What’s an APK file?
APK (application package files) are a
compressed single-file package of an Android app. The APK must be
executed once (by tapping on the file) for the application to be
installed and able to run on the Android device.
1. Get a file manager on your Android device
A file manager will make it easy to
install APK downloaded from the internet or copied from your PC.
Installing the APK of the File Manager without a File Manager on your
phone might seem tricky, but there are many possible ways: you can
either download it directly on your Android device, or download it on
your PC and send the APK by email, IM or Dropbox. Just tap the APK to
install the application. We can recommend the following File Managers:
- OI File Manager (OpenIntents): a standard file manager, good choice if you want an all-round file manager
- Rhythm Software File Manager (Rhythm Software): quite complete but might be a bit overwhelming if you only want to install apps
- SlideME App Installer (SlideME): lightweight, user-friendly (scan your device to locate all available APK). Best option if you only want to install apps.
If you don’t want to use a File Manager,
you can tap on the “Download” icon in your application list to access
the latest downloads, but that won’t be as convenient in the long run.
You won’t be able to install APK copied from your PC either.
2. Allow application installs from “unknown sources”
Next you need to let your phone install any APK file, not just the one downloaded on the officiel App stores.
- Android 2.x: Go to Settings > Applications > tick “Unknown sources“
- Android 4.x: Go to Settings > Security > tick “”Unknown sources“
If present, you can also tick “Verify apps” for Android to check whether the app you’re trying to install might be dangerous.
Security warning: in any
case we recommend you to be extremely careful about the apps you
download, as installing pirated applications can easily result in your
Android device getting a virus or a malware. Only download legal APK
files from trusted websites (see below for suggestions).
3. Download APK on your PC and copy them to your phone, or download directly from your phone
There are many alternative Android app stores available if you cannot access Google Play. We’ve reviewed a few in the past (here and here) and can recommend those ones:
On Android 2.x you might have to select “Turn On USB Storage”
to be able to copy the APK from your PC to your Android device. You can
access it in the notification area in the top of your home screen when
your phone is connected to your PC.
4. Install APK with the file manager
Launch the app, locate your Download
folder (or wherever you saved your APK) and tap on them to install them.
Once the installation process complete, the icon will appear in your
application list. This process is also known as “sideloading”.
That’s it! Once again, respect the work
of the developers (don’t steal!) and be careful about what apps you
install if you don’t want to damage your phone or your data
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