Once the installation completes, you’ll see a confirmation screen.
Your phone will prompt you to allow unknown apps to be installed - either at a system-wide level, if you’re using an older version of Android, or for your browser only, if you’re using Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher.Tap the notification to begin installation. Look in your notification panel for the confirmation that the download is complete.You’re halfway there! Tap on the notification to begin the installation. Your phone will warn you about the risks of installing unknown apps and prompt you to authorize the download.Tap the version you want, then tap the file name (under the “Download” header) and tap the red “Download APK” button on the bottom of the next page. If an app has multiple versions available, you’ll see them listed by version number and release date.Browse through the site’s collection or use the search box at the top to find and select the app you want.Outside of the Play Store, this is as reputable as it gets. It verifies all apps to make sure they’re legitimate, unmodified files signed by the appropriate parties, and it publishes only credible apps from known Android developers. You can find just about anything you need from time trackers for your office to games for your kids. Numerous unofficial Android app markets exist, but this one is operated by the same people who run the Android Police blog. Google Play store has a huge range of apps, books, music, and movies available. So use third-party sources only as needed - and only when you’re confident you’re downloading from somewhere that’s trustworthy. Consequently, your odds of encountering something shady are significantly higher whenever you venture out into the wild. Contrary to popular belief, Android does actually scan apps downloaded from third-party sources (and has since 2013), but the layers of protection are inherently less thorough outside of the Play Store’s virtual walls.
Downloaders bewareįirst, a quick word of warning: generally speaking, it’s best to limit your app downloading activity to the Play Store as much as possible.
You might even want to find an older version of an app, if a recent update is proving to be problematic. Or maybe you’re longing to try a newly announced update to an app that hasn’t yet rolled out to you. Say, for instance, you’re looking for an app that isn’t available in your country. And every now and then, that level of freedom can come in handy. Unlike iOS, though, Android gives you the option to install apps from other places. Most of the time, the Google Play Store is all you need to find and download apps on Android.