How to Install an APK on Android

An APK is the file format Android uses to install apps. The Play Store downloads and installs APKs for you behind the scenes. When an app is not in the store, you can install its APK yourself, a process usually called sideloading. Android supports this officially, but it adds safety checks along the way, and those checks have changed over the past few versions.

Step 1: Download the APK

Download the file from the developer's official website using Chrome or another browser. Only download from sources you trust. Our guide to spotting fake APKs explains what to watch for.

Chrome may warn that “This type of file can harm your device”. It shows that warning for every APK, whatever its source. If you trust the source, tap Download anyway.

Step 2: Open the file

Tap the download notification, or open the Files app and go to Downloads. Tap the APK file.

Step 3: Allow that app to install apps

Since Android 8, there is no single “Unknown sources” switch. Instead, each app that wants to install other apps must be given permission individually. The first time you open an APK, Android will say something like “For your security, your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source”.

1. Tap Settings on that message.
2. Switch on Allow from this source.
3. Go back. The install screen reappears.

You can review these permissions at any time under Settings › Apps › Special app access › Install unknown apps. On Samsung phones it is Settings › Security and privacy › More security settings › Install unknown apps. Turn it off again for apps that do not need it.

Step 4: Install

Tap Install. Google Play Protect may scan the app first. If it shows a warning, read what Play Protect warnings mean before choosing what to do. When the install finishes, tap Open, and delete the APK file to save space.

What changed in 2026: developer verification

Google has introduced developer verification for Android apps. Under the new rules, apps installed on certified Android devices are expected to come from developers who have registered their identity with Google. The rules began on 30 September 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, and Google plans to expand them to more countries from 2027.

In those countries, installing an app from an unverified developer is blocked by default. You can still install it in two ways:

• The advanced flow — an extra set of confirmation steps in the system settings, designed for experienced users and built to resist scammers who pressure people into installing apps over the phone.
• ADB — installing from a computer with Android's developer tools.

If you are outside those countries, nothing has changed yet. Google publishes updates on the Android Developers Blog.

Fixing install errors

“App not installed”

• A version with a different signature is already installed. This happens when you installed the same app from another source. Uninstall the existing app first.
• You are trying to install an older version over a newer one. Uninstall the newer one first.
• Not enough storage. Free up at least twice the APK's size.

“There was a problem parsing the package”

The file is incomplete or damaged. Delete it and download it again. It can also mean the app needs a newer version of Android than your device has.

“This app isn't compatible with your device” or an old-app block

Android 14 and later block apps built for very old Android versions, because they bypass modern security protections. Look for a newer version of the app.

The file ends in .apks, .xapk or .apkm

These are bundles of several APK files. Android cannot open them directly. Use the official installer from the site that provided the bundle, or a trusted split-APK installer such as SAI (Split APKs Installer) from the Play Store.

Staying safe

• Grant install permission only to the one app you use, and switch it off afterwards if you rarely sideload.
• Keep Play Protect on.
• Be suspicious of any app that asks for accessibility access, SMS, call logs or device admin rights without a clear reason.
• Never install an APK because someone on the phone, in a message or in an advert told you to. That is the most common scam route on Android.

Frequently asked questions