Google Pixel 9 with 20% discount!

How to sideload apps on Android

By
23comments
Google News Follow
Follow us on Google News
Android How-to

You’ve probably heard it many times before - the beauty of Android lies in its openness, but what does this really mean? Today, we look at one particular feature that makes Google’s platform stand out, and is a great example of openness. We’re speaking about the possibility to easily sideload apps, of course.

First, though, what does ‘sideloading’ mean? It is just another word to describe ‘installing’ an app from a source other than the official Google Play store. And why would you want to sideload apps? Simple - you might want to test an app that is not yet published, and sideloading is the best way to do this.

How to sideload apps on Android
It's important to note that by default, sideloading is disabled in order to protect your device from malicious apps, but enabling it is very simple. You have to do the following:

Go into Settings -> Security -> Look for the Device Administration tab -> Check Unknown Sources.

With this done, you are now ready to sideload apps. In order to do this, you must - of course - have the original APK file for an application. You can put that APK file on your phone by connecting the handset to a computer via a USB cable, or download the APK straight from the web. If you choose to get an APK on the web, the file will usually be in the ‘Downloads’ folder on your Android device.

Using a file manager application, find the APK file you want to sideload and tap on it. You’ll see what permissions are required, and the ‘Install’ button at the bottom. Tap on it, and you’re done - you’ve successfully sideloaded the APK!
Create a free account and join our vibrant community
Register to enjoy the full PhoneArena experience. Here’s what you get with your PhoneArena account:
  • Access members-only articles
  • Join community discussions
  • Share your own device reviews
  • Build your personal phone library
Register For Free
https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/users/62-200/Victor-H.jpg
Victor Hristov Review Content Lead
Victor, a seasoned mobile technology expert, has spent over a decade at PhoneArena, exploring the depths of mobile photography and reviewing hundreds of smartphones across Android and iOS ecosystems. His passion for technology, coupled with his extensive knowledge of smartphone cameras and battery life, has positioned him as a leading voice in the mobile tech industry.

Recommended Stories

Loading Comments...

Popular stories

There's a million-person waitlist for this T-Mobile offering
There's a million-person waitlist for this T-Mobile offering
Samsung employees make major blunder and get fired after leaking image of upcoming phone
Samsung employees make major blunder and get fired after leaking image of upcoming phone
Dropping to a record low price, the Galaxy Watch Ultra just became everyone's favorite smartwatch
Dropping to a record low price, the Galaxy Watch Ultra just became everyone's favorite smartwatch
After last week's crash, T-Mobile announces a plan to buy $14 billion of its shares
After last week's crash, T-Mobile announces a plan to buy $14 billion of its shares
Leaked Galaxy S25 Plus photos surface, proving what we’ve all been thinking
Leaked Galaxy S25 Plus photos surface, proving what we’ve all been thinking
T-Mobile and Starlink's satellite-powered messaging is only for select smartphones
T-Mobile and Starlink's satellite-powered messaging is only for select smartphones

Latest News

This outstanding new Best Buy deal makes the Pixel 7 Pro a total last-minute Christmas steal
This outstanding new Best Buy deal makes the Pixel 7 Pro a total last-minute Christmas steal
Verizon and Nvidia's new 5G + AI combo could bring big things to your phone
Verizon and Nvidia's new 5G + AI combo could bring big things to your phone
The 4G-ready Lenovo Tab K11 dropped below the $200 mark once again
The 4G-ready Lenovo Tab K11 dropped below the $200 mark once again
Are Motorola phones about to be banned in the USA?
Are Motorola phones about to be banned in the USA?
Threads wants to serve brands better with its latest feature
Threads wants to serve brands better with its latest feature
Fitbit's Cardio Load and Target Load now coming to more smartwatches
Fitbit's Cardio Load and Target Load now coming to more smartwatches
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless