A: One of the differences between the Android operating system and Apple's iOS is that Android allows you to freely install third party apps. While apps downloaded from the Google Play store are installed automatically, app installers downloaded outside Google Play are saved as .APK files and must be installed manually.
When you download an APK file, it is automatically recognized by the Android operating system. This means you can open an APK file by simply tapping the file icon on your Android device. However, in order to install an unverified app, you may need to change the default security settings on your Android device to allow the installation of third party apps.
This feature is helpful if you want to install apps that are not available from Google Play (formerly Android Market). It is also useful if you own an Android device that doesn't meet Google’s Compatibility Requirements or if you want to install your own custom app.
Sep 21, 2017 How to Transfer APK Files to Android. To install APK files on Android, you need to have the files on the phone first. There are different ways to move data to Android devices. These are the most common ways: Download APK files directly from websites. Make sure that you are downloading from a safe site.
IMPORTANT: You should only install apps only from sources you trust.
Allowing Installation of APK Files
In order to install an APK file, you must first allow your Android device to install applications from unknown sources. You can do this by following the steps below:
- Open the Settings screen (tap the wrench/screwdriver icon on the Home screen).
- Tap and you'll be taken to the Android Security Settings screen.
- Tap the checkbox next to 'Unknown sources,' where it says 'Allow installation of apps from unknown sources.' A dialog box will pop up informing you of the risks associated with installing unknown apps. Tap to confirm you want to allow this feature.
- Once you've checked this box, you can install apps from APK files without needing to visit the Google Play store.
Installing an APK File
APK files may be downloaded from the web or saved as an email attachment. If you receive an APK file in an email and you want to install it, just click the attachment and tap to install the app on your tablet or smartphone. If you've downloaded an APK file from the web, you can find it in your Downloads folder (Apps & Widgets → Downloads). In the example below, the Downloads folder contains an app called Fact.apk.
Simply tap the APK file to begin the installation process. You may be prompted to allow certain permissions in order for the installation process to complete. Once the APK file has successfully been unpacked and installed, you should see a confirmation message similar to the one below.
You can now access the newly installed app from your Home screen.
Updated: August 14, 2013
You can first download APK files from Google Play to your computer and later on Install APK Files from PC to Android devices like phone or a tablet.
This method is normally used in cases where you are unable to download apps to your Android phone due to memory restrictions or other possible reasons.
- Access apps that have leaked ahead of their official release.
- Bypass carrier restrictions
- In cases where Android device lacks access to Google Play Store
In this post you will be learning How to Install APK Files from PC to your Android phone or a tablet, so that you can start using the app on your mobile device.
Install APK Files From PC to Android Phone or Tablet
You must be familiar with the .exe file format used by Windows PC for installing software programs. Android devices use the APK file format for installing games and other applications (apps) on the Android operating system.
Follow these steps to Install APK Files from PC to your Android Device.
1. As a first step you need to ‘Unknown sources’ in your phone’s security settings by going to Settings followed by Security > Unknown sources.
2. Next Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable. Wait for the phone to show up on the screen of your computer (it may do so after install drivers).
3. Create an empty folder on your phone; You can call it APK Downloads or anything that makes sense to you.
3. Copy the APK file that you had downloaded to your PC from Google Play to your Android phone.
4. Go to the folder on your phone where you had copied the APK file from your computer.
5. Tap on the APK file. It will request your permissions and the App will be installed on your device.
6. Next go back to Settings tab on your phone and disable ”Unknown Sources”. This way you will be protected from downloading any app on your phone from unknown sources.
Download Apk Files For Android
A Word of Caution
Where To Download Apk Files For Android
While you can download APK files from many sources it is best to install them from Google Play and websites that are known to you and are trustworthy.
Installing APK files from less reputable sources might compromise the security of your phone and expose you to unknown risks.
Apk Mirror
Make sure that you read user reviews and comments before downloading or installing any APK files.