Installing apps from third-party unknown sources other than Play Store is not a good idea. But, In some situations, We canât install or update our Android apps. In those situations, we have to install the apps from third-party sites. But, In default, Our Android mobiles are restricted to install those apps. We have to modify the settings to allow the installation. Based on the Android version, the method to enable the Unknown Sources installation may vary. Here I will explain for the Old and New Android mobile settings. After the installation, It is wise to disable the option again. Because If you install some third-party app store, they will sideload the apps in the background.
If your mobile is running older Android versions of the OS (5.0, 4.0, 3.0, and 2.0); all you need do is to tap on the checkbox beside the âUnknown Sourcesâ options on the device settings menu, and you can be able to install any apk file on your Android device. But, on newer Android devices, the âUnknown Sourcesâ options are no more; Google has taken it away, and now you have to play around the settings menu to sideload APK files on Android mobiles.
What are âUnknown sources?â
Any app that is not installed from Google Playstore on Android is flagged as an app from an âUnknown Source.â Because your mobile canât verify who is the Developer of the app and where you got this app, it canât check the trust of the app that you are going to install. Thus, when you download APK files from third-party app stores such as APKmirror of other similar sites, you must activate âUnknown sourcesâ on your device before you can install the app.
How to activate âUnknown sourcesâ on Android smartphones?
Google keeps adding security measures in every Android version. In old Android versions, the process is simple. You have to enable the option in Security settings. In new Android versions, they separated the permissions. Compare with every Android version, Android 10 has a vast set of security measures added by Google.
Old Android versions (4.0, Lollipop 5.0, Marshmallow 6.0, Nougat 7.0)
If your device is running Android version 7.0 or an earlier version, follow the steps below to activate âUnknown sourcesâ on the device;
- Go to your deviceâs settings
- Scroll down and tap on Security
- Check the option âUnknown sources. â
- Tap âOKâ on the prompt message.
Thatâs it! However, you can only see the âUnknown Sourcesâ option on Android devices with version 7.0 or older versions.
If your device runs on Android version 8.0 (Oreo) or 9.0 (Nougat), then you should follow the steps below.
New Android versions (Oreo, Pie, Android 10)
Google has taken away the âUnknown Sourcesâ option on new devices as part of its security measures to combat the installation of malware in the form of mobile apps on Android devices. Now, you will have to allow installation from the particular app youâre trying to use and install an APK file into your Android device.
In order words, if youâre installing an APK from the âXender App,â you need to allow installation from âXender.â In the same way, if youâre installing an APK file from your âFile manager app,â youâll also need to allow installation from your file manager app.
However, hereâs how to allow different apps on your device to let you sideload APK files on new Android devices.
Steps
- Navigate to your device settings menu and select âApps & Notifications.â
- Click on the âAdvancedâ row or click on the âthree vertically arranged dots.â
This option varies by devices; some people will see the âAdvancedâ option, while some will have to click on the dots at the top-right-edge of their screen
- Click on âSpecial App Access.â
- Select âInstall Unknown Apps.â
- Now, tick the apps you wish to grant access to sideload APK files on your Android device.
Interestingly, you can revoke this permission at any time you wish by simply turning off the access (following the same steps above).
And this is it; following these steps, you can grant permissions to certain apps on your Android to install APK files.
Final Words
This is quite a good security measure from Google, but it doesnât change any critical fact that once can still install suspicious apps unknowingly on Android mobiles. Also, some of the Play Store update issues donât allow us to install and update the app properly. But, Donât panic. Google Play Protect will scan the apps even if you install it from other sources.
Some of the Old Android version users facing âKeep loadingâ problems in the Play Store. In those situations, you can install the app using these methods. I will not encourage those methods. But, If there is no way, it can help you. Also, you should be more careful when installing from third-party sites. Whatsapp and other sites allow users to download the applications directly from their website if they canât update the app using Play Store. Did you face any issues during the Play Store installation? Thus these methods resolved your issues? Comment below.
Selva Ganesh is the Chief Editor of this blog. A Computer Science Engineer by qualification, he is an experienced Android Developer and a professional blogger with over 10 years of industry expertise. He has completed multiple courses under the Google News Initiative, further strengthening his skills in digital journalism and content accuracy. Selva also runs Android Infotech, a widely recognized platform known for providing in-depth, solution-oriented articles that help users around the globe resolve their Android-related issues.
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