Mobile apps are the most convenient way of doing everything – from buying groceries online to watching your favourite new OTT series. Android users largely only depend on the Google Play Store in order to get the mobile apps that they want to use. While it is quite user-friendly and straightforward to download and install an app from the Google Play Store, there has been a growing interest in sideloading apps off the internet. Sideloading is basically installing a mobile app using its APK file, without downloading and installing the app from the Google Play Store.
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In This Article
What are the benefits of sideloading apps?
While many people might argue that it is safer to download and install apps only from the Play Store, that may not be entirely true. This is because the Google Play Store chooses to exclude many apps that do not adhere to its own Terms and Conditions, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that these mobile apps are not safe for use.
For example, there are many really useful and reputed apps such as Dunzo MO, Dream11, or the Amazon App Store that are not available to download on Play Store. These apps have been banned by Google because they do not fit in with the Terms and Conditions.
Similarly, Google also bans many real money gaming apps as well as betting apps that allow users to play with real money. In fact, Google Play focuses on mobile apps where in-app purchases are made through the Google Play Store, in which case, the tech giant keeps a big cut of every transaction made.
This is another reason why many apps have chosen to keep themselves off of the Play Store on purpose. The biggest example is that of Fortnite, which chose to keep itself off the Play Store so as to not have to share its user revenue with Google unnecessarily.
Before you begin, allow the installation of unknown apps
It is rather simple to download mobile apps without the use of Google Play, but it is not a method that is widely used. But before you begin, you need to allow installation of unknown apps on your device.
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Select Biometrics and Security settings.
Step 3: Tap on Install Unknown Apps.
Step 4: Turn on the toggle switch for the application you will use to download the APK file (for example, Google Chrome or Firefox).
Install the app from a third-party marketplace
There are a few places where you can find APK files safely. One method is to directly visit the website of whichever app you’re looking to download. Other than that, you can download apps from a trusted third-party marketplace like APKMirror. Here’s how.
Step 1: Launch your mobile web browser and go to APKMirror.
Step 2: Search for the app you wish to download.
Step 3: Hit the downward arrow icon next to the app.
Step 4: Go through the different versions of the app and hit the green arrow next to the one want to download.
Step 5: On the following page, tap on Download APK/APK Bundle. The APK file will be downloaded to your device soon.
Step 6: Go to the downloads folder and tap on the APK file.
Step 7: Follow the onscreen instructions to install the app.
Use your smartphone manufacturer’s official app store
Most Android smartphones come with their OEM’s app store as a part of their app library. Here are some of the common ones.
Samsung – Galaxy Store
Vivo/iQOO – V-Appstore
Xiaomi/Redmi – Mi Store
Oppo – Oppo Store
OnePlus – OnePlus Store
You can use these app stores to officially download apps that aren’t available on Google Play Store. You don’t need to allow the installation of apps from unknown sources to download apps from these marketplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I download third-party apps on my phone without using Google Play Store?
Independent marketplaces like APKMirror, APKPure, Softonic, Uptodown, and others have vast app libraries that typically contain what you are looking for. Before you sideload an app, go to your device settings and allow the installation of unknown apps from the web browser you are about to use.
Are third-party app marketplaces safe to use?
Before using a third-party marketplace, check out the safety measures they have in place. Websites like APKMirror and APKPure follow stringent security guidelines and regularly take down malicious apps.
Why can’t I find YouTube downloader apps on Google Play Store?
Due to YouTube’s content and copyright policy, Google Play Store does not allow apps that help in downloading videos from the platform.
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Conclusion
This is how you can download mobile apps that are not available on the Google Play Store. Read this article to know our best picks for third-party app marketplaces. Know another method to download apps that aren’t available on the Google Play Store? Let us know in the comments!
