How to install apps outside the Google Play Store. There are a few reasons why you can't find some apps in the Play Store. The most common are the beta versions of apps that are not yet officially on the Android market and those that Google has taken down because they have somehow violated company policy. But what if you want one of these apps? Keep reading this article if you want to find out how to install apps outside the Google Play Store.
The Google Play Store is the simplest and safest way to download applications to your device. However, there are sometimes reasons to install apps from other sources, as is the case with Fortnite for Android, for example. Or you could just search for apps that can't be found on Google Play or in your country. Read on to find out how.
Here's what to do:
Configure your device (be it tablet, smartphone or other)
- Go to: Settings> Security> select unknown sources. Selecting this option will allow you to install applications located outside the Google Play Store. Depending on your device, you can choose to be warned before installing malicious applications. To do this, enable the option by selecting “Verify applications” in the security settings.
- Su Android Oreo, go to: Settings> Apps and notifications> Advanced> Special access and enable Chrome or another browser as a trusted source.
- Download the app.
- The next step will be to find the application package, also known as APK, which is the format in which Android apps are distributed and installed. Often times, this is where most users have problems. However, be very careful, never use sideloading as a method to hack applications, as this may result in viruses being installed on your device.
You should only download APK files from reputable developers and companies. Read on to understand how to find a selection with alternative sites and shops to Play Store, such as Mirror APK:
How to install apps outside the Google Play Store
You can download the APK file to your mobile device or computer, although the latter is more labor intensive. To get started, download the APK file using Chrome or native device browser. Then go to the applications menu and click on “Download”, in this folder you will find the file you just downloaded. Open the file and install the application.
If you have downloaded the APK file to your computer, the procedure is slightly different. You need to connect your Android device to your PC and enable mass storage mode via USB. The next step is to drag and drop the file to your device. Then, using a file manager, such as Astro or Solid Explorer Unlocker, you can locate the file on your device and install it.
Warnings: be careful when downloading apps outside the official Android markets such as the Google Play Store!
What are the risks of sideloading?
There's a reason why installing APKs from unknown sources is disabled by default on Android - it's inherently dangerous to download random APKs from the web and install them on your phone. While this might seem contradictory with a guide on how to install Apps outside of Google Play, as long as you know (and trust) where your apps come from.
The effectiveness of antiviruses has long been a matter of debate, but if you think it's worth installing on an Android device, these apps will often scan apps before installing them, providing another potential line of defense.
If you allow all unknown apps to be installed by default, you open the door to any malware-infected or malicious app that can silently download other malicious software in the background. If, on the other hand, you don't allow the installation of apps from unknown sources, the risk goes down.
And you? What do you do for install apps outside the Google Play Store on your device? Do you have your own method? Let us know in the comments. In any case, we hope we have been of help!
