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If you’re willing to risk it, your best bet to download APK files is to find an APK download site. There are third-party marketplaces that offer some protection, but you may want to look elsewhere. You should only download and install APK files from a source you completely trust. APK files can be dangerous, especially if they ask for permissions that can log your personal data, control your device settings, or perform tasks (such as call or text your contacts). Your next step is to find the files to install.īefore you begin, however, consider this piece of advice. Tap the slider next to your web browser or file management app in the list to allow APK installation from it.Īt this point, you should be able to install APK files on Android.In Special access, tap Install unknown apps.To install unknown source apps on Samsung devices: If you want to install unknown source apps on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, for instance, the steps are different. Samsung devices run Android, but the company likes to do things a little differently. Installing Unknown Source Apps on Samsung Devices Tap the Allow from this source slider to allow APK files to be installed via that app.Select an app to use to install an APK file-your browser and file management apps are the best option here.Tap Special app access (or Advanced > Special app access).Open the Settings app on your Android device.To install unknown source apps on Android: This guide assumes you’re running a device running Android 10 and later. The steps to do this will vary slightly, depending on your version of Android and your device manufacturer. To bypass this, you’ll need to allow Android to install unknown source apps on your device. If you try to install an unknown source app from an APK file, Android will block you. This usually means an app that isn’t from the Google Play Store or from a third-party marketplace like the Amazon Appstore. Unknown source apps, for instance, are apps that are installed manually from a source it doesn’t trust. Installing Unknown Source Apps on Android 10 and LaterĪndroid has a number of safety mechanisms to try and protect you from installing rogue app files. If you want to know how to install APK files on Android, follow this guide. If you’re installing an app from a trusted developer that isn’t in the app store, you might want to do this. It doesn’t have every app, either, with some developers choosing to bypass the store (and Google’s control) entirely.Īn alternative is to install the app files (called APK files) directly.
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Rogue apps often fall through the cracks, making it hard to trust the apps you’re installing.
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This is Google’s controlled marketplace for apps, but it doesn’t mean that it’s perfect.
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