Android is, for the most part, an open platform. You can use the Google Play Store to install apps and games, or you can exit reservation and install APK files yourself. It is not a practice we recommend. Google Play has so many security measures that it is really hard to mess up your phone while using it.
However, some people may want to do it anyway for various reasons. Currently, there are two ways to install third-party apps without the Play Store. The first is through third-party app stores such as F-Droid, Amazon’s App Store, and others. We have a list for those if you need it. The second is to download and do it yourself. Here’s how to do both.
read the following: How to download and install the Google Play Store
quick answer
Download the APK you want to install and click the notification to start the installation. Go to your settings when prompted to give your browser install permission and then follow the instructions after that to install your APK. Instead, use the file browser to start the installation, give the file browser permission to install APK files, and then it should install fine.
Go to the main sections
How to install third party APK files
Indian Joe / Android Salad
Before we get started, here’s how Google does it. It requires you to grant specific permission to install APK files from the app that initiates the installation. So, for example, if you are using your browser to download the app and then click on the download notification, you will need to give your browser permission to install the APK. Similarly, if you are using a file browser, you will need to grant special permissions to the file browser.
- Find the APK file you want to download and then download it.
- Start the installation either through the download notification or the file browser. Any file browser will do.
- You’ll get a warning at the bottom of the phone letting you know that you need to give this app permission to install the file. Make a note of the application’s name above the warning box because it’s the name you’ll need for the next few steps.
- Click on settings button to continue.
- On the next page, find the app from the previous step and launch it.
- A prompt should appear, giving you the option to install the app. Go ahead and follow the instructions to install.
- NB Sometimes, you may need to start the installation again. For example, if you clicked on the notification and used your browser to do so, sometimes you will need to click on the notification again to get the installation prompt after giving the app permission.
From there, it works like any other app. You’ll find it in the app drawer, where you can open it and use it as normal. Some apps may not be installed due to device compatibility issues, and there is not much we can do about it. Otherwise, it’s pretty simple.
How to revoke installation permissions
Indian Joe / Android Salad
You may want to revoke the permissions after installing a third-party app, so that no additional apps are installed without your knowledge. Most apps, like Firefox or Amazon, generally don’t abuse privilege, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here’s how to revoke permissions for app installs.
- Open your phone’s settings menu.
- Click on search bar And type “unknown” without the quotes.
- You should see the option pop up in Search. Click on it.
- On the next screen, tap Install unknown apps.
- Find the app for which you want to revoke the permission and then revoke it. It may look different on some devices. Samsung lets you switch directly from the list, while Stock Android makes you tap the app individually.
- NB – We recommend using the search function because the process works in every Android phone, but OEM customizations may put the menu in a different place. Using the search function ensures you get there the first time.
- Pro tip – This is how you turn off installation permissions. However, you can also use this method to turn it on as well.
How to install and use third party app stores
Indian Joe / Android Salad
Third-party app stores are the easiest way to install third-party APK files from outside the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, you’ll need to install a third-party app store in order to do this, but after that, it’s remarkably easy.
- Download and install the third party app store of your choice using the above method. It is a third party APK so you have to install it like one.
- Once the store is installed, open it and browse for the app you want. Download and install the app.
- When you click install, you will get the same warning from the previous steps about giving the app permission to install other apps.
- to hit settings find the App Store in the list, and toggle the box to give it permission.
- Go back to the app and try to install the app again. This time it should work.
You only need to go through this setup process once. The App Store should download and install apps without a problem as long as you have permission enabled from the Store.
How to install APKs prior to Android 8.0 Oreo
- Download the APK file you want to install and make sure your file browser is installed.
- Go to your phone settings. Click on protection option.
- Scroll down to see Unknown sources and check the box.
- Open the file browser and go to the download folder where the APK file is located. Tap on APK and follow the instructions to install the app.
- Once done, go back to your Settings and uncheck File Unknown sources box to prevent any additional unwanted installations.
the next: Best third-party app stores for Android and other options too
Instructions
Not every Android device can run every app. Most apps should work fine. However, for example, you can’t just install the Samsung App Store on any phone. Samsung phone required.
actually yes. Use the Send to TV (Google Play) app to get the APK from your phone to your TV. Next, use the file browser on your TV to install the APK. You will need to give permission to install unknown files, just like on a phone.
The most likely answer is that the app is not compatible with your device. Check your source to make sure there isn’t a different version you can try.
no really no. You trade the quality of the Google Play ecosystem for freedom from the Google ecosystem. Some app stores do it better in some ways. For example, F-Droid is great for open source applications. However, in general, Google Play is associated with Android and works much better with it.