How to open an APK file on Android. How to install an application on Android from an apk file

Installing applications without using Google Play on Android- the task is quite simple. In addition, it has several types of solutions. With this guide you will learn how to use each of them.

Why do you need to install applications without using them? Google Play? And won't this harm the phone? Among the main reasons why you have to use third-party sources are saving traffic (sometimes it costs more money than to buy it), saving money (you can often find free ones on the Internet APK files those applications for which Google Play you will have to pay money), and, in addition, the lack of an application on Google Play(some developers distribute their applications bypassing the Store from Google to monetize development with the help of site visitors. Example - streaming video player SopCast). Therefore, the ability to install applications without Google Play will always be useful to you.

Installation third party applications from trusted sources such as will not harm your phone. All applications on our website are checked for viruses and malicious scripts, and therefore your phone will always remain completely safe. It is worth noting that even installing the application using Google Play does not always guarantee complete security for your device.

In order to smoothly download and install applications from third-party sites, you need to allow your phone to install from unverified sources. This is done simply. In new versions Android the corresponding settings can be made by going to SETTINGS, and further into the section SAFETY. One of the columns in this section is the column "Unknown Sources", in which you must check the box and then agree to the changes.

In addition, you will need any file manager. website recommends using for these purposes Total Commander . Click on to download it using Google Play.

That's it! Now you can install applications not from Google Play.

1. The first and easiest way is to install applications directly from your phone.

In order to upload the application to your smartphone, you need to download it immediately. Use your phone's internal browser for this (the screenshot shows an example from Google Chrome for Android). Enter in address bar browser site address (for example), find and download the one you need apk file. On the site, links to download applications are located under the reviews, where you can download them for free.

Next, you need to tap on the link, after which the application file will begin downloading to your device. Usually, by default, the download occurs in the folder sdcard/Download in internal memory your phone. After downloading, you can exit the browser to proceed to the next step.

Next you need to launch your file manager (in our case it is Total Commander), after which in file system devices find our APK file. As already mentioned, it is usually located in the folder Download in the phone's internal memory.

Once you have found the downloaded application file, you need to open it. Total Commander When you click on the application icon, it gives you three options: Install, Open as ZIP and Google Play. Choose "Install". Next, the device itself will ask you about installation again. Press again "Install". We are waiting for the installation process to complete - that’s it! The application is downloaded to your device!

2. The second way to help save mobile traffic is to install an Android application with personal computer by using USB cable.

We launch any Internet browser from the computer and go to a site with applications, for example, on. We look for the program we like and download it, as in the previous method. Save apk file to any folder on your computer.

Next, connect your device to the computer using USB cable. After that, pull out the “curtain” on the Android device and select “Connect as storage device” or "Media device". After that we go to "My computer" and look for your phone or tablet there.

Copy the previously downloaded APK file to any folder on the Android device and remember it. After copying is completed, the smartphone can be disconnected from the PC.

Using the same Total Commander or any other Explorer, look for the folder in which you saved the application. Found it? You're almost there.

As in the previous method, open APK file, tapping on it and double-clicking "Install". We are waiting for the installation process to complete and rejoice. The application is uploaded to your smartphone!

3. The third way to install applications on Android concerns the installation of games with cache.

The fact is that some developers, in order to reduce the size of the downloaded file, separate some of the game elements from apk file. In this case, you have to install the game separately, and the cache separately. The exception is games that, after installation, themselves “download” the necessary files.

So what do we need for this type of installation? The easiest way is to install using PC. To get started, download apk file application and accompanying cache. Save both files to any folder on your computer. Next, using the second method described above, install the application file (APK).

After that, we move on to the cache. On the site, the installation instructions always describe in which folder you need to put your cache. We search and open it using "My computer". Open the cache file in a separate window. It is usually archived in ZIP or RAR- file. Using the appropriate archiver, extract the cache folder from the archive. After that, copy it to your phone in the folder specified in the review. Most often, this is the folder sdcard/Android/data/obb, however, there are exceptions. For example, the cache sometimes has to be copied to folders sdcard/Android/data/ or sdcard/gameloft/games/(games from Gameloft). In any case, you can't go wrong by downloading applications from. The main thing is to pay attention to the instructions.

After the cache is copied to the desired folder, disconnect the smartphone from the PC and launch the application. Ready! Happy gaming!

In most cases, applications on Android installed through the store Google applications Play. But, sometimes it becomes necessary to install an application downloaded from third-party sites. If you are faced with a similar problem and don’t know how, then this article should help you.

Step no. Allow installation of applications from unknown sources.

First, we need to enable the installation of applications from unknown sources. This is done directly on your Android device. Open Settings and find the Security section. In this section you need to find and enable the “Unknown Sources” function.

After enabling this feature, you will be able to install applications not only from Google Play, but also from any other sources.

Step #2: Copy the APK file you want to install to Android memory devices.

The next stage is copying to the device memory. If the APK file is on your computer, then you need to connect your Android device to the computer with via USB cable and copy the APK file to the device memory. When copying, both in the built-in memory and on a microSD memory card.


You can also download the APK file directly to your Android device. In this case, you won't have to copy anything and can skip this step.

Step No. 3. Start installing the APK file on Android.

After you have enabled the installation of applications from unknown sources and copied the APK file to the device memory, you can proceed directly to the installation itself. In order to install an APK file on your Android device, you just need to open it.

