How to activate “Unknown sources” on Android

How to activate “Unknown sources” on Android, by default, it is only allowed to install applications from the Play Store on your Android phone. The “Unknown sources” option does not allow to install apps from unknown sources. The download of applications on your Android system are made from the Play Store and there are no restrictions for this. However, if you want to download files from other sites, the phone will not allow it so easily.

For security reasons, almost all Android phones have the section of unknown sources blocked. This happens because many viruses and malware can creep in during a download and cause irreparable damage to mobile phones. You cannot install applications from other sites until you enable this feature. In this post we will explain how you can install third-party applications, activating unknown sources on Android.

What are unknown sources?

First of all, unknown sources indicate that these are files that come from sites that have not been reviewed by Google. Not all download sites other than Google are necessarily dangerous. The Internet is very large, and as there are safe places, viruses and malicious applications also abound. Furthermore, it is important to evaluate very well the source of the files you want to install on your mobile.

Why block unknown sources

The Unknown sources option can be blocked for various reasons, these are the most common:

• The active Android lock that prevents APK file downloads for security reasons.
• The block that is activated when the Android security system detects dangerous files.

The restrictions of both blocks can be avoided to perform file installation, see below how to do it.

How to allow the installation of apps from unknown sources

Please note that this only works on devices running Android Pie and Android Oreo.

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap Apps and notifications.
3. Now tap the 3-point icon located at the top right of the screen.
4. Select Special Access. 
5. Tap on install unknown apps. 
6. From here you can enable authorization for individual apps to install unknown APK files.

How to activate unknown sources on all Android phones?

You may want to download applications that become viral and are not available in the Play Store, like the ZAO app. With this, you can replace the face of celebrities with your face in movie scenes.

From the configuration of your phone, follow these steps to perform the unlock:

1. Go to the “Settings” on your phone.
2. Go to the “Security” section.
3. There you will have several options, click on “Unknown sources”.
4. A message will immediately appear informing you that your phone will become vulnerable if you activate this option. Press on Accept to unlock unknown sources.

Once the “Unknown sources” are activated, you will be able to install all those applications that you previously could not install, if not downloaded from the Play Store. But I suggest you download the apps from the Play Store. Why?

• It is a reliable source
• Reduces the chances of downloading malicious files to your smartphone.

But in case you want (or need to) install apps from other sources, make sure the apps and source are safe before proceeding.

Also, I suggest that you enable this option only when installing an application. After installing the app, disable this option.

How to cancel the block from the Play Store?

In some cases, by unlocking the Unknown sources option, the phone shows you a message saying “Unable to install unknown applications on this device”. This message is sent by “Play Protect” which is responsible for the security of devices with the Android system.

To obtain the release follow the procedure below:

1. Access the Play Store via your mobile phone.
2. Press the lines you see at the top left. There will be a menu displayed.
3. Enter the “Play Protect” section. At the top right, click on the settings, indicated with a gear wheel.
4. Disable the options that you are presented.

After unlocking Unknown sources you can download and install the desired APK files. If you want to know if your smartphone got a virus, we wrote an article about it. It is essential to download applications from trusted sites. We also recommend that you block the option again after the download is complete. It is not advisable to keep them enabled.