How To Download Android Apps To Your Phone Or Tablet: Quick and Clean
Did you just switch from iPhone to Android and are wondering how you can install third party apps on your Android device? Are you tired of using the Google Play Store app to install apps on your Android device and are now looking for a different way? Do you want to install apps that are blocked in your country or have been removed from the Google Play Store?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then continue reading to find out how you can install apps on your Android device in just a couple of minutes.
Using this guide, you’ll learn different methods to download Android apps. You might find yourself in the follow situations:
- You want to install apps from the Google Play Store
- You want to install apps remotely through your PC
- You want to install apk files because you cannot download through the Google Play Store
- You might want to use another app store because a particular app isn’t available on the Google Play Store
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Download Android Apps
The methods mentioned below should help you install apps on your Android device in all the situations above.
- Method 1: Google Play Store
- Method 2:Downloading From PC
- Method 3: Non Google Play Apps
- Method 4: Amazon App Store
Method 1: Google Play Store
This is probably the most common method for installing apps on Android devices, used by almost all Android users. Not only is it easy, but this method is possibly the most reliable method for installing apps as this comes directly from Google and is pre-loaded on most Android devices. If you’re looking to install a latest app that someone told you about or if you want to browse from the millions of apps currently available, then this is probably your best option to install apps.
While there are several paid apps available on the Play Store, you can still find millions of free apps, meaning that you can use it without entering your credit card or Google Wallet details. This method might work slightly differently on older Android devices in terms of functionality if you’re using an older version of the app. That being said, the Play Store app has been updated automatically on most new and old Android devices.
Step 1
Open your app drawer and open the Google Play Store app.
Step 2
Sign in with your Google account details.
Step 3
Browse for the app that you want to download. You can browse from various tabs such as Top Free and Tap Paid or from different categories such as games, entertainment apps and finance apps. Alternatively, you can search for your desired app by tapping on the Search button in the top right and entering the app name.
Download Android Apps
Step 4
Tap on the app that you want to download from the list of results.
Step 5
Tap on the Install button for downloading a free app or press the Buy button for downloading a paid app.
Step 6
Tap on the Accept or Accept & download button to start the download process. If you’re purchasing the app, then you’ll be asked to enter your payment details.
Download Android Apps
Step 7
Wait for the app to finish downloading. The download status will be available in the Play Store app and your notifications bar. Once the download is complete, tap on Open to launch the app or exit the Play Store. That’s it! You have successfully installed an app from the Google Play Store.
Download Android Apps
Method 2: Downloading From PC
This method focuses on installing apps on your Android device using your PC. While the method is not as popular as the official Google Play Store app, it is definitely safe and reliable as this method also comes directly from Google. It uses Google Play Store’s official website to remotely install apps on your Android device, without actually touching your device.
As this uses the Google Play website, you don’t actually need to use your PC and can use any other device to perform the remote installation, such as an iPhone, a BlackBerry device or even another Android device. This method is perfect if you want to install an app secretly while your Android device is with someone else or if you just want to install an app remotely because your device is on charge. Whatever the reason, this is possibly the most effective method for remotely installing apps on Android smartphones and tablets.
Step 1
Open the official Google Play Store website on your PC or any other device that you’re using.
Step 2
Sign in with your Google account details. Make sure you sign in with the same account that you use with your Android device.
Step 3
Search for your desired app by entering the app name in the textbox and clicking on the Search button.
Download Android Apps
Step 4
Click on the app that you want to download from the search results.
Step 5
Click on the INSTALL button in the left, below the app’s rating.
Download Android Apps
Step 6
In the SEND TO Drowndown menu, select your Android device. If you only have one Android device registered with the Play Store, then it will be selected automatically.
Download Android Apps
Step 7
Tap on the INSTALL button.
Download Android Apps
Step 8
Tap on OK in the This app will be downloaded message. That’s it! The app will now be downloaded and installed on your Android device whenever it is connected to the internet.
Download Android Apps
Method 3: Non Google Play Apps
While using the Google Play Store is possibly the safest and most effective method, you might want to install some non-Google Play apps on your Android device. There are several apps that are not available on the Google Play Store due to reasons like Google’s terms and conditions. You can find these apps on third party websites. Also, your country might be restricted for a particular app, meaning that you might not find the app on the Play Store even if its officially available there.
