Are you an Android user? then you will know that the Google Play Store is the safest and most comfortable way to get all the applications you need. But, there are alternative ways as well.
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We have applications for Android devices that are not on the Google Play Store and can still be downloaded on your Android smartphone. These form of download, which is from any other platform except the Google Play is referred to as sideloading.
Due to the fame the “Fortnite” game has gathered these past months, phone users have increased their interest in sideloading. It is available for Android, but it must be downloaded from the official website rather than the Play Store.
This tutorial will break down how you can download your Android applications from other platforms than Google Play.
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Change The Settings
The Android OS does not let you download any application outside of the Play Store by default. Because every other platform are not as dependable, be careful when you decide to ignore the Play Store for any of them.
Before you begin sideloading, you need to change the system settings on your Android device. There are a couple of different ways, but it depends on your Android version.
Android 8.0 And Newer
If your phone is loaded with Android 8.0 and above, you have to:
- Head to “Settings.”
- Locate the “Apps & Notifications” menu.
- Click “Advanced.”
- Head to “Special app Access.”
- Click “Install unknown apps” and locate your internet browser.
- Click the browser.
- Tick “Allow from this source.”
This will make your browser get applications from other platforms instead of Google Play.
Android 7.0 And Older
As for more ancient versions of Android, the system does not divide sources. Rather, you need to trigger an option for downloading files from platforms that are available.
To get this done, adhere to these instructions:
- Head to “Settings.”
- Click “Security.”
- Within security, locate “Device Administration.”
- Tick “Unknown Sources.”
Turning on this option can endanger your phone because it lets unknown sources automatically save files on your phone. If your phone is not safeguarded enough, it could get infected.
Where Can I Sideload An APK File?
An Android Package Kit (APK) is a file that aids the installation of an Android application. The Google Play Store downloads and installs them automatically. As for sideloading, you need to locate an appropriate repository.
- APK Mirror- is a dependable site where you can locate legal APKs. Several of them possess more ancient versions of present Play Store applications. They are totally legal to downloads and they are mostly safe.
- Aptoide– is a huge APK database where you can locate anything that is not on the Play Store, like Pokémon GO. This platform is a possible danger to your phone so make sure you are certain of whatever you are downlading before opening the file
- If you own an Amazon account, Amazon’s official Appstore is a massive platform to get applications from. You will see lots of free and paid apps. Premium applications can also be installed for free with specific Amazon giveaways and promos.
- GetJar possesses more than 1 million APKs that you will be able to download. There are several filters and categories to select from. You will not need to pay a dime for all the apps here too.
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Where Will I Find Sideloaded APK Files?
Several APK downloaders such as Aptoide or GetJar will instantly install the application as soon as you download them. Once in a while, the APK will download to your browser’s download folder.
To get to your default download folder, adhere to these instructions:
- Click “My Files.”
- Locate the “Documents.” folder.
- Get into the “Downloads” folder.
This is where you see all of your most recent downloads. Locate the APK file and click it. The installation will begin.
