The Android system, unlike iOS, is more flexible and convenient, thanks to which you can carry out many operations with it, including manual installation of applications using the corresponding ".apk" files.

Before installing programs from original archives, namely apk files, you will probably ask the question: "Why install an application through a file if you can download it directly from the Google Play Store?"

The answer to this question may surprise many, but it is quite logical and reasonable.

First of all, the advantage of installing applications from apk files is that you can choose any version of the application. Perhaps you prefer the old design or the functionality of a later version is convenient for you, or perhaps your gadget simply cannot fulfill all the requests of the updated application, and it is at such moments that different versions of the same application in the apk file will come to the rescue.

The second, no less important, advantage is the ability to install even paid applications or programs with various modifications that cannot be found in the vastness of the usual application store.

Where should I start installing apk files?

In order to start working with apk files, you need to allow the gadget to install applications from unknown sources.

To do this, you need to go to Settings/Settings -> Applications/Application Settings. Next in the list of items find " unknown sources" and check the box next to it. Now the installation will proceed without any failures.

1. Installation using a file manager

There are several ways to install apk files, and one of the easiest is installation using file managers. We recommend using ES File Explorer and its equivalents.

These applications quickly recognize files and allow you to install applications on your gadget.

2. Install apps using the app manager

If you want to make working with apk files even easier, then you can use programs from the application managers category. These assistants were created specifically for working with applications and their direct installation and removal.

3. Install applications using computer and USB

If you don't like fiddling with files, then you can install the apk file directly from your computer to your phone. To do this, just use the InstallAPK application, which will work directly with the data of your gadget.

4. Other ways to install Android apps

If none of the above methods suits you, then you can use the old, but proven installation method, namely, go to the standard browser of your gadget and enter this path in the address bar: content://com.android.htmlfileprovider/sdcard/Filename.apk

This method will be useful for those people who do not like to work with additional programs and do not want to clog their gadget with them.

Conclusion

File Manager is an application that allows you to effectively manage your files on Android. Thanks to it, you can create folders, delete and copy files, add them to archives and extract them from there. By default, in the standard firmware of most devices, there are file managers, however, as a rule, they have only a basic set of functions, which are not always enough for comfortable work.

Which file manager to install on Android depends, first of all, on your needs. Consider several applications that are able to manage files on your device.

Total Commander

A fairly well-known file manager among Windows users, a feature of which is its two-panel design. In landscape mode, the application looks like you are working on a desktop PC.

Key features:

• copy, move, rename, delete, create folders
• copy, move, rename, delete files
• send files via Bluetooth (OBEX)
• display thumbnails of graphic files
• simultaneous selection of multiple files
• file sorting
• archiving and unzipping ZIP archives
• unzipping RAR archives.

Additional features:

• setting up internal file associations (system independent)
• delete and backup applications
• bookmarks
• story
• Search
• built-in text editor
• built-in audio/video player
• root support
• support for Lan, Ftp, WebDAV (using additional plugins)
• DropBox support (optional plugin)
• changing file attributes
• adding buttons with custom commands
• internal commands, launching programs given with a parameter.

The disadvantages include a fairly simple appearance and lack of updates. But do not forget that the application is absolutely free.

ASTRO File Manager

Unlike Total Commander, this file manager has a modern, up-to-date user interface and more advanced features for the average user.

Key features:

Additional features:

• built-in application manager (application backup)
• built-in task killer
• Information about the load of individual folders on the SD card.

ASTRO File Manager is an interesting product that is suitable for most ordinary users. The disadvantages include the impossibility in advanced mode, having root rights, and there is also no possibility to set file attributes.

Install ASTRO File Manager from GooglePlay: install

In addition, there are other file managers:

Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, the choice is great, so everyone will choose what suits him.

One of the significant advantages of the Android operating system is the open access to the file system. Some devices have simple file managers installed right out of the box, other devices do not even have them, so third-party file managers are quite popular among users.

This article has collected 3 of the best file managers for Android OS, which have extensive functionality and allow you to fully work with both your own data and system files.

File Commander

File Commander immediately meets the user with a bright and interesting design.

The application is shareware. The free version comes with ads, and in order to remove them, you need to make an additional payment. In addition to the absence of ads, the Premium version opens up advanced features for the user:

• Access to hidden files and folders;
• The presence of the "Recycle Bin", which allows you to restore erroneously deleted data";
• Highlight frequently used files in Favorites for quick access;
• Safe Mode, which allows you to hide or encrypt selected files and folders;
• The ability to sort data by type and size to analyze the workload of drives.

