Android Tips

Simple Guide to Installing Android APK Files

•  Copy the APK file you want to install to your phone’s memory card and insert the card into your Android phone.
• To install applications from other sources, you also need go to Settings -> Application Settings and enable Unknown Sources.
•  Just Download Astro File Manager.
• Open it and click on the Install button.
• After it is installed, just open it. It will show you all the APK files stored directly in the root directory of your memory card.
• Just click on the application you want to install and it will be installed.

Installing Applications Through the Google Play Store

The Google Play Store is essentially Android’s answer to Apple’s iPhone App Store. As of September 2009, the Google Play Store already offered well over 10,000 applications, and this number has only continued to grow. In addition to the applications the Google Play Store offers, you can also use it to install other downloaded third party applications.

• - Copy the APK file to your Android’s memory card and insert the card into your phone.
• - Download and install the Apps Installer application from the Android Market
• - Once installed, the Apps Installer will display the APK files on the memory card.
• - Click and install your APK files.

Installing Applications With Android SDK

It is possible to install APK files without utilizing the Google Play Store, although the process is more difficult and complex.
To avoid the Google Play Store, you need to use Android SDK.
Download and install the Google Android SDK program and the Android USB drivers. The download links are as follows:

http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html

http://developer.android.com/sdk/win-usb.html

You need to modify your Android’s settings to allow the installation of applications from other sources. Under “Settings,” select “Application Settings” and then enable “Unknown Sources.” Also under “Settings,” select “SD Card” and “Phone Storage,” and finally enable “Disable Use for USB Storage”

This last step is easy. Open Command Prompt and type the following: adb install /.apk
However, when you type the command, replace with the path to your APK file and replace with the name of the APK file.


You’re done! Your application is now ready for your use and enjoyment.