What Is An Apk File As Well As How To Install Them

If you lot ain an Android telephone you lot volition probable arrive at got heard of an APK file at some point, in addition to perchance wondered "what just is an APK file?" Understanding this is essential if you lot desire to get-go downloading leaked apps or customizing your ain Android sense farther than would survive possible using the Play Store alone. In our direct you'll acquire what APK files are, how to download them, in addition to finally, how to install them. Read on to discovery what these footling packages are all about.

Installing APK files gives you lot access to apps that aren't available inwards the Play Store.

What is an APK File?

Just like Windows PC systems purpose a .exe file for installing software, Android does the same. An APK file is the file format used for installing software (usually games or apps) on the Android operating system.

Why would I desire to install an APK File?

Searching for in addition to downloading APK files allows you lot to access apps that arrive at got leaked ahead of their official release. (You tin every bit good download apps which have been banned, though nosotros would non recommend this.) APK files of new Android builds are oft leaked ahead of time, giving you lot early on access to all the exciting novel features that otherwise wouldn't survive available to you. A recent example of this would survive amongst the early Android L laid upwards which works life its means online despite that it's even therefore to survive officially released.
APK files every bit good allow you to bypass carriers to acquire the latest Google updates, which tin arrive at got a a frustrating total of fourth dimension to brand it via an over-the-air update from your network, and if your Android device lacks access to the Google Play Store, APK files may survive your only choice for installing apps on your device.

 Installing APK files give you lot access to apps that aren't available on the Google Play Store. Just brand certain you lot download in addition to install them responsibly, in addition to non to gain access to pirated apps.

Installing APK Files from your computer

There are many sources of APK files across the web, but survive certain to select a site which you trust. Some APK files may incorporate malicious software (malware) which could compromise your phones security, therefore it is best to survive cautious earlier downloading or installing whatever app from exterior of the Play Store (and fifty-fifty inwards the Play Store you're non completely safe!). Generally speaking, APK files works life on sites similar XDA should survive safer to download than from elsewhere, but read some reviews in addition to user comments before downloading or installing an APK.

• Is Antivirus Software necessary for Android?

FIrstly, you lot must honour an APK file that you lot want. Search online for an APK file in addition to download it to an easy-to-find place on your estimator (like your desktop). Before you lot tin install it on your phone you volition demand to brand certain that third-party apps are allowed on your device. Go to Menu > Settings > Security > in addition to banking enterprise jibe "Unknown Sources" to allow your telephone to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. If you lot like, you lot tin every bit good download an app similar ES File Explorer therefore you lot tin easily honour files on your Android device.
Once you lot arrive at got downloaded the file on your computer, connect your device to it. At this point, you lot may be asked if you lot merely desire to charge your telephone or connect it every bit a "media device." Choose "media device". Then, merely honour your phone's folder on your estimator (it volition survive inwards "My Computer" or "Computer" on Windows machines) and re-create the APK file into a folder of your choice inwards your Android smartphone.
You volition straightaway survive able to search for the file location in the "my files" folder on your device. Find the APK file, tap it, therefore tap "install". And you're done.

• Prefer to stick to the Play Store? Check out our best Android apps.

Installing APK Files from Your Browser

You tin every bit good install APK files from the browser on your Android smartphone or tablet. Just opened upwards your browser, find the APK file you lot desire to download, in addition to tap it - you lot should therefore survive able to see it downloading on the top bar of your device. Once it's downloaded, opened upwards your "downloads", tap on the .apk file, and tap "yes" when prompted. The app volition get down installing on your device. Simple.
That's basically all at that spot is to it. Installing APKs opens upwards a whole novel footing of chance to give niche or hard-to-come-by apps a try. Have a go yourself and permit us know how you lot acquire on in the comments.

Share this post