FAB-MIND-OSby Fabrice

Android guide

How to install an APK

Apps are APK files downloaded directly, without the Play Store. Here is how to install them in under a minute.

  1. Step 1

    Download the APK

    Tap "Download" on the app page. The .apk file is saved to your phone's Downloads folder.

  2. Step 2

    Open the file

    Tap the "Download complete" notification, or open the Files app › Downloads and tap the .apk file.

  3. Step 3

    Allow "Install unknown apps"

    The first time, Android asks you to allow your browser (Chrome, Samsung Internet…) to install apps. Tap "Settings", turn on "Allow from this source", then go back. This is an Android security setting, needed only once per browser.

  4. Step 4

    Tap "Install"

    Confirm the installation and wait a few seconds.

  5. Step 5

    Open the app

    Tap "Open" or find the icon on your home screen. You're all set!

Troubleshooting

"App not installed"

The file is often incomplete, or a differently signed version is already installed. Download the APK again; if it persists, uninstall the old version and reinstall.

Play Protect warning

Play Protect may flag an app that doesn't come from the Play Store. Tap "More details" then "Install anyway" if you trust the publisher.

Not enough storage

Free up space (photos, videos, unused apps): installing needs about twice the APK size.

Updating an existing app

Download the new version and install it over the old one: your data is kept, no need to uninstall.

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