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How to install APK on Android

Android users can use APK files to install apps from outside the Google Play Store. The procedure is an alternative to get apps that are not compatible with your device, which have not yet been released in Brazil or are even available in the system store. Google blocks this type of file by default to prevent accidental virus infections, but the installation can be enabled with a very simple step-by-step.

In the following tutorial, learn how to install APK files on your Android phone. It is worth remembering that you have to make sure that the source is secure and, after the procedure, disable the function in your smartphone settings. The following step by step was done on a Galaxy S8 with Android O.

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Here's how to turn off Android protections to install apps in APK format

Step 1. Access your phone settings and open the security menu. The name of the item may vary depending on the manufacturer of the device and the version of Android installed. In recent Samsung phones, such as the Galaxy S8, the menu is called "Lock Screen and Security". Then enable the "Install unknown apps" function - which can also be called "Unknown sources".

Enable the installation of unknown apps

Step 2. If your phone runs version 8 Oreo or newer of Android, you need to choose exactly which application will be allowed to download and install files in APK format. Choose the browser of your choice and enable the feature.

Select which app to download and install APK

Step 3. From there the phone will be released to install applications downloaded from alternative sources to Google Play by Google Chrome. It is important to give preference to well-known sites to download the file, such as APK Mirror (www.apkmirror.com). When you download an app in this format, your browser may display an alert message. If this occurs, give permission to proceed with the download.

Download the APK file from secure sources

Step 4. At the end of the download, tap the notification to open the newly downloaded application installer. The installation procedure will be performed automatically, just as with downloaded apps in the store.

Install the downloaded application in APK format

Step 5. At the end, go back to the system security settings and disable the installation of apps by unknown sources, reversing the step taken in the first step of this tutorial.

Re-block the installation of apps obtained outside the official store