Not always found in the Google store desired application for a mobile gadget with Android. Sometimes there is a need for a utility from a third-party source, which can be installed after downloading special file APK. Next, let's look at what data with the specified extension is and how to install APK on Android.
What is an APK archive
The abbreviation stands for Android Package and is essentially a regular archive with an executable and all the files necessary for work. After a closer look at its structure, you can already learn more about what an APK is:
- The META-INF section includes data on the checksums of all files, certificates.
- LIB - folder with linux libraries for various processors mobile devices, for example, ARMv6 and v7, mips, etc.
- AndroidManifest.xml (so-called manifest file) - configuration file utility with its description, name, version and other similar data.
- Classes.dex is the main part of the APK archive for Android with the executable program code.
You can see the structure of this data yourself if you know how to open the APK. In fact, you probably won’t have to download any additional software for this on a PC. This data is essentially a ZIP archive, so it can be opened by any archiver installed in the system - WinRAR, 7-Zip, etc.
How to set up a gadget to install an APK archive
By default in android capability install programs from sources other than Google Play disabled. Let's see how to run this function, but at the same time, you need to understand that by these actions you multiply the risk of letting a Trojan into your device. So, to allow the installation of APK files on Android:
A warning window will appear warning that the system is vulnerable to attack after the settings have been changed accordingly. Confirm your decision, after which you can install the APK file from any source on your mobile device.
Next, we will describe how to install a program not from the Google store. Most often APK files installed on mobile gadgets using a standard file manager or a similar utility with the ability to launch application installation. To do this, on the device, you can use, for example, popular ES explorers File Explorer or ASTRO file manager. Further:
Next, start the installation procedure, and the system will do the rest automatically. Let us remind you once again that you need to carefully read the permissions for programs when installing APK on Android from third-party sources, because utilities in them are often not checked for malicious code. Therefore, under no circumstances should a simple “flashlight” have access, for example, to your SMS.
Using the Application Manager
it special applications for mobile gadgets, simplifying the installation as much as possible mobile program on Android from any source. For example, it is convenient to use a very small and fast installer "Install (Install APK)". It has the following features:
- Autoscanning the gadget's memory for installation distributions;
- Batch installation or removal of several selected programs;
- Possibility to install mobile utilities external card devices and from Google Play.
In a word, the main advantage of the installer is the presence of autoscanning and the absence of the need to look for the downloaded extension in the explorer.
Installing third-party utilities through a computer
We will describe how to install the downloaded distribution on Android from a computer without downloading it to an SD card. To do this, the phone does not even need root-rights. But for this, you first have to change the device settings a little:
- AT general settings phone, open the "Developer options" section.
- Check the box next to USB Debugging.
After that, to work with your smartphone, install the InstAllAPK Windows application and connect the gadget via USB to a laptop or PC in charging mode (you do not need to connect it as a drive). Before clicking on the utility shortcut on the desktop, “wake up” the phone connected via cable (so that the display lights up). Further:
There are four ways to install apk applications in Android OS. Each method has both advantages and disadvantages.
Method 1: Through the Google Play App Store
The apk installation option from Google Play is the easiest and preferred for novice users, since it does not require specific knowledge. Just go to the store, find the program in the search and click install.
The disadvantages include the duration of the installation, since the server does not always allow you to download the application to top speed. Installing programs one by one also takes a lot of time. Sometimes the program cannot be downloaded due to excessive system requirements, or when the author has banned downloads in a certain region.
Method 2: install apk using adb
Let's say right away that this is not for beginners: here you need to be able to write commands on the command line. ADB stands for Android Debug Bridge- a special driver for android phones that connects the smartphone to the computer and allows you to control the android with commands from the computer from the command line. With ADB, various operations are easily solved through commands. To use the method, some knowledge is required, as well as the appropriate settings and drivers.
Method 3: Installing apk from recovery
Recovery mode allows you to install programs not from the system, when it is important to install the application in system partition. From recovery, such actions are easier and faster.
You must first install a modified recovery.
Method 4: Installing apk on android phone from third party sources
Another simple and universal way that allows you to install applications downloaded from other sources - forums or app stores. The method is useful because it does not require the presence of Google services.
The disadvantages include - the likelihood of installing a non-original program with viruses. Therefore, the installation should be made only from trusted sources.
