How to Install APK Files on Android – Step by Step Guide

A few days back one of my friends asked “how to install APK files on his brand new android phone, as he recently switched from Windows Phone to Android.

I told him all the necessary steps that need be to follow and the things that should be taken care of while installing the APK file on an android device.

That interaction with my buddy about installing APK, makes me think to write a post about the steps involved to install APK files on android phones and other android devices.

So here I am sharing my experiences about installing the APK file.

You might ask why someone need to install APK files if he can get apps and games directly on his phone from Google Play Store.

Clearly, you can use the following method to install an App. Only if you don’t want to install some app from Google Play Store for some reason.

Let’s say app is large in size and you don’t want use your network data to download it or the app you are interested is not available on Play Store.

What is an APK File

APK stands for – Android Application Package. It is type of file with extension .apk which are installed on Android Phones, Tablets and other Android devices. If you are interested to know more about APK file, you can check this Wikipedia link for APK.

• List of Best Android Apps – To Improve Productivity by Saving Time

How to Get an APK File

There are many sources from where you can get an APK file of your favorite app or game. You can get it

• From a friend or acquaintance via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or any other mean.
• Direct download from some website, as a lot of websites offer APK files. You can Google for an app or game you are looking for and can download these apps from some website.
• Or via any other mean.

How to Minimize the Risk of Virus attack via APK files

If you have got APK file on your computer’s local disk. I suggest you to scan it with your desktop Antivirus even though you have installed antivirus app on your Android phone.

By doing this you can minimize the risk of being attacked by Trojan, malware or any other virus intentionally attached with APK file.

Steps to Install APK Files on Android Phone or Tablet

1. Transfer APK file on your phone if you have it on your computer or pen drive, etc.
2. Once you have APK file on your phone memory (or SD card storage). Locate the APK file which you want to install. Of course you can locate the APK file using the file manager on your phone.
3. To install the same – Tap on the app you want to install. In this case I am installing third app (UC Browser).

4. When you tap on the app to install you may see security block message “For security, your phone is set to block installation of apps obtained from unknown sources”. If you see this block message on your phone, choose Settings

5. Go to Security Settings of your phone and check Unknown Sources (Allow installation of apps from sources other than the Play Store.)

6. Go back and install the app again.
7. Installation process will take some time depending upon the size of the app and hardware of your phone.
8. When installation completes a message will display – “App installed.” with two options “Done” and “Open”. By choosing Open you can start newly installed app. Or You can choose Done to open it later from app drawer.

Hope this information is useful for you to install apk files. If you have any questions regarding the article please ask in comment section.