If you possess an Android phone, you most likely get your apps from the Google Play Store. Third-party sources, on the other hand, provide Android apps in the form of an APK file that can be downloaded and installed. Installing an APK file in Android is straightforward, however, several settings must be completed before installing APK on Android.
First and foremost, you must configure your device to accept APK files from third-party sources. Second, on your Android smartphone, download the APK file. Finally, open the APK file you downloaded to install it on your smartphone.
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What is an APK?
The Android Package Kit is abbreviated as APK. It is a package file format for Android OS that is used to distribute and install apps on Android devices. It works similarly to a .exe file on a Windows PC and a package installer (PKG) on a Mac. Downloading an app through APK is occasionally used to obtain leaked programs that personalize your Android experience or other Android apps that have not been released to the Google Play Store for any reason. Additionally, You can also run an Apk File using an online emulator.
Downloading an APK file from the internet or receiving it from others results in the installation of an app on an Android device.
Why Use an APK?
Installing APK files is your way out if you think Android’s default programs and settings are too restrictive and you want to do more with your smartphone. You may download programs and games that are still in the beta stage or are unavailable in your location from a legitimate website using APK.
Here are some uses of APK files:
- You may utilize APK files to download and use leaked apps.
- They also enable you to obtain the most recent Google updates by bypassing carriers.
- Google may place geographic limitations on the download of some applications, which may prevent you from downloading them. APK files are also a solution to this issue.
- Some developers do not submit their apps to the Google Play Store. To download these programs, you will require APK files.
How to install an APK on your Android device
Before installing an app from a source other than Google Play, we must first check that our Android phone’s settings allow us to install third-party apps. It is accessible via the “Security” tab or the Settings menu. This option often states “install from unknown sources or enable third-party installs.” However, the newest Android versions of phones differ slightly.
For Android 8 and above
The option (Settings) may alter somewhat depending on the device version or model.
On non-Samsung devices:
- Go to your device’s Settings menu.
- Press the security button (& privacy).
To configure your Android device, go to settings and select the security option. Unknown sources should be enabled to allow the installation of programs that are not from the Play Store. Select and tick the box next to the verify applications choices to be notified if you are about to install a potentially hazardous APK file. With this option, you will only be able to download safe APK files.
- Unknown source installs can be found under the APP INSTALLATION section.
- Choose your favorite browser (such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox) to download the APK files.
- Enable the app installation toggle button.
On Samsung devices:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Navigate to Biometrics and security and click the Install unknown applications button.
- Choose your favorite browser (Samsung Internet, Chrome, or Firefox) for downloading the APK files.
- Enable the app installation toggle.
For versions earlier than Android 8
- Go to the device’s Settings.
- Tap the Security button.
- Toggle the “Unknown Sources” checkbox under Device Administration.
Install an Android File Manage
You must additionally install a “File Manager” app after configuring third-party app installation on an Android smartphone. It makes it simple to find your APK file on your smartphone and launch it to install it. There are various Android File Manager applications available on Google Play. Download the one you like, and this program will locate the APK file after it is uploaded to your phone.
How to Install APK Files from your Computer
- Navigate to a website on your computer that offers APK files for Android, search for APK files, and save them to your PC.
- Check that third-party app installation on your Android smartphone is enabled (discussed above).
- Connect your Android handset to your computer via the USB cord.
- When you connect your Android smartphone to a PC, it may ask if you want to charge it, connect to media, or transfer files. Select a file transmission method.
- Look for the folder containing your phone on your PC. On Windows, it might be under the name of your phone’s PC outfit under “My Computer.”
- Copy the downloaded APK file from your computer to the folder of your choice on your Android smartphone.
- Search for the APK file on your Android smartphone using the file management program.
- When you find the APK file, touch it to install it.
