There are many sites on the web that distribute applications for Android. If you have downloaded an APK file from such a site to your computer and do not know how to use a smartphone or tablet, then this article should help you. Here we will talk about how to install the application on Android from a computer.
Step #1Enable Installing Apps from Unknown Sources on Your Android smartphone.
The first thing to do is to enable the installation of applications from unknown sources. To do this, open the Android settings and go to the "Security" section. Here you need to find the "Unknown sources" function and enable it.
This must be done so that you can install applications directly. As long as Unknown Sources is disabled, you can only install apps from the Google Play Store.
Step #2: Copy the APK file from your computer to your Android device.
Next, you need to copy the APK file to your Android device. This can be done in any way convenient for you. The easiest option is to connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable and then copy the APK file to the device's memory. You can copy the APK file to any folder, the main thing is that you know where you are copying and can then find this file on your device.
Step #3: Open the copied APK file on your Android device.
Next you need to find on your Android device. This can be done using any file manager. After opening the APK file, a pop-up window will appear on the screen asking you to install this application. To start the installation, simply click on the "Next" button.
After that, the application will be installed on your Android device. Once the installation is complete, you can open the application from the desktop icon or from the All Applications menu.
Installing applications without using Google Play on the Android- the task is quite simple. In addition, she has several types of solutions at once. With this guide, you will learn how to use each of them.
Why do you even need to install applications without using Google Play? And will it harm the phone? Among the main reasons why you have to use third-party sources are traffic savings (sometimes more money is spent on downloading a game than buying it), saving money (you can often find free games on the Internet). APKs those applications for which Google Play you have to pay money), and, in addition, the lack of an application on Google Play(some developers distribute their applications bypassing the Store from Google to monetize the development with the help of site visitors. Example - streaming video player sopcast). Therefore, the ability to install applications without Google Play will always be useful to you.
Installing third-party apps from trusted sources, such as , won't harm your phone. On our site, all applications are checked for viruses and malicious scripts, and therefore your phone will always remain completely safe. It is worth noting that even installing an application using Google Play does not always guarantee your device complete security.
In order to freely download and install applications from third-party sites, you need to allow your phone to install from unverified sources. This is done simply. In new versions Android appropriate settings can be made by going to SETTINGS, and further to the section SECURITY. One of the columns in this section is the column "Unknown sources", in which you must check the box, and then agree to the changes.
In addition, you will need any file manager. website recommends using for this purpose Total Commander. Click on to download it with Google Play.
That's all! Now you can install applications not from Google Play.
1. The first and easiest way is to install applications from your phone itself.
In order to upload the application to your smartphone, you must immediately download it. Use the internal browser of your phone for this (in the screenshot, an example from Google Chrome for Android). Enter the site address in the address bar of the browser (for example,), find and download the one you need apk file. On the site, download links for applications are located under the reviews, where you can download them for free.
Next, you need to tap on the link, after which the download of the application file to your device will begin. Usually, by default, the download occurs in the folder sdcard/Download in your phone's internal storage. After downloading, you can exit the browser to proceed to the next step.
Next, you need to launch your file manager (in our case, this is Total Commander), then in the file system of the device find our APK file. As already mentioned, it is usually located in the folder Download in the phone's internal memory.
After you have found the downloaded application file, you need to open it. Total Commander When you click on the application icon, it displays three options for action: Install, Open as ZIP and Google Play. Choose "Install". Next, the device itself will once again ask you about the installation. Press again "Install". We are waiting for the installation process to complete - and that's it! The application is uploaded to your device!
2. The second way, which will help save mobile traffic, is to install an Android application from a personal computer using USB cable.
We launch any Internet browser from the computer and go to the site with applications, for example, on. We are looking for the program you like and download it, as in the previous method. We save apk file to any folder on your computer.
Next, connect your device to the computer using USB cable. After that, we draw out the “curtain” on the Android device and select "Connect as storage device" or "Media device". After that we go to "My computer" and look for your phone or tablet there.
Copy the previously downloaded APK file to any folder of the device on Android and remember it. After copying is completed, the smartphone can be disconnected from the PC.
Using the same Total Commander or any other Explorer, we are looking for the folder in which the application was saved. Found? You are almost there.
As in the previous method, open APK file by tapping on it and double tapping "Install". We are waiting for the completion of the installation process and rejoice. The application is uploaded to the smartphone!
3. The third way to install applications on android concerns the installation of games with a cache.
The fact is that some developers, in order to reduce the size of the downloaded file, separate some of the game elements from apk file. In this case, you have to install the game separately, and separately the cache. The exception is games that, after installation, “download” the necessary files themselves.
So, what do we need for this type of installation? The easiest way is to install with PC. Download to get started apk file application and accompanying cache. Save both files to any folder on your computer. Next, using the second method above, install the application file (apk).
After that, go to the cache. On the site, the installation instructions always describe in which folder you need to put your cache. We search and open it with "My computer". Open the cache file in a separate window. It is usually archived in ZIP- or rar- file. Using the appropriate archiver, extract the cache folder from the archive. After that, copy it to the phone in the folder specified in the review. Most often, this is a folder sdcard/Android/data/obb, however, there are exceptions. For example, the cache sometimes has to be copied to folders sdcard/android/data/ or sdcard/gameloft/games/(games from Gameloft). In any case, when downloading applications from, you can't go wrong. The main thing - pay attention to the instructions.
