How do I install an APK file on my Android?

1. 1

   Open your Android’s Settings. It’s the

   icon typically found in the app drawer.

2. 2

   Scroll down and tap Security.

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3. 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.

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1. 1

   Download the APK file to your PC. You can save it to the desktop or any other folder on your computer.

2. 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. 3

   Tap the USB for… notification on your Android. A list of options will appear.[1]

4. 4

   Tap Transfer files on your Android.

5. 5

   Navigate to the APK file on the computer. To do this, open the folder where you downloaded the file.

6. 6

   Right-click the APK file.

7. 7

   Click Send to.

8. 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. 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. 10

    Locate the APK file. If you have an external SD card in your Android, it may be located in “External Storage.”

11. 11

    Tap the APK file. A confirmation message will appear, asking if you really want to install the file.

12. 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. 13

    Tap DONE. Your new app is now ready to use.

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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.

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