To do this, launch any file manager, . After this, a pop-up window will appear on the screen asking you to install this application.


Many people are interested in how to install an apk file on Android. This is required when the classic functions of gadgets become boring. It is in such cases that users tend to install the executable file on Android. It's quite normal to want to expand functionality. There are several ways to install APK on your gadget. We'll tell you in more detail how to unpack, launch and open everything.

Managers - file and applications

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APK Installation on Android using a file manager is the most common way. All you need to do is upload the APK files to the SD card. After this, you need to take any convenient file manager that has the ability to install applications.

It is recommended to use ES File Explorer. Alternatively, you can launch ASTRO File Manager. This is not difficult to do, so the user is unlikely to have a question about how to install applications.

Next, you need to run the program, find the APK files (that’s what the extension is called) and open it with the classic Android installer. Programs can be installed without using such managers. Just use a regular browser and select the one you need. The setup itself is quite simple.

You can also use the application manager to install APK files. There are many such programs; they are made to simplify working with this type of information. It is recommended to use Slide Me Mobentoo App Installer. It is easy to unpack and use. The program quickly scans the gadget's SD card and displays a list of found APKs.

The installation executable on Android works without problems, so any user can install applications.

Installation from a computer

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/micro-usb-cable-1.5m-150x150..5m-150x150..5m -120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px"> Transferring APK to Android from a computer is one of the most practical and convenient ways. In this case, it will be easiest to open this application format. All you need is - USB cable and the InstallAPK program. Where should I install it? Of course, on the computer.

InstallAPK is a free and simple solution to facilitate the installation of applications on devices running Android control, will successfully cope with a large number installation files.

Allows you to install programs on an Android device from a personal computer or laptop running Windows OS in just a few clicks.

Main features:

  • unpacking APK files to the gadget;
  • choosing a device connection method;
  • selecting a memory card for unpacking;
  • reinstallation while saving important data.

InstallAPK will eliminate the need to install each application separately or have a network connection on your gadget. For installation, it will be enough to synchronize via a USB cable or Wi-Fi connection.

The InstallAPK interface is made in Russian and is intuitive. Has proven itself in work, has not large system requirements. To get started, the utility must be installed on your computer, run, specify the connection type and select a gadget.

In addition, the user can access the settings and highlight points of interest at his own discretion. Here you can clarify the installation method, actions after installing the program, and even set the time before closing the window after completing the assigned task. Then you can safely close the program, and double click Left-clicking on the selected APK file initiates installation of the application on a smartphone or tablet.

Some features when working with InstallAPK:

  1. You will need to enable the mode USB debugging. To do this, go to the device settings and look for the developer mode function. The item name may vary depending on the brand and model.
  2. In order to avoid error messages, you must allow installation of applications from unknown sources. The latter is done in the settings, where depending on the brand and model, the item name and location may change.
  3. ADB Driver may be needed. They are usually installed automatically when you connect the device to your computer.
  4. There is no point in synchronizing a device in a specific mode, such as a drive. It just needs to be connected via a cord, but not in standby mode, that is, the screen should light up.
  5. If the software still does not install, you can call up the log by pressing the L key and see why the failure occurred. To unpack the file, your smartphone or tablet needs at least 2.5 MB of disk space.

To install using the utility via Wi-Fi, you will need to specify the IP and Port of your gadget being used. Install InstAllAPK, free program from Russian developer, possible for Windows XP and higher.

If InstallAPK does not see the Android device, you need to install drivers, the access link to the site is below near the main one.

A short description of how to use InstallAPK

Download and install the program as administrator (right click on the icon).

In this article we will tell you all the ways to install Android applications. Several ways to install APK from the Google Play store, file hosting services and using adb.

Method number 1. Install Android Applications
From the device in the official store

Almost all Android devices Google Play app store installed. In this store you can find millions of all kinds of applications - video and audio players, navigation, sports, office, and games.

In order to download and install applications from Google Play you need to:

Method No. 2. Uinstall Android applications
From PC to device in the official store (remotely)

Android has a way to install applications remotely, the main requirement is that your Android smartphone or the tablet was connected to the Internet via mobile network or Wi-Fi.


Method No. 3. Uinstall Android applications
From unknown sources

In Android, unlike iOS, there is an official ability to install applications not from the Google Play store, that is, you can install applications from various torrent and file-sharing sites. Be careful, because instead useful application you can download the virus to your Android tablet or smartphone!

To install applications from unknown sources:

Video example of how to enable " Unknown Sources» in Android:

Method number 4. Install Android Applications
ADB Debugging Tools

ADB is an Android debugging and development tool (). To install the application on Android:

  • connect android to pc
  • Go to command line and enter the command:
adb install path_to_application/application_name.apk

For example - adb install C:\Users\Vitaliy\Desktop\Vkontakte.apk

If you don't like this method installing applications, I advise you to use the Adb Run program, which can do EVERYTHING + unlocks the Android pattern key

Method No. 5. Install Android Applications
embed app apk

This method requires Root rights and certain skills. In more detail how to perform this procedure is described in the article - Embed an Android application.

If you want to learn more about applications, learn how to edit them, translate them and much more, then you will be interested in the section - apk editing.

Do you still have some additional questions? Ask them in the comments, tell us what worked for you or vice versa!

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