After the cache is copied to the desired folder, disconnect the smartphone from the PC and launch the application. Ready! Good game!
An android application can be installed in several ways. The easiest option is the usual way through the play market.
Also, you can use other alternative android stores. There is a third possibility, which is the self-installation of applications in the form of APK files.
Not everything is in the Play Store. On the Internet, you can find many games and programs that are available for download from places such as XDA.
Moreover, not all applications from the Play Store can be downloaded to specific models of smartphones or tablets.
Sometimes the play store shows that it cannot be installed on our device or is out of stock for your region.
In this case, it remains to download the APK file from the Internet or offline sources installed on your phone.
What is an apk file for android
An APK file is nothing but an installer (a package containing game or program files). This can be compared to installing EXE files on Windows computers.
You can run the APK file on your phone to trigger the app installation process without Play Store restrictions.
Installed in this way, do not differ from the installation from the store. The advantage of this installation is that you can get hold of applications that are not available in your country. An example is even the Pokemon GO game, which is in the store, but not available to everyone.
Therefore, you can download the APK file installation format from the net, without any obstacles to install on the phone.
How to download APK files
This is a very important point. When downloading APK files, you should consider the source from which you are taking them.
When obtained from the play market, the risk of installing an infected application is very low. When downloading from the network, you may receive files infected with a virus.
So when you manually install apps, you lose the protection that the Play Store gives you.
In practice, this is not as bad as it might seem. There are many sites that users trust and only provide verified APK files.
What's more, there are ways to download them directly from the Play Store - then you'll be sure to get the exact same package as the official store.
Download APK files from websites
The first way is to get the APK file from a site that provides such installers, such as APKMirror.
In it, applications are verified for authenticity by verifying the digital signature of the manufacturer.
After logging into the site, you can simply use the search engine in the upper right corner - enter the name of the application you want to download.
Once you have found the name, you can select a specific version and then download using "Download APK".
The use of alternative sources is XDA Developers - there are often applications there that do not exist in the Play Store.
XDA users create their own and make them available online for free.
In this case, it is worth looking through the comments and only downloading those that have already gained popularity. Then you will have confidence that they are safe.
Extract APK files from the play store
Another way to get the APK file is to do it directly from the Play Store database. You can do it on a computer using the APK Downloader.
Just enter the Play Store app to copy the address from your browser's address bar and then paste it on the APK Downloader.
This way the APK file will be downloaded directly from the Google servers. This file can be installed on our device, even if the store showed it as incompatible.
Installing APK Files on Android
To install applications outside of Google Play using APK, you need to make changes in android settings.
To do this, go to the settings, and then to the "Security" tab and check the box next to the line "Allow installation of applications from unknown sources." As a result, you will be able to install downloaded APK packages from the internet.
Now, just click on the package and install it in our Android device. Installation is very simple and comes down to pressing the "Install" button.
Once the APK is installed, the file can be deleted if you don't want it to take up space on your smartphone or tablet.
The application will be installed on the device and will be displayed in the application list in the launcher, just like in the case of applications downloaded from the play store.
If you want to uninstall an app, simply go to Settings > Application Manager, find the item in the list, and then select Uninstall.
Why can't the apk file open on android
Can't open apk file on android? Don't know how to run apk file on android or it just won't install?
This is not your fault and everything is solved easily - you will need to give the system permission and a program for installing apk files on android, which is called a file manager or application manager.
Yes, not everyone knows that mobile device manufacturers install protection against the installation of unknown software at the factory.
The first thing you need to do is allow the installation of applications from unknown sources. By default all android phones have this lock feature to protect you from infected and potentially dangerous apps.
For your mobile application, every source other than Google Play is an unknown and dangerous source. To disable this option, go to your phone's security settings.
There, this function may vary slightly depending on the phone model and version of android, but usually, as in my Samsung, it is: Settings> Security.
The next step is to install the application manager. Some phones have it installed by default, while others need to be installed.
Personally, I recommend ASTRO File Manager or ES File Explorer, but if you're already using a different one, then don't worry - you don't need to change anything.
After that, we launch your file manager, and look for the folder in which the APK files were written.
It will most likely be a folder named "Downloads" (unless you've chosen a different one). When you find the APK file you want, all you need to do is just click on it and then select "Install".
The application will still ask for permission and after a while it will be installed on the phone. This is all.
However, I must warn you before installing an unverified and undefined application.
Often, viruses or spyware are placed in APK files. Install only if you are sure of the reliability of the file. Good luck.
In this article, we will talk about how to still install applications or games from * .apk files on Android. Sooner or later, owners of devices running Android are faced with a situation where the standard functionality of the system gets bored, and there is an irresistible desire to expand it.
Unlike iOS, where the installation of applications is basically based on working with the iTunes Store, the developers from Google have provided the ability to install programs using regular means. But for this you need to allow installation of applications from unknown sources, go to Settings / Settings -> Applications / Application Settings and check the box next to Unknown sources / Unknown Sources.
