What setting to change to download 3rd party apps

There are plenty of places to get your app fix outside of the official Android Market, but there's just one hoop you'll have to jump through first. Fortunately, it's usually very easy to enable this functionality. We outline the process in the video above, but here's the abridged version:. You should now be able to install apps that you download from the Amazon App Store, from your alternative app store of choice, or from your favorite Android enthusiast forum. Amazon should handle the installation automatically, but from other sources you may have to download and launch the app's Android Package APK file yourself.

Unfortunately, not all Android devices will offer this option. You can get around this restriction by rooting your phone, but that's the subject of another How to. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read.

Third party apps stores are another popular way to get apps without the Play Store. You can check out our list of the best third party app stores by clicking here.

You should be able to open your new third party app store, download apps, and install them without worries. To be frank, most apps you find on most third party apps stores are available in the Play Store anyway. However, there are some exclusives here and there. Plus, F-Droid in particular is a neat place for some power user tools and stuff like that.

You should be able to easily install APKs and third party app stores now. If we missed anything, let us know in the comments! How to install third party apps without the Google Play Store There are plenty of other ways to get apps from outside of Google Play. Here is how to install apps from APKs and other third party app stores! How To By Jose. Android is an open-source platform and, thus, you have more options than you do with something like iOS.

One of those freedoms is the ability to install third-party apps from outside of the Google Play Store. However, for whatever reason, you want to install something from somewhere else.

We can definitely still help with that. Android 8. You can either navigate to your Download folder using a file browser app or simply begin the install by clicking on the completed download in your mobile browser. Android will ask you to grant permission to either the file browser or your web browser to install the app. Grant the permission and it should bounce you back to the installation screen.

If not, navigate back to your Download folder after granting the permission to try again. The app should safely install. Download the APK you want to install. Navigate to your phone settings menu then to the security settings. Enable the Install from Unknown Sources option. Use a file browser and navigate to your download folder.