Usually, you can find all the apps you need in Google Play Store, but there are times when you need to manually download an APK file to install an Android app. In this article, you will learn how to install an APK file, how to find the device information needed for the installation, and what security measures you should take.
Important:
- The Play Store is the safest source for downloading apps. Apps from the store are verified, reducing the risk of installing a virus.
- Installation instructions for APK apps may vary slightly depending on your Android version and device manufacturer. Some settings or options might be in different locations.
What is an APK file?
An APK file (Android Package Kit) is the file format used by Android for distributing and installing mobile apps. It contains all the necessary components for an app to run on an Android device, including code, resources, and manifest files.
Installing or reinstalling an app via an APK file is necessary when:
- The desired apps are not available on the Play Store, as some apps are geographically restricted.
- You need an older or beta version of an app that is not available on the Play Store.
- You experience issues installing an app from the Play Store, or the installed app is not functioning correctly on your device.
- The Play Store is encountering problems, or Google Play Services are not working properly.
How to find the necessary device details for downloading the APK file
To correctly download and install an APK file, you need to know some essential details about your device:
1. Android Version: Go to “Settings” → “About phone” or “About tablet” → “Software information.” Here, you will find the Android version installed on your device, as well as the kernel version.
2. Processor Architecture: You can use apps like CPU-Z or Droid Hardware Info to identify your processor’s architecture (e.g., armeabi-v7a, arm64-v8a, x86).
3. DPI Variant: DPI (dots per inch) refers to the screen’s pixel density. This information can be found in the apps mentioned above or in the “Display” section of your device’s settings.
Trusted sources for downloading APK files
When downloading APK files, it’s essential to use reliable sources to avoid installing malware or compromised apps. Here are a few trusted and free sources:
- APKMirror: One of the most popular sites, it verifies all APK files before making them available.
- APKPure: Another trustworthy source with a vast catalog of apps available for download.
- Aptoide: An alternative to Google Play Store, it allows the download of apps and games.
More download sources: Best App Stores for devices without Google Play Store.
How to install the apk
1. Allow installation of apps from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Apps → Special access → Install unknown apps, and then enable the option for the “My Files” app.
2. Download the APK file: Using one of the sources mentioned above, download the APK file that matches your Android version and processor architecture.
3. Install the APK file: Open the downloaded file from the file manager and follow the installation instructions. After completion, you can open the newly installed app.
After installing the app, don’t forget to disable the permission to install apps from unknown sources.
Security Recommendations for Downloading and Installing APK Files
Standard security recommendations include:
- Keep your Android system and all installed apps updated: Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities and improve your device’s performance.
- Back up your device data: Before installing APKs, which may be less stable than Play Store apps, create a backup of your data. This way, if issues arise, you can quickly restore everything.
- Use only trusted download sources: Avoid obscure or unsafe websites to prevent downloading malware.
- Check the app’s permissions: Before installing an APK, review the permissions the app requests and ensure they are necessary for the app’s functionality.
- Scan the APK file: Use antivirus software to scan the APK file before installation.
Read more: Best practices to enhance security for the Play Store and apps
Most of the time, the Play Store or your device’s default app store is all you need to download the apps you want.
Sometimes, you might need to manually install an APK, but be very cautious about where you download it from. Not every APK file is safe, so carefully check the source and the .apk file before installing it.