Immediately after launch, a window will open in front of you with categories of files that you can work on.

By tapping on the selected storage, you can immediately access all the files and folders that are located there.

Next to each disk drive is a pie chart icon, by tapping on which you open the Memory Analyzer. This function allows you to determine the "heaviest" files that take up the most space on the disk. The analyzer is available only for the Premium version of File Commander, but for free access there is an opportunity to use this function 3 times for evaluation purposes.

If your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, with PC File Transfer you can access your files using a browser. To do this, you need to start the PC File Transfer service and enter the address generated by the application into the address bar of the browser on the PC.

This will give you access to all the files on your PC without having to connect your smartphone or tablet to your computer with a USB cable.

File Commander also allows you to broadcast the screen of your mobile phone to other devices connected with you to the same Wi-Fi network. To run this feature, you must register via E-mail or using Google or Facebook.

Another extremely useful feature of File Commander is the built-in ability to convert files to various formats. In order to launch the converter, you need to tap on the icon of double arrows, which is located next to each of the files.

File Commander can convert not only images, but also video files, text documents and pdf. The list of supported formats is quite extensive, and for each of the files it is selected individually.

The side context menu allows you to quickly access categories, recent files, favorites and trash, as well as use FTP, log in to other devices via a local network, etc.

The free file manager for Android ES explorer has a Russian interface made in blue and light gray colors, and without long preludes immediately gives users access to all available functions.

From the very top, there is information about the available storages and their volume. There is also a button to launch the Space Analyzer, which checks which data takes up the most space on your mobile device.

After analysis, the user can see a pie chart that visually displays the percentage of occupied and free space. Next, there is information about large files that “eat up” the bulk of the disk space, then about empty temporary and journal files, about duplicate files located simultaneously in several directories.

By clicking on "Details" you can find out more in the selected category, as well as immediately delete all or only certain files.

The Cleanup function allows you to quickly analyze the file storage and delete files from the trash, delete outdated APK installers, ad junk, downloaded files from the Download folder, cached image thumbnails. Sometimes such insignificant garbage can accumulate on several gigabytes.

In addition to working with local storage, ES Explorer can also work with cloud services. By clicking on the Cloud button, you can log in to such popular remote storages as Gdrive, Yandex, OneDrive, etc.

Using ES File Explorer, you will be able to connect via LAN to other devices via LAN, FTP or Android TV.

The application also allows you to remotely access a mobile device via a PC if both devices are connected to the same local network.

The built-in encryptor makes it possible to protect your data during transmission, as well as when stored in the cloud. To do this, ES Explorer uses a special 128-bit cipher.

In addition to being able to select files by category, you can also access all the information on the selected storage. To do this, click on the memory card icon located at the top of the screen next to the inscription "Home Page". All folders and files stored on your device will open before you.

It can rightfully be considered a legendary product that has been known to everyone since the Windows platform since 1993. In 2002, the program was taken over by Microsoft and eventually expanded to the Windows Mobile and Android platforms.

Total Commander has a dark interface in Russian by default, but if desired, the user can completely change the appearance of the application for himself in the Settings. You can change not only the background color and control elements, but also the styles and sizes of fonts, line heights, and the appearance of icons. You can also simply change the interface theme from dark to light.

The home screen has access to shared files on internal storage. You can also separately get quick access to the downloads folder and photos, go to the root directory of the file system, go to favorite files in Bookmarks or open a complete list of applications for quick removal.

At the bottom of the display is a fixed button bar:

• Highlight;
• copy/move;
• Archive;
• Delete;
• sort;
• Add/Change button.

File selection in Total Commander is implemented in a very interesting way. Apart from the fact that you can select files with a long tap on the icon, you can also select or deselect certain files, by name or extension. An option to invert the selection is also available.

The copy function allows you not only to move files within the storage, but also send them via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless technologies.

You can sort data by name, extension, size, date and time.

As additional buttons, you can assign various commands, including folder change, internal commands, application launch, etc.

Individual folders can be bookmarked by clicking on the star icon at the top of the screen.

After tapping on the "Add Bookmark" button, by default you will be prompted to save the current folder to Favorites. You can agree or choose another. In addition to saving as bookmarks, you can also save a folder on the home screen for quick access.