Conclusion
Each of the 4 ways to install apk on android has its own characteristics. The easiest way to install apk applications on android is through the Play Market or from third-party resources. apk installation files and applications from recovery or using ADB - no need for beginners, as this is more difficult ways, which are suitable for experienced owners of android devices.
It is far from a secret that installing applications downloaded from the Internet in APK format confuses ordinary users. In order for you to be able to install applications on your smartphone running Android without any problems, this article was written.
So, Android apps have the extension .apk. There are several ways to install them (all methods give the same result).
- For the performance of methods No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Android version 4.x, you need to go to " Settings -> Security ->"and set the checkbox.
- For the performance of methods No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Android versions below 4.x, you need to go to " Settings -> Application Settings -> unknown sources(Unknown Sources)"and set the checkbox.
- Install the app via Google program Play on the communicator. The program requires Internet access. If Google Play is not preinstalled on your device, use other methods to install applications. To be able to use google app Play, you need to register a google account and log into it from your phone. if you have gmail, you have a google account. To be able to buy applications in the market (install paid apps), you need to link your card to the google wallet (google wallet, google checkout).
You can install the program from your computer via , click install, and the next time your device connects to the Internet, the application will be installed. At the same time, Google Play must be installed on your device and you must log in to your account google. - If your device has any file manager
( , etc.), put the installation android file applications (*.apk) to the memory card. Using the file manager, find the desired installation file on the memory card and open it, the system will prompt you to install the application.
If the file manager is not installed on your device, install it via Google Play. Office (qiuck office, polaris office and other applications) can be used as a file manager. - For owners of HTC devices: install the program on your computer and install the application using this program.
- Put the installation file on the memory card android apps(*.apk) and remember its name. As an example, the file will be called program.apk. Open the Browser app, in the address bar type content://com.android.htmlfileprovider/sdcard/program.apk, press Enter. After that, the system will prompt you to install the application.
Note: If the above command does not work, then address bar you need to enter the following file:///sdcard/program.apk. - The application can be installed without Google account through an internet browser from the internet. To do this, use an Internet browser (inernet browser) to download the file. For example, you can go to the site and click on the download of the APK file, the browser will download it and automatically offer to install it when finished.
- The program can be installed via command line PC using adb utility (downloads: 5023)
The archive is unpacked to the root of drive C: i.e. it turns out C: fastboot-tools. AT this folder upload the file to be installed. FILE must be in .apk format!
On the menu: Settings > Applications > Development > USB Debugging. We put a tick.
On the PC, launch the command line, in it we enter:cd C:fastboot-tools
adb-windows.exe install name.apk
The process of installing apk files is quite simple. All you need is an installation file and the ability to install applications from unknown sources. Read about the last condition.
One of the main reasons for the popularity unofficial applications, is, of course, that really useful and high-quality applications in the Play Market are paid. However, why pay if you can download the same thing, but for free.
Install apk file from phone
All you need to do is download the apk file to your device (or move it from your computer if you downloaded it earlier). Now click on the button Install. That is exactly what will happen. Wait for the installation to complete.
Note: Another installation method, there is a command installation method. This is all done in the browser.
1. Download the desired file to your phone's memory card.
2. Enter content://com.android.htmlfileprovider/sdcard/****.apk in the search bar of any browser that is on your device (instead of **** enter the name of the program you wanted to download).
Install the apk file using a PC
This method is more likely to be needed for your convenience. If you, for example, will always download applications on a PC, and the scheme will be adjusted. That is, without any throwing off, I pressed the button and “ale-op” - everything is ready.
What you need:
- Installed drivers for USB connection with your device.
- Installapk program.
When all this is on your PC (including for the device connected), you just need to double-click on the apk file (as for installing an exe file on a PC). InstallAPK will automatically install the app on your tablet or smartphone.
Brief summary
Everything is quite simple, isn't it? One has only to figure it out and immediately begin to wonder why I did not understand this before. Yet now you know everything and can install any apk file. Good luck!
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, you can highlight the savings in traffic (sometimes it takes more money than to buy it), saving money (on the Internet you can often find free 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.
Installation third party applications from trusted sources such as will not harm your phone. All applications on our site 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 SAFETY. 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 internal memory your phone. 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), after which file system devices 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 with personal computer by 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 part 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 desired folder, disconnect the smartphone from the PC and launch the application. Ready! Good game!