[2024] How to Install Apps from Unknown Sources on Android

For Android devices, downloading apps from third-party App Stores other than Google Play Store are referred to as unknown sources. In this article, we will discuss how we can manage the installation of apps from unknown sources safely to fulfil business needs when the app is unavailable on the Google Play Store.

Note: Allowing downloading from unknown sources can be risky for mobile devices. We suggest you enable it for a shorter time when you need to download any necessary app and then revoke it after completion of the downloading process.

1 : How to Install Unknown Apps on Android?

1. How to Install Unknown Apps on Android?

1.1Android Work Managed Devices

Most businesses use custom apps for their operations and require the ability to deploy these apps across multiple devices. However, certain devices may not allow the installation of apps from unknown sources at default. In such instances, a robust tool is essential to facilitate remote configuration.

AirDroid Business allows the IT team to turn on the "Allow unknown sources" option on managed devices remotely and make apk updates & installation easily.

Streamline App Management with MDM Solution

Step 1.Create Policy Config File
Log into the AirDroid Business admin console and navigate to the "Policy & Kiosk" tab. Create a new Policy Config File.

Step 2.Allow Unknown Sources
Click "Restrictions" - "Apps", here are app rules that organizations can customize on managed devices. Turn on the "Allow Unknown Sources" option and apply this configuration to your target device groups.

Step 3.Install "Unknown Apps"
You are now allowed to download and install third-party apps and ensure their proper functioning on your devices. For the apk uploading, please go to "Apps" - "Organization App Library".

1.2Android Oreo, Pie, 10, 11, 12, 13

Step 1:
Check the Settings tab
Open Settings from the main menu of your Android devices and select the "Apps" tab from the list.

Step 2:
Select the Advanced tab
Click the "Advanced" option or the three dots from the top-right corner of the screen.

Step 3:
Select Install unknown apps
Select the "Special App Access" tab and "Install Unknown Apps".

Step 4:
Select the app to download
Now, choose the app that you want to use to download and proceed third-party apps.

Note : Android 8.0 or later versions provide separate options for each App Store or web browser to download apps. For example, if you have more than one web browser on your Android device, you need to enable allow unknown sources for individual browser.

1.3Pre-Android Oreo

Here's how you can easily allow unknown sources on your older Android versions:

Step 1:
Open the Settings tab
Open your phone's Settings and scroll down to select the 'Security' tab.

Step 2:
Tilt the Slider
Search for 'Unknown Sources' and move the slider after the name to turn it ok.

Step 3:
Finish Setup
A pop-up will appear, alarming you of the security risks of downloading apps from unknown sources. Click "OK" to enable it.

1.4Samsung Devices

Step 1:
Choose Security & Privacy
Open the device ‘Settings’ tab and select the "Security & Privacy" option.

Step 2:
Find 'Install unknown apps'
Scroll down, select 'Install unknown apps,' and then choose the platform to download the app. Click on it to enable allow unknown access. Now, you can download the app from the enabled source.

Note : You can also select the Apps option and press three dots to choose special access. Then, you can enable the installation of unknown sources for the selected platform.

1.5Allow APK Install from Unknown Sources(After Downloading)

Step 1:
Open File manager
Open the file manager and tap on the APK file you want to install.

Step 2:
Click on the Settings option
You will get a pop-up: "For your security, your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source." Click settings and enable 'Allow from this source' by moving the slider.

Step 3:
Start Installation
Go back and click on the install button. Click' Done' to view it in the menu bar after downloading.

2. How to Install Unknown Apps Safely?

Read the reviews and check the ratings of apps

Read reviews of the app from other users and find out how well it is rated before downloading any unknown source. The reviews can help you determine other people's good and bad experiences with the app. Watch for comments that refer to problems with security, privacy, or general operation, and make sure the feedback based on each element is consistent. Higher ratings and reviews will indicate that a given app is more trustworthy.

Scan the APK file

When installing an app from an unofficial source, it is essential to scan Android APK files to detect viruses. We suggest you install some reliable anti-virus or security app on your device and complete a scan. It will look for malware, viruses, or other bad stuff inside the APK file and decide if that app is safe to install.

