How to install APK on Android phone?

If you own an Android device, you’ve probably heard of APKs and perhaps wondered what it is. Understanding is essential if you want to start downloading apps not from the Play Store or customize your Android experience more than would be possible using the Play Store alone. In our guide, you will learn what APK files are, how to download them, and finally, how to install.

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What is an Android APK file?

An Android Package Kit (abbreviated to APK) is the package file format used by the Android operating system for distributing and installing mobile apps. Just like Windows (PC) systems use an .exe file for software installation, the APK does the same for Android. When you download an APK online, you essentially get an app. Most users download and install apps from the Google Play Store, never seeing the word APK. But there are occasions when you would like to do differently. In 2021, Google began phasing out APK files on the Play Store, replacing them with the more flexible AAB format. But since AAB files are customized for each device, they require different steps to install.

Why install APK?

APK files of new Android builds are often leaked ahead of time, giving you early access to all the exciting new features that otherwise wouldn’t be available to you. Also, some apps are limited to countries outside of yours. App updates can take an exaggerated amount of time to arrive. Having the latest APK available will make you skip the queue. Or you might not even like an app in particular after an update and want to install an older version instead. And if your Android device doesn’t have access to the Google Play Store, APK files might be the only option to install apps on your device.

Be careful though, you don’t want to download malicious or deceptive apps. Some APK services allow you to download pirated apps. This is illegal and should be avoided. Worse still, malicious or deceptive APK files may contain malware, as many of those who thought they were getting the first versions of Fortnite for Android discovered to their dismay that they had downloaded malware. Do some research before installing APK on Android.

How to install APK on Android?

You can install the APK files on your Android smartphone or tablet directly from your browser. Just open your browser, find the APK file you want to download and tap on it – you should be able to see it downloading in the top bar of your device. Once downloaded, open Downloadtap the APK file and tap Yup when required. The app will begin installing on your device. Simple.

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How to install Android APK from PC?

You don’t need a smartphone to download and install APK files. You can also do this via desktop PC. Here’s how it works. First, you need to find an APK file you want. Search online for an APK file and download it to an easy-to-find location on your computer (like your desktop).

1. If you want, you can also download a file manager app so that you can easily find the files on your android device.
2. After downloading the APK file to your computer, connect your Android device to it.
3. At this point, you may be asked if you want to charge your phone or connect it as a “media device”. You choose multimedia device ( File transfer on some phones).
4. Then, find the phone folder on your computer. It will be in “My Computer” or “Computer” on Windows (PC).
5. Copy the APK file to a folder of your choice on your Android smartphone.
6. You will now be able to search for the location of the file in folder I my files of your device.
7. Open the file manager, find the APK file, tap it, then press Install.

If this is your first time using the file manager to install APK files, Android will ask you to authorize the app to install unknown apps, that is, those not downloaded from the Play Store. Follow the onscreen instructions to allow the app to do this. And now you are done, congratulations, you have your app. Just open it from your smartphone and make sure it works properly. If not, repeat the procedure with a different APK file. You may need to try a different APK site.

How to install APK files on Android 8.0 and earlier

If your smartphone’s operating system is running a version earlier than Android 8.0you need to change a system setting to be able to install apps not downloaded from the Play Store. Open the app Settings. Touch Safety. Activate the option Unknown origins to allow your phone to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.

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Best APK Download Sites

There are many sources of APK files on the web, but make sure you choose a site you trust. Some APK files may contain malicious software (malware) which may compromise the security of your phone. It is best to be cautious before downloading or installing any app from outside the Play Store. In general, APK files found on reputable sites like the ones listed here should be safer to download than anywhere else, but read some user reviews and comments before downloading or installing an APK. Alternative Android markets to the Play Store.