How to Sideload Android Apps (and What to Watch Out For)

Android system, unlike some mobile operating systems, allows users to install software from outside the default app store (even if you don't live in Europe). This is great because there are a lot of great software you can't get on Google Play.

The game Fortnite is a prominent example—Epic, the developer of the game, did not want to split sales to Google, so the game was not available in Android's main app store. Other apps are unavailable due to Google’s interests—for example, there is an ad-free, privacy-respecting YouTube client that you cannot find on Google Play.

However, if you have never installed Android software without using Google Play, you may not know where to start. The good news is that sideloading is not difficult.

There are safety hazards on the side load

However, before you are too enthusiastic, beware of security risks – you should be careful to sideload Android apps. While not always perfect, Google Play has a system to prevent malware from entering its app store. Installing an app from outside of this ecosystem means you need to audit it yourself. Sideload the application only if you trust its source. The F-Droid I highlighted in this article is maintained by the open source developer community and I tend to trust it. Do not install APK files unless you have done your due diligence and have good reason to trust the source.

Start sideload

First, you need to download the APK file of the app you want to install. I'll demonstrate how it works using F-Droid, an alternative app store that contains only free and open source applications. I downloaded the APK file from the website and tried to open it. I was prompted that I was not allowed to install unknown apps from my download manager - in your case, the warning might name Chrome or any browser you use. Anyway, you can click Set to adjust the settings to allow the app to be installed.

When you enable settings, you can now return to your browser and reopen the file. You will be asked if you want to install the app - click to install . You will see the installer for a few seconds, after which the application will be installed.

Please note that you need to repeat these steps for any other source of software. For example, if you try to install an APK using your phone's file browser, you need to enable the file browser as a software source. The same goes for F-Droid and any other alternative app stores – you need to grant the app permission to install the app.

The exact steps will vary depending on the specific model and operating system of your phone – which is the norm for Android. In some cases, your phone may be locked to prevent such software from being installed – for example, many companies issue phones locked by IT departments. Nevertheless, you should now be able to install the APK file. Enjoy freedom!

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