The multiple folders button next to Bookmarks is responsible for viewing folder history. There you can keep track of which folders you have viewed using Total Commander, as well as make a quick jump to the selected directory.

Total Commander also pleases with its extensive search functionality. In addition to searching by filename or extension, you can also search for files that contain specific text, files by creation and modification date, and by size.

In addition to the main functionality, the capabilities of Total Commander can be extended using plugins that can be installed additionally. This approach looks justified, because some of the functions that come with applications out of the box may not be required by certain users of the application.

Here you can personalize the application and additionally install only the functionality that you need.

FTP server plugins, Google Drive synchronization plugin, LAN connection plugin, etc. are available for download.

The presented applications have all the necessary basic and interesting advanced functionality that allows you not only to manage files, but also clean up the disk from unnecessary data, work with cloud storage, etc.

Of course, there are a huge number of applications of this kind on Google Play, but these three are proven and reliable leaders that have received user recognition.

The file manager greatly simplifies access to music, videos and various documents. If you are doing something serious on the device, then you cannot do without it. That is why the first analogues of the computer Explorer appeared on mobile phones back in the mid-2000s. With the advent of the era of smartphones, the functionality of such utilities has expanded significantly.

This collection contains the best file managers. We will try to identify the main advantages and disadvantages of each program so that, based on our experience, you can choose a convenient application for yourself.

Price: Free

A file manager with a large number of installations and a high rating in the Play Market. The application has a visually pleasing interface and clear controls. The main screen displays folders with the maximum number of files - music, documents, downloads, etc., there is also a separate breakdown into internal and external memory. In order to access the full list of folders, for example, for manual cleaning, just click on the desired drive. Like many managers, the program has a memory analysis function, after a short collection of information, detailed information is opened about which types of files take up the most space, the largest objects in folders are displayed (including those where the user himself may not guess to look), as well as applications with the largest cache. Cleaning after such an analysis can be done manually or entrusted with the removal of the application.

The program has advanced settings where you can choose which software to use to open a particular file, as well as set the display type - hide or show system folders, and so on. Additional options include remote access, synchronization with a PC via FTP and access to . The application has a paid version, but there is no particular point in connecting it, since the existing functionality is quite enough for comfortable work. I would like to see a dark theme in the application, but its absence cannot be considered a minus, since the software copes with its tasks perfectly. Also, from the useful features that have not been implemented by this utility, but very useful in life, there is a log (displays the latest files downloaded to the smartphone).

Advantages:

Flaws:

• There is no event log.

Price: Free

This file manager has good user ratings. It offers a simple interface with clear controls, a fairly good set of features, and all this without being accompanied by ads. The uncomplicated main menu has been divided into three tabs - the most frequently visited places, all folders and cloud storage. There is also an analysis function, which, after a short memory scan, will show the most “heavy” files and applications. Then it remains to choose - to entrust the cleaning to the program or do everything yourself. CX Explorer has FTP support, which allows you to conveniently exchange information from a PC without using wires.

To view files, there are built-in utilities - audio, video, text. With their help, the process of finding and deleting unnecessary information becomes much easier than when using third-party applications. However, if desired, the firmware can be configured in the settings - then when the file is opened, a third-party application of the user's choice will be launched. In general, the manager is quite functional, it does not have a very beautiful design visually, but for simple tasks of searching, sorting and deleting software, it fits perfectly. In future updates, the developers promise to introduce the function of obtaining Root rights, which will expand the possibilities of working with system folders and files.

Advantages:

Flaws:

• There is no event log.

File Manager - Local and Cloud File Explorer

Price: Free

The file manager has a very stylish and advanced design, with the ability to swap windows and customize themes. At the same time, the translation of the application is rather crooked - some items and functions are not Russified at all, while others are named in such a way that it is difficult to immediately understand what is at stake, for example, the “compressed” folder contains archived files. If you do not look at the interface, then the application is very functional. There is a standard breakdown by folders, a display of free and used space, a list of directories with the maximum amount of content, a list of installed software (broken down into native and user). In the settings, you can specify which folders will be displayed in the main window, open Root access (system files and directories), set a lock password. Like many managers, File Manager can work with cloud storage and supports FTP.

The cache cleaning mode looks strange - by clicking on the corresponding menu item hidden in the settings section, the application will start cleaning something, but what exactly and what effect cannot be understood from this. Also, the application clearly lacks the analysis function, which displays the most capacious files for automatic cleaning. The app has a paid Pro version that removes ads.

