How to Install APK on Android: 3 Easy Methods

Installing APK (Android Package Kit) files on your Android device is the best way to get apps that aren't available on the Google Play Store or are in beta. However, before you proceed, keep in mind that APK installation requires allowing installation from unknown sources. Follow these simple steps to install APK files safely and securely.

While the below process provide access to a wider variety of apps, it's important to only install APKs from trusted sources to avoid potential malware or security risks. You can perform this action using Android file manager, web browser, or third-party sources.

What is an APK file?

An APK file, or Android Package Kit, is the file format used for distributing and installing applications on Android devices. It contains all the necessary files, code, and resources that the apps needs to run. APKs allow users to install apps from outside the Google Play Store.

3 Easiest Method to Install APK Files on any Android Phone

Below are the most common and easiest approaches of installing APK files on Android with the help of File Manager, USB or Flash Drive, Android Debug Bridge, APK Files downloaded via Web Browser and from Third-Party Sources:

Prerequisites: Enable Unknown Sources (Allowing APK Installation)

By default, Android devices prevent installations from unknown sources to protect your phone from potentially harmful apps. You’ll need to enable this feature before installing APKs.

For Android 8.0 and Above:

• Step 1: Go to Settings on your Android device.
• Step 2: Scroll down and select Apps & Notifications.
• Step 3: Tap Advanced and then choose Special app access.
• Step 4: Select Install unknown apps.
• Step 5: Find and tap on the app (e.g., Chrome or File Manager) that you will use to open the APK file.
• Step 6: Toggle Allow from this source to enable it.

Method 1: Install APK Using File Manager

This is the easiest way to install APK files on Android with the built-in Android file manager. This method does not require a PC and is useful if you have an APK file available in your phone, which might have been received via bluetooth or downloaded a fresh APK file from your mobile browser or using third party APK files providers and last if you want to install APK Using Google Drive (Cloud Storage):

Step 1: Download the APK File

• Use your browser or trusted website to download the APK file. Always download from reputable sources to avoid malware.
• Once the APK is downloaded, it should appear in your Downloads folder or the folder you selected for downloads.

Step 2: Locate the APK File

• Open File Manager or Downloads on your Android device.
• Browse to the folder where the APK file is stored (usually in the Downloads folder).
• Tap the APK file to begin the installation process.

Step 3: Install the APK

• When you tap on the APK file, you’ll be prompted with a screen showing the app's permissions and what the app requires.
• Tap Install to begin the installation.
• Wait for the installation process to complete. This might take a few seconds to a minute, depending on the app’s size.

Step 4: Launch the Installed App

• After the installation is complete, you’ll see an App Installed screen.
• Tap Open to launch the app right away, or go to your App Drawer and find the newly installed app.

Step 5: Disable Unknown Sources (Optional but Recommended)

For your security, it's best to disable the option for installing from unknown sources once the APK is installed. This prevents unauthorized apps from being installed in the future.

1. Go back to Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps & Notifications > Special app access > Install unknown apps.
3. Select the app you used to install the APK and turn off Allow from this source.

Method 2: Install APK via ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

This method allows you to install APKs from your computer to your Android device. It’s typically used by developers but can also be used by users who prefer a PC-based installation process:

Step 1: Enable Developer Mode on your Android Phone

1. Go to Settings > About phone and tap Build number seven times to unlock Developer Options.
2. Now Use the Setting Searh Bar and Type Developer Options.
3. In Developer Options, scroll down and enable USB debugging.

Step 2: Install ADB on Your PC

• Download ADB and install it on your computer.
• Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 3: Install APK via ADB

1. Open a Command Prompt or Terminal window on your computer.
2. Type adb devices to check if your device is connected.
3. Run the following command to install the APK:

adb install <path to your APK file>

Step 4: Launch the App

• Once installed, you can open the app from your app drawer.

Method 3: Install APK from a USB Drive (OTG Cable)

This method allows you to install an APK directly from a USB drive using an OTG cable. Make sure to enable installation from unknown sources via Settings > Security.

Step 1: Connect USB Drive via OTG

• Use an OTG cable to connect the USB drive to your Android device.

Step 2: Locate and Install APK (Same as Method 1)

• Open the file explorer app to locate the APK file on the USB drive.
• Tap the APK file to start the installation.

Step 3: Complete Installation

• Follow the on-screen instructions to install and open the app.

Tips and Tricks for Installing APKs Safely

• Use trusted sources: Only download APKs from reliable websites, such as APKMirror or APKPure, to avoid malware.
• Scan for viruses: Before opening the APK file, you can scan it with a mobile antivirus app to ensure it is safe to install.
• Check app permissions: Always read the permissions the app asks for during installation. If it’s requesting unnecessary permissions, consider skipping it.
• Update regularly: Even though you’re installing apps via APK, ensure that they are updated regularly for security patches.

Do You Actually Need to Install APK outside Google Play Store?

We often install APK files considering the fact that it might affect your device for the following purposes:

• Unavailability of some apps in your Region.
• To install any pre-released version of apps for Beta Testing.
• If you're looking to cutomize your apps (that isn't available officially)
• If you want to get all the updates and releases first before they get available on the Google Play Store.

Troubleshooting Tips to Install APK on Android

If you face issues while installing APKs on Android, here are a few troubleshooting steps:

• Compatibility: Check that the APK file is compatible with your Android version and device.
• Enable Unknown Sources: Make sure that the option to install from unknown sources is enabled in Settings.
• Corrupted APK: If the APK file is corrupted, try downloading it again from a trusted source.

Conclusion

Now, using these different methods available to install APK files on Android devices, you have succesfully learned how to install APK files on Android. Whether you're installing APKs via file managers, cloud storage, or using developer tools like ADB, each method has its pros and cons. Just ensure that you’re downloading APKs from trusted sources, and remember to disable unknown sources after installation to keep your device safe.