This method is also perfect if you want to install apps like Flappy Bird that were available on the Play Store but were removed after a while. Therefore, this method focuses on downloading and installation apk files from sources other than the Google Play Store. You can also install system apps from this method, such as manually installing a Google Play Store update that didn’t automatically install on your Android device.
Step 1
Search for your desired apk files from your PC’s web browser. There are various sources available on the internet for downloading apk files of various apps. You can either visit third party websites or official app websites that share their own apk file for downloading, such as Amazon’s App Store apk file.
Step 2
Download the apk file on your PC and connect your Android device to your PC using a micro USB cable.
Step 3
Transfer the apk in your Android device’s root directory and unplug your Android device from your PC.
Step 4
Open the Settings app, tap on Security and make sure that Unknown Sources is checked. If you’re using an older an Android device, this option will be available under Application settings.
Step 5
Open any file manager, such as ES File Explorer, and navigate to the directory where you transferred the apk file to.
Download Android Apps
Step 6
Tap on the apk file and press the install button to start the installation process. Wait for the installation to complete and tap on the Done button to exit the installer or the Open button to launch the app. That’s it! You have successfully downloaded and installed an apk files on your Android device.
Download Android Apps
Method 4: Amazon Appstore
Appstore is Amazon’s alternative to the official Google Play Store app. The Appstore has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years and there are several apps that you’ll only find on the Appstore. The overall layout and design is quite similar and you’ll feel like you’re using the Google Play Store app in Orange.
While using the Appstore is voluntary on most Android devices, it is the sole way of downloading apps on specific devices like Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Aside from the basic features, this particular app store lets you Test Drive apps on your PC before you actually download them on your Android device. Also, you can use Amazon Coins to purchase apps only in this particular app store.
Step 1
Download the Amazon Appstore apk file on your PC. You can download it through Amazon’s official website.
Step 2
Connect your Android device to your PC, click on Open folder to view files in the AutoPlay popup and transfer the apk file to your Android device’s root storage.
Download Android Apps
Step 3
Open the Settings app on your Android device, tap on Security and make sure that the Unknown Sources option is checked.
Download Android Apps
Step 4
Open the apk file using any file manager and tap on the Install button to start the installation process.
Download Android Apps
Step 5
Open Amazon Appstore on your Android device and login with your Amazon account details. If you don’t have an Amazon account, you can create one by tapping on the Create account button.
Download Android Apps
Step 6
Search for your desired app by tapping on the Search button and entering the name of the app in the textbox.
Download Android Apps
Step 7
Tap on the Install button next to the app that you want to download.
Download Android Apps
Step 8
After the app is downloaded, you’ll get a confirmatory popup. Tap on Install to start the installation process. That’s it! The app should now be installed on your Android device.
Download Android Apps
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Android app downloads?
Install applications on your Android device.
Activate Google Play. Use the Play Store app on your phone. …
Locate the app you desire.
Find out what other people have to say about the app to be sure it is trustworthy. …
Tap Install (for free apps) or the app’s pricing after choosing one.
How can I install Android apps outside of the Play Store?
Android 8.0 Oreo users can install from unknown sources.
Enter the Settings menu for your app.
Locate the Apps & notifications menu, then choose it.
Press Advanced.
Opt for Special app access.
Select Install unidentified apps.
Select the web browser you want to use for online third-party shops.
On this source, enable Allow.
Conclusion
Downloading and installing apps is one of the most essential features on Android and one of the reasons why a lot of people are switching to the Android platform. Whether you’re looking for a full HD game or you want to install a personal finance app, you can easily find your desired app from the millions of apps currently available for Android. Method 1 is perfect if you want to install regular apps directly on your Android device as you’ll find most apps on the Google Play store. Once you get downloading down you can then check out our list of the top fun apps for Android to get started.
If you’re looking to install apps remotely, then Method 2 is probably the ideal option. If you can’t find a particular app on the Google Play Store or if your country is restricted for downloading that particular app, then you can install the app’s apk file using method 3. If you own an Amazon Kindle Fire or you want to download an app that is only available on Amazon, then you can use Method 4 in order to install apps from the Amazon Appstore. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you follow all the instructions properly and feel free to shoot any questions below.
