In this post, we will be looking at how to sideload apps on Android, this means how you can install apps on your device without going to the Google Play. This post is for people who can’t install apps from the Google Play. Don’t worry, with these tips, you should be able to get the apps you want.
Android phones and tablets are configured by default not to accept downloads of apps from sources other than Google Play. This is done to help keep your device secure, obviously, Google has no control over the security of apps outside its own store.
Install apps from unknown sources
However, I know a lot of good apps that are not available in the Play Store but are very useful to me. Although you do have to thoroughly check the apps you want to download outside of the Play Store and read reviews before doing that. You have to also enable the ‘Install Unknown Apps’ from ‘Unknown sources’ in your security settings.
- Head over to Phone
- Then Locate security
- And tick “Unknown Sources”
After that, you should be able to sideload apps that are not on the Google Play Store easily. Before we go any further, please note that we are not responsible for whatever happens to your device when sideloading apps that are not on the Google Play Store.
How to Sideload Apps on Android
You should be able to install apk file by enabling the downloading of apps from unknown sources.
Follow the steps below
- Open the Settings app
- Select ‘Apps & Notifications’
- Tap Advanced
- Choose ‘Special app access’
- Scroll down to and select ‘Install unknown apps’
- Select the app that you will be using to download the file (we suspect it will be Chrome)
- Toggle on the slider next to ‘Allow from this source’.
You can now go ahead and download the app from the site or sources you trust. Especially if you really need the app, like Mobdro, it’s not available on the Google Play Store but it’s on everyone’s device.
Conclusion
This is how to install apps from unknown sources on Android easily. However, make sure you only use the app vendors you trust and remember to reverse the permission once the app has been installed. Some apps might be downloaded on your device without any notice and you don’t want that.