Allow Unknown Apps on Android
Before you can download APK files using Chrome or any other browser, you must first allow unknown apps:
Install an Android File Manager
Now that you’ve configured your phone to let you install unknown apps, you’ll need a way to find the application file (APK file) on your phone so that you can run it. Android phones typically come with a file manager app you can use, but if you don’t have one, search for one of the best Android file managers on Google Play. For example, you can download Cx File Explorer or get File Manager.
Download the APK Installer From Your Android
The easiest way to install an APK file on your Android is to download the file using the default browser, Chrome.
Transfer the APK Installer via USB
If you don’t have internet access on your phone, or for any other reason you can’t use a browser to download the file, you can still install apps from your computer. Using your computer web browser, download the APK file just like described above. Once it’s downloaded, connect to your Android phone and transfer the file. If you’ve never connected your Android to your computer, turn on USB debugging mode on Android. You can then plug your phone into your computer with a USB cable, and it’ll mount the phone like it would a memory stick. Once your phone is connected to your computer, it shows up as another drive in your computer’s File Explorer. Move the APK file you downloaded from the app website to the /sdcard/download folder on your phone. Once the file is transferred, use the file explorer app on your phone as described in the previous section to tap the APK file and install the app.
Advanced: Run APK Installer With Minimal ADB and Fastboot
If the APK installer isn’t running when you tap it, there’s an advanced solution that might work. You can install the APK file on your Android from your computer using a tool called Minimal ADB and Fastboot.
What Is an APK?
An APK (Android Package Kit) is a type of file that installs an application for Android. It’s just like an executable (EXE) file for Windows or a package installer (PKG) for Mac. If the tool detects your phone, an ID for the device appears under List of devices attached. Now you’re ready to transfer the APK file. If you’ve ever installed an Android application from the Google Play store, then you’ve used an APK file without realizing it. When you tap the Install button, Google Play automates the process of transferring the APK file to your phone and running it for you.
Why Use an APK?
If the Android app you want to install isn’t available on Google Play, you can download the APK file from the web and install it manually.
Finding APK Installers
There are many websites where you can find non-Google Play apps to install. For example, visit Apk Pure, Reddit’s Apk Directory, or APKMirror.
