If you have an Android and have already accessed Google Play Store, you may know that this online app store has a huge variety of apps. There are many apps and games. On the other hand, few people know that you can install apps from outside Google Play Store. You can use this functionality if you want to install an app that is not part of Google Play anymore or an app that is still in development and has not been released on Google Play Store yet. Also, app testers download apps that are still in development to test them and the majority of those are not available at Play Store.
In this article, we will teach you how to set up your device to install APK (Android Package) outside of Google Play Store.
How to Install APK: Setting up Your Phone
Firstly, your Android device must be running Android 4.0 or higher. Follow these steps to allow the installation of outside apps:
- Go to Settings > Security.
- Select Unknown sources.
- Depending on the device, you can also select the option Verify apps. Please, select it. You will be warned before installing harmful apps.
On Android devices running earlier versions of Android, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Applications.
- Select Unknown sources.
- Click OK in the popup alert.
Downloading an Outside App
Now, you will have to find an app to install on your Android. Be cautious about where you will download the app. Only download it from trusted sources. It is important mentioning that you must never pirate apps. By doing so, you will probably get a virus on your phone. There are apps that you can download directly from their developers’ page. You must trust those only.
Installing from Your Phone
You can download and install APK on your Android device or on your computer. We will explain both methods. Follow these steps to download and install the app directly on your phone:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Open your app drawer and choose Downloads.
- Launch the file you just downloaded and choose Install.
Installing from Your Computer
This process is a little different from installing directly from your phone. Firstly, you have to download the APK file. Then, connect your Android phone or tablet to your PC and enable USB mass-storage mode. Now, you have to drag and drop the APK file or just copy and paste it. Then, you have to use a file manager on your phone such as ES File Explorer, locate the file and install it.
After the Installation
It is always important to emphasize that you have to install apps from trusted sources only. Do not pirate apps, for example. If you want to be a developer, you can use this functionality of installing apps outside of Google Play Store to install apps that you developed. In this case, take a look at Android’s developer website. Although it may be a little hard to develop an app, you can finish your development knowing how to install your own app.