How do I install an APK file on my Android?

Table of Contents Show
1
Open your Android’s Settings. It’s the
icon typically found in the app drawer.
2
Scroll down and tap Security.
Advertisement
3
Slide the “Unknown sources” switch to the
position. You should find this switch under the “Device administration” header. As long as this switch is on, you’ll be able to install apps from APK files.

1
Download the APK file to your PC. You can save it to the desktop or any other folder on your computer.
2
Connect your Android to the PC using a USB cable. If you don’t have the cable that came with your Android, you can use any compatible cable.
3
Tap the USB for… notification on your Android. A list of options will appear.[1]
4
Tap Transfer files on your Android.
5
Navigate to the APK file on the computer. To do this, open the folder where you downloaded the file.
6
Right-click the APK file.
7

Click Send to.
8

Select your Android. The name will vary by manufacturer and model, but it should be near the bottom of the list. The APK file will transfer to your Android.
9

Open your Android’s file manager. It’s usually called My Files, Files, or File Browser, and you’ll typically find it in the app drawer.
- If you don’t see a file manager, tap the Downloads app in the app drawer, tap ☰, then select your storage location.
- If you don’t have either of these options, you can download a free file manager from the Play Store, such as ES File Explorer.
10
Locate the APK file. If you have an external SD card in your Android, it may be located in “External Storage.”
11
Tap the APK file. A confirmation message will appear, asking if you really want to install the file.
12
Tap INSTALL. It’s at the bottom-right corner of the screen. The app will now install on your Android. When the installation is complete, a confirmation message will appear.
13
Tap DONE. Your new app is now ready to use.

Add New Question

Question
Can I erase the APK file after installation is complete?

Yes, simply go into My Files and delete it just like you would any other file.
Question
How do I install APK files from Android on a PC?

ARS_AKHIL
Community Answer
APK files are files that are meant to be executed on the Android platform, so to use such files on PC requires an Android emulator. You can find a lot of Android emulators online, Bluestack being a popular one.
Question
Can't I send an installed version?

No. You must fully install it from your Android device. That is the only possible way.

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

References

About This Article

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 213,608 times.

Is this article up to date?

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go!

Which APK installer is best for Android?

The best APK Installer for Android is the one developed by Uptodown. With just one tool, you can install apps, send APKs to another device, manage your installed apps, and explore files. All for free and with total security.

Why is an APK not installing?

By default Android allows installation only from the Play Store. In order to allow installation of apps from other sources, open the Settings app and locate "Install Unknown Apps" under Privacy/Security settings. Enable the permission for the app which you use to install your APK.

Why is my APK not installing Android?

The Android app not installed error can be combated after resetting app permissions. Go to Settings > Apps > Reset App Preferences/Reset Application Permissions. After this, third-party software can be installed on your device.

What is an APK file and how do you install one?

Just open your browser, find the APK file you want to download, and tap it – you should then be able to see it downloading on the top bar of your device. Once it's downloaded, open Downloads, tap on the APK file and tap Yes when prompted. The app will begin installing on your device. Simple.