Tips
Tips: How to install Android beta apps and .apk files
April 27, 2010 | by Andrew Kameka
Android Tutorials, Beginner's Guide to Android
What’s an .apk file? Every time we post about beta applications, the comment section inevitably fills up with people confused about how to download and install Android apps that are not in the Android Market. Well, we can’t keep typing the same information, so here’s a simple explanation of how to do it.
Developers often do beta testing, which is where they distribute a pre-release version of their app so they can have people test it before it’s uploaded to the Android Market. They often distribute these Android apps as .apk files. Here’s how to install them.
Step 1: Download and extract the file
- Files are often distributed in “appname.zip” or “appname.rar” archive files. Windows PC’s can typically open .zip files natively, but you can download WinRAR if your computer doesn’t have that feature.Note: if the file you download looks like “appname.apk” you can skip to Step 2.
- Open the archive and Extract the file to “My Documents” or any other folder you can easily access. You can also just right-click “appname.rar” and select “Extract Here” as a shortcut.
Step 2: Mount your SD card
- Connect your phone and computer through a USB cord. Drag down the Notification Bar on your phone and then press “USB Connected”. Then press “Mount” on the tab that pops up.
- You should then see a screen that looks like this:
- Select “Open folder to view files”
Step 3: Copy the files to the SD card
- Make note of the location of your SD card. See how it says “Sony Ericsson D:” in the image above? That’s the drive letter.
- Go to the folder where you downloaded or extracted the appname.apk file. Right-click the file and select “Send to Sony Ericsson D:” (You can also just drag it to the D: drive if that’s easier for you).
Step D: Installing
- Once the file has copied, disconnect your phone from the computer and then download Astro from the Android Market.
- Open Astro and go to the /sdcard folder. Click on appname.apk and then install the application. Accept the warning about installing apps from untrusted sources. As long as you avoid illegal sites and display the same common sense you use to protect your PC, you should be okay installing from trusted developers.
Note: Astro also includes a way to unzip files directly within the app, but it’s best to use that when you download files directly on the phone.
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if you use EStrongs File Explorer, you can just access shared folders on your network and open the apk file directly from the network. No need for USB cables.
tAttachApkInstaller is a free app in tbe market that allows you to download .apk files directly to your phone, no file manager needed. I wonder my more people don’t use it…
RyanB,
You made this process infinitely easier by offering up your recommendation of tAttachApkInstaller. I just wanted to thank you for the help, and the great new app.
Cheers,
David
i can install downloaded apk files from the browser as long as i have "untrusted sources" checked in my application settings
Instead of suggesting commercial WinRAR you could suggest to use 7-Zip.
i installed the vvm.apk but it still isnt linked to my phone# what do i need to do….. I am new at this
Can you be more specific? What is vvm.apk and what is it trying to do?
I'm out of the country and trying to install a dictionary to my phone without using ANY internet. My apps installer program has stopped working on me! How can I install an app to my phone without using the Android market at all, e.g. even to download a file explorer or app installer?
You need to have some kind of internet access to install the app.
Hey, I'm using the HTC Aria and when I attempt to install any apk that isn't from the Android Market, I get the following message:
Install blocked
For security, your phone is set to block installation of applications not sourced in Android Market.
Does anyone have information on how I can unblock/allow apps to be installed that ARE NOT downloaded directly from the Android Market?
Details please…
An easy way is to use freeware Android Injector from http://www.harmonyhollow.net/android_injector.sht…
I tried to practice but a lot of trouble, but this is a good tutorial that I can hopefully try again.
My recent post Asus Eee Pad demonstrates Android 30 Honeycomb
hola everyone, i just downloaded an app……………..it contains the manifest files and some folders like res having some xml bullshit………..but i couldn't find an apk file in the whole archive !!!
any help would be appreciated
hi guys does this skype make free video calls through 3g?
Hi guys does this skype do free video calls through 3g as i have installed it and how do i find out if it aint free through 3g
Hi, Aqib. Skype does charge for video calls on 3G, but it does use your monthly data plan.
I am a former technophobe. ( I know, it’s weird for my gen.) I just wanted to say how happy and grateful I am for this tutorial!! Other sites claim to be for novices, but I can’t grasp half of it. Thanks for the baby steps!!
Hi Andrew, congrats for your post.
I’d like to know if you could answer a quick question. I just bought my first Android (Xperia Arc S) and I’ve upgraded to Android 4.0.4. I’m the noobier of noobs on Android and tried to install the file using the Apk Installer that seems to be good app, but I’ve got the info on the phone that it could not install an app that was not downloaded from the Android Market, should I give up of the app?
Thanks in advance and keep it up man!
Henrique