Advantages:

• Beautiful and customizable interface.
• There is an event log.
• Ability to lock the application with a password.
• Root access to system files.
• Work with FTP and cloud storages.

Flaws:

EZ File Explorer

Price: Free

EZ File Explorer is a convenient file manager with wide functionality, nice interface and clear controls. Already in the main window, the user will find everything they need - folders with the largest files, information about the state of the drive, as well as a log for the last days. In addition, there is access to the root directory with the folders of installed applications, and for whom this is not enough - you can generally see the system directories and files. It is not recommended for unprepared users to climb and delete something there, and experienced Android users can use this functionality to develop software or study the software of their mobile device, at least this is how the manager's developers present it.

The application allows you to customize the theme, how files are displayed, select the method for sorting them, display the name and size of files (or only the name). The FTP manager has access to the phone from a PC, the ability to manage applications (both third-party and native). The program is not burdened with advertising, but quite unobtrusively offers to install other utilities from the developer, for example, a functional gallery for viewing photos and videos or a safe in which you can hide content from prying eyes.

Advantages:

Flaws:

• There is no option to clean memory - all unnecessary files will have to be deleted manually.
• There is no way to connect cloud storages to the manager.

File Manager (File Explorer)

A file manager from such a well-known company as Asus cannot be bad in principle. It has been downloaded by over 700,000 people. The overall score is 4.4 points out of 5, which is quite good. First of all, the program has a very pleasant design with a beautiful and clear display of information. Everything is conveniently located, the functionality is not too great, but in fact it is more than enough - access to the root directory, displaying hidden files and folders, connecting cloud storages, transferring files to a PC via FTP, the ability to create a password-protected storage.

The application has an option to estimate memory and delete large files and allows you to find duplicate files. This is true for Android devices, because when sending any files through instant messengers or applications, they are copied and heavily litter the memory. Given the lack of advertising in the program, it is one of the best of its kind.

Advantages:

Flaws:

• The application in automatic mode does not always find large files created by applications, and not downloaded by the user.

Price: Free

Many of us have Total Commander installed on our computers. Now it is the most convenient file manager with a two-window interface. Meanwhile, the developers are not asleep - some time ago they decided to create a separate version of the application, sharpening it for the Android operating system.

If desired, you can also enable a two-panel interface here - this is done in the settings. If you have Root rights, the program provides access to absolutely all folders. There is also a function that allows you to connect to an FTP server, useful for any owner of an Internet site. The display of files can be different - it all depends on how many of them you want to put on the screen of your smartphone. If you so wish, the file manager for Android will even show thumbnails of photos. Theoretically, this will completely abandon the standard "Gallery".

Other interesting things include the presence of a built-in archiver. Also, some users should like the function of managing other applications. There is also support for plugins that will allow you to access LAN, WebDAV and USB flash drives. In a word, Total Commander can easily be turned into a completely professional application.

Advantages:

• The presence of a two-panel mode.
• Possibility to download for free.
• Support for plugins, which are also distributed free of charge.
• The presence of a built-in archiver.
• Manage installed applications.

Flaws:

• Complex interface.
• Not every person will guess about the existence of plugins.

.FX File Explorer

Price: Free

If you want to download a file manager for Android with this name, then be prepared for the fact that it will be in English. Unfortunately, the authors of the application do not think about Russian-language localization yet. But that's no reason to skip it. The fact is that excellent two-window mode is implemented here. At the same time, the interface is simplified as much as possible, so that even a beginner will not have any questions.

Like many of its competitors, FX File Explorer creates thumbnails of media files so you don't have to rely solely on their names. The built-in archiver helps you work with files in ZIP, 7ZIP, GZIP and even RAR formats. The player should also please. A nice bonus is the HEX editor, which will come in handy for application creators. The developers have not forgotten about the usual text editor.

It is curious that you can transfer files using FX File Explorer to another device not only via traditional Bluetooth, but also via Wi-Fi. In a word, if you have no problems understanding English, then be sure to check out this application.

Advantages:

• Plugin support.
• Simple and intuitive interface, complemented by a two-pane mode.
• Transfer files over Wi-Fi.
• Built-in archiver.
• The presence of a HEX editor.
• FTP support.
• Good built-in media player.

Flaws:

• Only a trial version is available for free.
• The absence of the Russian language.

