This article explains what you need to do to permit your Android device to install apps from outside the Play Store via APK files. This works on Android 7 and later.

Allow Unknown Apps on Android

To install an APK file through Chrome, Files by Google, a file manager, or another app, you must first grant the app permission. This is done by enabling a toggle in the Settings app.

1. Open the Settings app and tap Apps or Apps & Notifications.

2. Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner. If you don’t see that, skip down to the next step.

3. Tap Special access, or Special app access on some Android devices.

4. Tap Install unknown apps.

5. Tap Chrome (or whichever web browser you use).

6. Switch the toggle next to Allow from this source so it turns on.

Install an APK File on Android

The easiest way to install an APK file on your Android is to download the file using the default browser, Chrome. Other web browsers definitely work, just make sure to give them the same permission described above. Here’s how to install APK files through Chrome:

1. On the download page for the APK file, simply tap the download option like you’d download any file.

   Only download APK files from reputable sources. A quick Google search can help determine if an app or its developer has a questionable reputation. We provide some recommendations at the bottom of this page.

2. Accept any prompts you might see about the file being potentially harmful. For example, tap Download anyway or OK.

3. Once the APK is downloaded to your device, it’s time to install the app. In Chrome, tap the three-dot menu button, then choose Downloads to see the file. You can also use a file manager if you prefer to install apps that way.

4. Tap the file name followed by Install. After a few moments, the app will be fully installed and show up next to all your other apps.

   APK files can take up loads of space. Delete your downloads when you’re finished with them to free up storage. Doing this will not delete the app.

Transfer the APK Installer via USB

If you don’t have internet access on your phone, or for any other reason you can’t use a browser to download the file, you can still install apps from your computer. Using your desktop web browser, download the APK file just like described above. Then, connect to your Android phone and transfer the file.

If you’ve never connected your Android to your computer before, first enable USB debugging mode. Then, connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable, and the phone will mount like a memory stick.

Your phone will show up as another drive in File Explorer. Move the APK file you downloaded into the appropriate folder on your phone, which might be called Download or /sdcard/download, or an equivalent.

Once the file is transferred, use a file explorer app on your phone to tap the APK file and install the app.

Advanced: Run APK Installer With Minimal ADB and Fastboot

If the APK installer doesn’t run when you tap it, an advanced solution may be necessary. You can install the app on your Android from your computer using a tool called Minimal ADB and Fastboot.

1. Connect your phone via USB and enable USB debugging.

2. Download Minimal ADB and Fastboot on your computer, and then install it.

3. Run the tool, and a Command Prompt window opens. Enter the command adb devices.

   If the tool detects your phone, an ID for the device appears. Now you’re ready to transfer the APK file.

4. Find the downloaded APK file on your computer and them copy that file by right-clicking it and choosing Copy.

5. From File Explorer, navigate to the Minimal ADB and Fastboot folder. It’s typically located here:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot\
   

6. Paste the APK file into that folder.

7. Rename the APK file to something short so it’s easy to type as a command. In our example, we’ve chosen inkitt.

8. Back in the same command window you had open before, type the following, replacing inkitt with the name of your file:

    adb install inkitt.apk
   

9. When you see the word Success, the app is installed on your phone.

What Is an APK?

An APK (Android Package Kit) is a type of file that installs an application for Android. Its purpose is similar to other file types, like EXE files on Windows and PKG files on Macs.

If you’ve ever installed an Android app from the Google Play Store, then you’ve used an APK file without realizing it. When you tap the Install button, the app store automates the process of transferring the file to your phone and running it for you.

Why Use an APK?

If the Android app you want isn’t available on Google Play, you can manually download the APK file from the web and install it. This may be necessary if the developer couldn’t get approval for the app store or if it’s in the testing phase and not yet ready for the public.

Finding APK Installers

Many websites offer non-Google Play apps for installation. For example, you can visit APKPure or APKMirror.