Check app permissions

During the application's setup process, consider what it asks for permission. Watch out when an app asks for excessive or inappropriate access to your system. For example, if a simple flashlight app wants permission to access your contacts, location, or camera, It means they are suspicious and avoid such apps. Allow only the privileges necessary for an app to do what it should.

Turn Google Play Protect on

Google Play Protect is a built-in security feature for Android users that scans apps for potential threats.

To enable Google Play Protect, follow these guidelines:

Open the Google Play Store app.
Click on three horizontal lines to access the menu, then select 'Play Protect.'
Now enable 'Scan apps with Play Protect' to allow Google to scan apps before installing.

This feature will automatically check apps for possible security threats and serve as a second line of defense. It is necessary to keep this feature enabled for continuous scanning of apps.

3. Situations When You Need to Install Apps Outside of the Google Play Store

Certain situations occur when you need to install apps on Android outside the Google Play Store. Here are the three most common use cases when users install apps other than Play Store:

Custom Apps

Large enterprises create custom apps for business operations like file sharing, data storage, and other sensitive tasks. They use MDM solution to upload their custom apps on the private App store and then remote distribute the apps onto all enterprise devices.

AirDroid Business provides an Organization App Library as a private store where administrators can save all the necessary apps and deploy them on managed devices. It is an optimized method to remotely distribute apps to global devices with a single click, eliminating the need for manual installation and downloading on multiple devices.

The IT team can schedule the installation time as needed to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Streamline App Management with MDM Solution

Beta testing

Beta testing is a software analyzing technique usually done at the final stage before releasing the app on official platforms. It is done to ensure apps are free from bugs and usability issues and ready to release.

For beta testing, developers install apps from other platforms to check their credibility and processing.

For some reason, that app is not available on Google Play Store

Sometimes, the required app is not available on Google Play Store or is not showing in search results. Another possibility is that the app cannot download or install on Android devices due to regional restrictions. Users try to find another App Store where they can easily find the specific app needed to continue business operations without delay.

4. How Do We Fix the Screen Overlay Issue?

Like other users, you might face problems installing an APK file on your Android device. Whenever you try, message pop-ups to disable the 'allow install unknown apps' tab from settings. But you see in the setting that it is already disabled, and you cannot enable it after trying several techniques. Even after factory resetting the device, the issue persists.

It is the screen overlay issue; you can quickly resolve it if you know the procedure. Most people get frustrated because they can't find the root cause of this error. Here are simple steps by which you can resolve this issue.

Step 1: Open the device Settings and click the "Biometrics and Security" tab.
Step 2: Then scroll down to find and select "Other Security Settings".
Step 3: Choose the 'Device Admin apps' tab below the Device admin option and deactivate all the device administrator apps.

After that, you will be able to install third-party apps. You can also enable admin apps once you have installed the desired application.

5. Conclusive Note

In this article, we discussed the need to install unknown Android apps. It usually happens when we need an essential business app unavailable on the Google Play Store or for beta testing.

We discussed different Android versions and models to enable the installation of unknown apps and some proactive approaches to incorporate business apps safely.

Enterprises need to install their custom apps on corporate devices to ensure availability business continuity. However, the most effective way for companies is to use an MDM solution, which allows them to create their private app store to save apps and then configure them on bulk devices simultaneously.

FAQs about Android Install Unknown Apps

Q1. How do I protect unknown apps on Android?

Maverick

You can protect your device from security threats while downloading unknown apps by carefully analyzing the app. Check its reviews, ratings, and comments by other users who have tried its services. If you get a positive response, you are safe using the app. You can install anti-virus and risk-analyzing tools on your Android device so it can scan and alert you if its app files contain malicious content. Carefully review app permissions, and you can also enable Google Play Protect to verify app security.

Q2. How do I install an APK file on my Android?

Maverick

Get the APK file and save it in your file manager. Click on it and open settings from the pop-up that appears. Enable the option 'install unknown sources' and click the install button to process. It will start installing, and after completion, you can use it on your Android phone.

Q3. Is it safe to install Android apps from unknown sources?

Maverick

Installing Android apps from unknown sources might be risky, so it is better to avoid such apps. But if you need a crucial app, you should follow proactive approaches to verify app security. Install the app by providing limited access and preventing access to your sensitive data.