your computer. This can help you fix some of the issues you are having with just your operating system.
Where can I get more information about this?
The libsm.so.6: Cannot Open Shared Object File: No Such File or Directory error is one of the most common errors in the Android development world. Many answers can be found through searching for this error online, and many websites have written guides on how to fix it.
The most common reasons for this error are outdated libraries, missing permissions, or corrupt downloads. Each of these will be discussed in detail below.
Outdated Libraries
Libraries are programming code that other programs (in this case, Android) use to function properly. When new versions of libraries are released, you must update them to function properly with new things.
There are several places you can get updated libraries from, but the most reliable is the official website for the library. For example, the official website for the Android Support Library is https://support.google.com/android/topic/orca/huen-hfopu?ctx=share&depth=1&hl=en-US&topic=orca&src=meetingroom.
What is a shared library?
A shared library is a file containing functions and data that can be used by multiple programs. These libraries are loaded into memory and linked with when creating an executable.
They save developers time and money as they are re-usable components of code. For example, a networking library can be used by multiple apps to implement network functionality.
When creating an app, if the developer uses a library for image manipulation, then they do not have to develop that part themselves as the library already has that functionality.
They just need to call the functions for it. By linking the library with the app, the app gains the ability to perform that action.