How to Install Android Apps Outside the Play Store: A Simple and Safe Guide

Life Outside the Play Store

Did you know there are other ways to install applications on your Android phone besides the Play Store?

Often, some applications are not available in the official Google store, like certain VPN applications, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them.

For this, it’s necessary to understand how installing applications from other sources works, such as APK files or alternative stores.

Let’s explain how to do this safely and simply.

Authorizing Direct APK Installation

Before starting to install applications outside the Play Store, you need to authorize your phone to accept these applications.

By default, Android blocks the installation of applications from unknown sources to protect your device. But it’s easy to enable this function:

Android 8 or later

Samsung Devices

1. On your device, tap Settings > Apps.
2. In the upper right corner, tap Vertical ellipsis.
3. Tap Special access > Install unknown apps.
4. Tap the browser where you’ll download the APK, such as Chrome.
5. If prompted, switch to Allow from this source.

Other Manufacturers

1. On your device, go to Settings.
2. Tap Apps and notifications > Advanced.
3. Tap Special app access.
4. Tap Install unknown apps.
5. Tap the browser where you’ll download the APK, such as Chrome.
6. If prompted, switch to Allow from this source.

Now you’re ready to install APK files directly on your device.

Getting Apps via APK Mirror

Another option to download apps outside the Play Store is using APK Mirror.

The APK Mirror is a reliable site that hosts a wide variety of APK files from popular apps.

This is useful when you want to get a specific version of an app or when the app isn’t available on the Play Store.

To use APK Mirror:

1. Access the official APK Mirror site in your phone’s browser.
2. Search for the app you want to download.
3. Select the desired version and download the APK file.
4. After downloading, open the APK file and follow the instructions to install the app.

Using an Alternative Store (F-Droid)

If you don’t want to search and manually download APKs, you can use an alternative store like F-Droid.

F-Droid is an app store that offers only open-source apps, which means they are secure and free.

However, it’s worth noting that proprietary apps won’t be available.

To use F-Droid:

1. Access the official F-Droid site in your phone’s browser.
2. Download the F-Droid APK (direct link) from the site.
3. After downloading, open the file and follow the instructions to install the app.
4. With F-Droid installed, you can browse and download apps with the same ease as in the Play Store.

VPN Applications

Let’s imagine you’re planning a trip to another country or want to access content not available in your region. In these cases, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be extremely useful.

VPNs allow you to browse more securely and access websites and services from other parts of the world.

Now, if you can’t download these apps directly from the Play Store, this won’t be a problem!

Just like other interesting apps outside the official store, like recipe apps , you can install VPNs securely using alternative sources.

Below, see some popular VPN app options you can consider:

Proton VPN (Free)

• Proton VPN on Github
• Proton VPN on Apk Mirror
• Proton VPN on F-Droid

Express VPN (Paid)

• Directly from the app site
• Express VPN on Apk Mirror

NordVPN (Paid)

• Directly from the app site
• NordVPN on Apk Mirror

Surfshark (Paid)

• Directly from the app site
• Surfshark on Apk Mirror