How to Install the Android App (APK)

To install an APK file on Android, follow these steps.

1.   Open your Android device’s file explorer app. If you can’t find it, download and install the Files by Google app first.

2.   Locate your APK file in your file explorer app and select it.

3.   The APK installer menu will appear—tap Install. On Samsung devices, this may appear as a pop-up.

4.   Allow time for the app to install.

5.   Tap Done or Open once the installation is complete.

You may also see additional steps, depending on your device and the permissions the app requires. Follow any additional on-screen instructions, as required.

Installing Unknown Source Apps on Android 10 and Later

The steps to do this will vary slightly, depending on your version of Android and your device manufacturer. This guide assumes you’re running a device running Android 10 and later.

Installing Unknown Source Apps from APKs on Android

1.   Open the Settings app on your Android device.

2.   In the Settings menu, tap Apps.

3.   Tap Special app access (or Advanced Special app access).

4.   Tap Install unknown apps.

5.   Select an app to use to install an APK file—your browser and file management apps are the best option here.

6.   Tap the Allow from this source slider to allow APK files to be installed via that app.

 Installing Unknown Source Apps on Samsung Devices

Samsung devices run Android, but the company likes to do things a little differently. If you want to install unknown source apps on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, for instance, you’ll need to follow these steps.

1.   Open the Settings app.

2.   In Settings, tap Apps.




3.   Tap the three-dots menu icon.

4.  Tap Special access.




5.  In Special access, tap Install unknown apps




6.  Tap the slider next to your web browser or file management app in the list to allow APK installation from it.