You downloaded an APK file, but you don’t know what to do with it? Here’s how to install this APK file on your Android smartphone or tablet to turn it into a fully functional application.
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Most users only install their applications from the Google Play Store, the official Android store. However, there are other ways to obtain applications, usually requiring the manual installation of the .APK file. While the most savvy Android device users are familiar with the process, let’s take a look at this very simple yet very useful operation.
To download APK files, we strongly advise you to research the source of your file, as this practice can be dangerous.
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How to install an APK on Android? (short version)
- Go to Settings, then Security
- Enable unknown sources
- Locate the APK file on your phone (using a file explorer, for example)
- Launch the APK file and follow the instructions
- (Optional, but recommended) Disable unknown sources
What is an a.apk file?
An APK file — for Android Package — is, as its name suggests, a package containing the files of an application. It is thanks to it that it is possible to install an application on your phone. To put it simply, we can consider this as the equivalent of .exe installers on Windows, .dmg on Mac OS X, or deb packages on Debian.
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It may be interesting to install a file in APK format for a variety of reasons. These include beta programs (although most now go directly through the Google Play Store), late deployment of updates, geographical restrictions (we think of Pokémon GO madness), or the simple desire to avoid going through a Google service and to prevent maximum centralization of information. It may also happen that certain applications are rejected on the Play Store, or simply do not want to appear there, forcing them to go through the developer’s website or even a third-party market. This is the case, for example, with Fortnite.
However, be careful, installing an APK file is generally more dangerous than going through the Google Play Store, as the latter checks — certainly post facto — that it is not a malicious file. During installation, Android does perform a quick check to ensure that it is not known malware. If you do not have extreme trust in the platform from which you downloaded your file, check the permissions requested and avoid entering sensitive data such as your credit card number through the application.
How to install a.apk on your Android? (detailed explanation)
The first thing to do before you can install an APK file is to allow the installation of applications from unknown sources (meaning: not from the Google Play Store). You will find this option in the “Security” section of your phone’s settings. Note that after installation, it is advisable to disable this option to reduce risk.
Once this formality is completed, download your APK file from your device or copy it onto it (either via USB or through a third-party service). Then, you just need to use a file explorer (native or found on the Google Play Store) to locate the file in question. On many devices, you will find an application called “Downloads” that allows you to access it easily; otherwise, it is more likely to be found in the “Downloads” folder located at the root of your phone.
MK Explorer (File Manager)
Download MK Explorer (File Manager) for free APK
Then, click on the APK file and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
During installation, you will be asked to validate or not the permissions granted to the application. Take the time to read them carefully and disable those that seem suspicious.
And here, don’t forget to disable unknown sources and enjoy your brand new freshly installed application.
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