Install apps outside of Google Play, Install applications that aren’t available on the Google Play store
To install app stores that are not initially present on your device, Android requires you to enable the Unknown Sources setting. This allows you to download apps and games from sources other than Google to your mobile device.
Unknown sources option in Android settings: Install apps from unknown resources android
Allow unknown resources app installation on Android: Install apps outside of Google Play
- To allow app installs from non-Market apps,
- tap the menu button on your home screen,
- then choose Settings >> Applications >> Unknown sources.
This can be enabled by selecting the Verify apps option in the Security settings.
On devices running an earlier version of Android, go to Settings, open the Applications option, select Unknown sources, and click OK on the popup alert.
Downloading an app: Install apps outside of Google Play
The next step will be finding an Android package file, also known as an APK, which is the way Android apps are distributed and installed. This is where some people usually run into trouble. Never, and I mean ever, use sideloading as a way to pirate applications; doing so will likely result in your Android device getting a virus. You should only download APK files from trusted developers and companies.
For example, Grooveshark, a free online music streaming service, previously had an app in the Play store. After a dispute with Google, however, the app was removed. Grooveshark now offers the app on its Web site for users to sideload.
The process: Install applications that aren’t available on the Google Play store
You can either download the APK file on your mobile device or on your computer, although the latter is a little more difficult. To get started, download an APK file using either Google Chrome or the stock Android browser. Next, go to your app drawer and click Downloads; here you will find the file you just downloaded. Open the file and install the app.
If you downloaded the APK file on your computer, the process is slightly different. You must connect your Android device to the PC and enable USB mass-storage mode. The next step is to drag and drop the file onto your device. Then, using a file manager, such as Astro or ES File Explorer, you can locate the file on your device and install it.
Install applications that aren’t available on the Google Play store