How to install an APK on Android without Google Play Store

For the most part, Android is an open platform. You may install applications and games through the Google Play Store, or you can go off the reservation and install APKs on your own. It is not a practice we endorse. Google Play has so many security features that it’s nearly impossible to damage your phone while using it. You can also try running your apps and games through an online emulator.

However, some people may wish to do it for a variety of reasons. There are presently two options for installing third-party programs that do not require the Play Store. The first method is to download apps from third-party app stores such as ApkOnline, F-Droid, Amazon’s App Store, and others. We have a list of individuals who are interested. The second option is to download and install it yourself. Here’s how to accomplish both.

How to install third-party APKs

This is the most often-used way for installing APKs on your Android device. Google modified the approach with the introduction of Android 8.0 Oreo, and aside from minor tweaks, it has remained the same to this day. It may differ somewhat between phones, but this is how it works.

Before we begin, here’s how Google handles it. It is necessary to provide specified permissions in order to install APKs from the app beginning of the installation. For example, if you download the app through your browser and then press the download notice, you’ll need to grant your browser permission to install the APK. Similarly, if you use a file browser, you must provide appropriate rights to the file browser.

• Locate the APK you want to download and then save it.
• Start the installation using the download notice or a file browser. Any file browser will suffice.
• You’ll get a warning at the bottom of the screen informing you that you must grant that app permission to install the file. Take note of the app name at the top of the warning box; you’ll need it in the following stages.
• To proceed, tap the Settings option.
• Find the app from the previous step and turn it on on the following page.
• A popup should appear with the choice to install the program. Proceed with the installation by following the instructions.
• Please keep in mind that you may need to restart the installation process at times. For example, if you tap the notice and use your browser, you may need to tap it again to obtain the install question after providing the app permission.

From there, it operates in the same manner as any other app. It will be in your app drawer, where you may access it and use it regularly. Some programs may fail to install owing to device compatibility concerns, for which we have little control. Aside from that, it’s quite basic.

How to revoke installation permissions

After installing a third-party app, you may want to withdraw permissions so that no other apps are loaded without your knowledge. Most programs, such as Firefox or Amazon, do not misuse this access, but it is best to be cautious than sorry. Here’s how to withdraw app installation permissions.

• Navigate to the settings menu on your phone.
• Tap the Search bar and enter “Unknown” without quotation marks.
• The option should appear in the search results. Tap it.
• Tap Install unknown applications on the following screen.
• Select the app for which you wish to withdraw permission, and then revoke it. It may appear differently on various devices. Samsung allows you to toggle it directly from the menu, however stock Android requires you to click on the app separately.
• Note: We recommend utilizing the search feature because the procedure is the same on every Android phone, although OEM changes may relocate the menu. Using the search option guarantees that you arrive at your destination the first time.
• This is how you disable the installation rights. You may, however, use this approach to turn them on as well.

How to install and use third-party app stores

Third-party app stores are the most convenient way to install third-party APKs that are not available in the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, you’ll need to install a third-party app store first, but it’s shockingly simple after that.

• Install the third-party app store of your choosing using the technique outlined above. Because it is a third-party APK, you must install it as such.
• Open the store when it has been installed and search for an app. Install the app after downloading it.
• When you click install, you’ll get the same warning about providing the app access to install additional applications as you saw in the previous stages.
• Click the Settings button, scroll down to the app store, and check the box to grant it access.
• Return to the app and try installing an app again. It should work this time.

You just need to go through this setup procedure once. As long as you have the store permission enabled, the app store should download and install apps without difficulty.

How to install APKs pre-Android 8.0 Oreo

This approach is technically obsolete. However, we wanted to save it in case someone showed up with an old Android phone. This approach will not work if your phone is running Android 8.0 Oreo or later.

• Make sure you have a file browser installed before downloading the APK.
• Go to your phone’s settings. Select the Security option.
• Scroll down and tick the box next to Unknown sources.
• Navigate to the APK in your download location using your file browser. To install the app, tap the APK and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Return to your settings and uncheck the Unknown sources option to avoid further malicious installs.