Xplore

Price: Free

And many people remember this file manager from the time of Symbian. Interestingly, the developers from Lonely Games did not seriously modify their creation with the advent of the Android era. There is a familiar interface that shows the device's file system in a tree structure. The music player allows you not to launch a separate application to listen to the audio file of interest. The creators did not forget about the HEX editor, which was also present on the N73 and other legendary smartphones of the past.

Any folder here can be added to Favorites. If you have Root rights, absolutely the entire file system is displayed. The archiver available here supports 7ZIP, RAR and ZIP formats. Webmasters will like the ability to send files via the FTP protocol. Well, ordinary users will be happy to introduce support for cloud storage here. By simple manipulations, you can transfer files via Wi-Fi.

In a word, one could safely say that X-Plore is the best file manager. But we will not do this. We understand that Explorer for Android should have the most simplified interface, because most smartphones are used by ordinary people who do not want to learn something new. And the interface available in X-Plore is difficult to understand - this could be said about the versions of the file manager for Symbian.

Advantages:

• Sending files over Wi-Fi.
• Cloud storage support.
• Built-in archiver.
• Ability to use dual mode.
• FTP protocol support.
• The presence of a HEX editor.
• Quick image preview.
• Distributed for free.
• The presence of a music player.

Flaws:

• The interface is rejected by beginners.

If it seems to you that the icons of folders and files are too large, then you can easily reduce them. There are also a large number of sorting criteria here, which also helps to quickly find the file you are interested in. The creators endowed Solid Explorer with a built-in archiver. It is capable of creating ZIP and TAR archives. As for RAR, the file manager can only unpack such archives.

Experienced users will be delighted with the dual-window mode implemented here. The function of creating a backup copy of all files should also be liked - this is rarely found in such programs (if we are not talking about their computer versions). Finally, the possibility of using cloud storage is not superfluous.

Advantages:

• Plugin support.
• Working with cloud storage
• FTP protocol support.
• Simple interface, understandable for a beginner.
• Built-in archiver.
• Ability to edit documents.
• Possibility to change the theme.
• Properly implemented two-pane mode.
• Creating a backup copy of files.

Flaws:

• The free trial mode lasts only 14 days.
• Unstable operation on some devices.
• Doesn't work well with large archives.

In order to install applications and games on your Android phone or tablet, you need to use the Google Play application. However, the creator policy also implies another way to install applications - directly from the device. To do this, you need to download the apk file, transfer it to the device and install it. This is for those users who cannot connect to . Therefore, today we will talk about how this process takes place in general.

What we need:

• The device itself (smartphone or tablet).

• An apk file downloaded to your computer (you can use the famous w3bsit3-dns.com forum for this).

• The file manager installed on your device.

We go into our device and select the memory either on a flash card, if available, or in the device itself - it depends only on your desire. For example, select the main device. For convenience, we create an APK folder in it and place the downloaded apk files in it.

Please note: if the application comes with a cache, you need to install it in the path indicated in the description. , we discussed earlier.

The files are on the device. Now we can disconnect it from the computer (we may not disconnect it) and open the file manager on the device. In our case, "ES Explorer" is used, but you can use any other, up to the built-in file manager in your firmware, if any. We go into the section with the device, find the folder where you transferred the file, open it and see the file (or files).

To install an apk file, you need to tap on it once or twice, depending on the file manager, and select "Install".

If you see the message "Installation of applications from unknown sources has been blocked on your device for security reasons", click on the "Settings" button.

You will be taken to the "Security" section. Here, check the box next to "Unknown sources (Allow installation of applications from unknown sources)".

If everything is in order, click "Install".

Next, you'll see the permissions the app gets. Be careful: if the application can call or send SMS messages, it is quite possible that it was created to steal funds from the subscriber's personal account, since the same SMS messages are sent in such a way that the owner of the device will never guess about it, while his personal account is quietly is devastated, because these messages are paid.

After the application is installed, you will see a notification on the screen.

That's all, nothing more is required of you.

How to install apk file on android without file manager?

Not all users have a file manager on their devices, so installing apk files is a nightmare for them: after all, it is believed that nothing can be installed without a file manager. This is not true! To install the apk-file, you can and should use the browser - it is definitely installed in your firmware.

So, launch any browser and write the following phrase in the address bar: file:///sdcard/. This will open the file system of your device.

Well, then - a matter of technology. Click on the apk file and install it. In our case, however, when you click on the file, it is loaded. Then you need to call the curtain and in the curtain click on the file again to install it.

In any case, this will not cause you problems.

You can ask your questions using the comments.