All applications for the Android operating system come with an *.apk file extension. As for the structure of such files, in fact, the apk file is an ordinary archive, the contents of which you can view with any archiver. The Android operating system independently recognizes such files and understands what needs to be done with them. Thus, you can install applications on Android in several ways.
1. Install *.apk file on Android
The first, and in our opinion the most common way, is to install the *.apk file on Android using the file manager. All you need to do is transfer the *.apk file to the SD card of your device. Then use any available file manager with the ability to install applications. We recommend using ASTRO File Manager or ES File Explorer.
Then launch the file manager, find the *.apk file and install the application using the standard Android installer.
In addition, you can install the application without using file managers, using a standard browser. Just enter content://com.android.htmlfileprovider/sdcard/FileName.apk into the address bar and the installation will start automatically. In this example, the *.apk file is located in the root folder of the SD card.
2. Install using the application manager
The second, easiest way to install *.apk files on Android is to use application managers. These programs are designed to simplify the process of installing applications through *.apk files as much as possible. And indeed it is! We have tested a program called SlideME Mobentoo App Installer, which we recommend to you.
SlideME Mobentoo App Installer will scan your device's SD card as quickly as possible and display a list of all found *.apk files. After that, you can easily, in almost one click, install the necessary applications.
3. Installation using a computer and USB
In addition to the above, we know another, and perhaps the most convenient way is to install * .apk applications by connecting your Android device to your computer via a USB cable. We recommend that you use the InstallAPK program and USB drivers.
Just install InstallAPK on your computer, then connect your smartphone via USB cable and double click on the *.apk file. The program will automatically identify the *.apk file and start installing the application on your Android device.
How to copy an application from a computer to a smartphone and install it? Is it necessary to go to Google Play (Market)? The answers to these questions are in our article.
What to do if there is very little traffic on the mobile Internet, but you urgently need to download and install the application on a mobile device with Android OS? It would probably be nice to download a program or game to a regular personal computer, and then just copy it to a smartphone and launch it there.
We will give several convenient ways to install applications on Android from a computer.
We will give a couple of convenient ways to install applications on Android from a computer.
Method 1. We bring everything down
After you download this handy utility to your PC, you will have an enviable opportunity to install applications on Android devices directly from your computer. This software is perfectly compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8.
All you need is to run the program and connect your phone or tablet via USB. In the smartphone settings menu, we enter the "Security" section ("Applications" for older versions of the OS), where we check the box next to "Unknown sources".
In English: Settings - Application Settings (Security) - Unknown Sources.
Next, double-click on the *.apk file previously downloaded to the computer, after which the installation will be completed.
If after that the installation did not take place, enter the smartphone settings, select "For Developers" and check the box next to "USB Debugging".
For the program to work, sometimes you may need to install special drivers, which you can download for free from the developer's website.
By the way, you can download an Android application that a priori comes with such an extension not only on the Google Market. You will find popular games and programs for smartphones based on the above operating system on our website.
The only drawback is that this program does not work with all phone models. And if your device ended up in a small number of such unfortunate smartphones, then another method will suit you, revealing how to install programs on Android from a computer.
Method 2. Installing the application through the built-in browser
In order for method number three to function, we need to install a file manager. We choose ES Explorer, but you can install any other.
Why do we say "for the next method to work"? Due to the fact that for permanent use this method is too long and inconvenient, and by installing the proposed application, everything will be done in a few clicks.
So, we connect the device to the computer and copy the apk file to the root of the memory card. Next, disconnect the cord, launch the browser and enter content://com.android.htmlfileprovider/sdcard/ApplicationName.apk in the address bar or
file:///sdcard/ApplicationName.apk (depending on your OS version).
Method 3. Working for ES Explorer
For this method, we need a useful program. This is a file manager that allows you to view all the folders on your smartphone or tablet. But the main thing is that it can be used to copy or move files from the communicator's memory to an SD card and vice versa, as well as install games and programs on an Android tablet or smartphone.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
1. install the ES Explorer program on your smartphone;
2. connect the smartphone to the PC and copy the necessary apk file from the computer to the smartphone's memory;
3. disconnect the device from the computer and launch ES Explorer in the smartphone itself, find the apk file and double-click on it to install the program.
Method 4Gmail not only receives mail
This is a very convenient and original way to install a program on Android, which only a few users know about, but, evaluating it by complexity, we can say that it is disgracefully easy.
So, we send a message to our gmail mail by attaching the apk file to the letter. Having opened it through the Gmail application, we will see that the “Install” button has appeared opposite the attached file (the application automatically detects the file).
By clicking on the button, you will download and install the application.
Important
Note that if you are installing applications not from GooglePlay, a window will appear on the smartphone screen: “Installation blocked”.
The fact is that for security reasons, installation of applications from unknown sources is prohibited on the device. In this case, we do the same as at the beginning of the first method.
Choose: Settings - Personal (Security) - Unknown sources. After that, such an operation as installing a game on Android from a computer or other methods will become quite accessible.
