How to Install APK

Two Methods:Installing APK From a DeviceInstalling APK Using a Computer

very app you install on your Android device is in APK format, which is an Android-specific package file format. Installing APK files directly to your Android is a process commonly referred to as “sideloading” in the Android community. To install APK files, you must first modify your Android’s default settings, and either use your default browser or a computer to download and install the APK file on your device.

Method 1
Installing APK From a Device

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    Tap on “Menu” and select “Settings” on your Android device.
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    Tap on “Security,” then place a checkmark next to “Unknown Sources.” This will allow your Android to install apps from outside of Google Play Store.
    • On devices running earlier versions of Android, the “Unknown Sources” option may be displayed under the Applications folder in Settings.
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    Navigate to the website that features the APK file you want installed. APK files can be found on developers’ websites, or on websites such as APK Files and AndroidAPKsFree -- both of which are sites that offer thousands of APK files.
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    Select the option to download the APK file directly to your Android. When complete, the APK file will be saved in the “Downloads” folder.
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    Open the “Downloads” folder, then tap on the APK file you want installed.
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    Tap on “Install,” then tap on “Yes” to confirm you want the APK file installed. The application will install on your Android and display in the app tray when complete.[1]

Method 2
Installing APK Using a Computer

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    1
    Tap on “Menu” and select “Settings” on your Android device.
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    Tap on “Security,” then place a checkmark next to “Unknown Sources.” This allows your Android to install apps from outside of Google Play Store.
    • On devices running earlier versions of Android, the “Unknown Sources” option may be displayed under Applications in Settings.
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    Launch a browser session on your computer and navigate to the website that features the APK file you want installed. APK files can be found on developers’ websites, or on websites such as APK Files and AndroidAPKsFree -- both of which are sites that offer thousands of APK files.
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    Select the option to download the APK file to your computer.
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    Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
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    Select the option to enable USB mode on your Android after your computer recognizes your device. This will allow you to transfer files between your computer and Android.
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    Open a new session of Windows Explorer. Your Android will display in the left sidebar.
    • If using Mac OS X, you must download and install the Android File Transfer app at https://www.android.com/intl/en_us/filetransfer/ on your computer before you can move files between your computer and Android. By default, Mac OS X is unable to recognize Android devices without Android File Transfer.
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    Drag and drop the APK file from your computer over to the folder of your choice on your Android.
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    Eject the Android from your computer when the download is complete, then disconnect your device from the USB cable.
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    Navigate to the folder in which you saved the APK file using “My Files” or another third-party file manager app, such as ES File Explorer or Astro.[2]
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    Tap on the APK file, then tap on “Install.”
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    Tap on “Yes” to confirm that you want the APK file installed. The installation process will begin, and the app will display in the app tray when complete.

Tips

  • If an app you planned on downloading from Google Play Store is no longer available, try doing a web search for the app to find its APK file. In many cases, developers will feature APK files on their own websites and make the files available for download.
  • Install APK files using the methods outlined in this article if Google Play Store does not allow you to install one or more apps due to regional restrictions. Some apps may be unavailable from Google Play Store due to legal restrictions in select countries and regions.
  • Try performing a factory reset on your Android if installing a certain APK file has corrupted your device. In most cases, restoring your device back to the original factory settings can help resolve major or ongoing software problems.

Warnings

  • To lower your risk for malware, only download and install APK files from websites and sources you trust. Google and Android do not offer support for apps you download outside of Google Play Store, and are not responsible for the installation of malware or any other problems you experience as a result of downloading outside applications.[3]

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-install-apps-outside-of-google-play/
  2. ↑ https://www.androidpit.com/android-for-beginners-what-is-an-apk-file
  3. ↑ http://www.ubergizmo.com/how-to/how-to-install-apk-files-sideloading-on-android/

Article Info

Categories: Hardware