Just because you are a user of an Android phone or tablet does not mean that you have to be tied exclusively to what the Google app store offers. There are an infinity of programs, some quite useful, that simply are not available. So if you need to know how to install an Android app outside the Play Store, we detail the entire process.
You may have heard about side downloads and APK files . Both are related to the installation of an Android app outside the Play Store or the Amazon Appstore, in the case of Amazon devices (such as a Fire tablet). The side download ignores the usual “app store”. In fact, APK stands for Android Package Kit , the file format used by the Android operating system for the distribution and installation of mobile applications.
There are several reasons why you may need to download an APK file. Maybe there is an app (or version) that you can’t get from the Google Play Store; you want to try an alternative store; Or maybe you’re looking for access to Google apps on an Amazon device. The process is relatively easy, but first we will give you some security considerations.
Security
Regardless of whether you consider Android to be insecure or not, it is advisable to take precautions. The Google Play Store has several security measures in place and its applications are scanned to try to prevent any malware from spreading. This may not be the case with an alternative app store or with a website or forum that hosts an APK file. Consider installing an Android security application to reduce the risk of installing malware , and carefully examine the source of your new APK.
How to allow installation from unknown sources
By default, your Android device will not allow the installation of applications outside of formal stores, such as Google Play Store and Amazon Appstore. The steps to remove this protection change depending on the device. Here are some examples:
On most Android phones, you must press the gear icon to enter Settings , then search for Security and scroll down to Unknown sources . Touch to Allow or Do not allow the installation of applications from alternative sources, and touch Accept if a box appears asking for your confirmation.
On a Samsung Galaxy, head to Settings (or Settings)> Lock screen and security> Unknown sources (or Sources) to allow the installation of applications from sources other than the Google Play Store. Tap OK in the box that will appear.
On an Amazon Fire tablet, go to Settings> Security and tap Apps from Unknown Sources to Allow the installation of non-Appstore apps . Tap OK in the popup box.
On an LG phone, go to Settings> General> Fingerprints and security and activate Unknown sources to Allow the installation of applications from sources other than Google Play Store . Tap Allow in the popup box.
How to get an APK file on your phone
The easiest way to get the APK on your phone is to navigate to a trusted source and download it directly. Most Android now has a built-in file organizer, so by default the APK file will go to the Downloads folder.
On a Samsung Galaxy, you will see an app called My Files on the Apps screen. On an LG phone, there should be an app called File Manager . On a Lenovo Moto phone, you should see an icon for Downloads on the Apps screen.
If you can’t find a file or download option on your device, you can install a free File Management app. We recommend ES File Explorer File Manager .
How to install an APK
Once you have found the APK file, all you need to do is tap on it to activate the installation screen. Review the permissions and tap Install .
Tidy
When the application is installed, we recommend that you go back to your phone settings and that you deactivate Unknown sources again . It is a precaution that never hurts to consider.