I want to download a app not in Google Play Store

[Cinque8]

Hello,

I have a Nokia 3.1 cell phone running Android 8.0.0. I would like to download an app that is not in the Google Play Store. What changes do I need to make in settings so that I can download this app?

Thank you

 

[The_Chief]

Go to Settings for security and turn on 'unknown sources'. This will allow you to install apps from other sources than the Play store. In fact, if you download an app's apk, this needs to be turned on to install it. I advise keeping it turned off unless you are installing an app, though.

 

[Dannydet]

Install at your own risk

 

[Shotgun84]

There are plenty of reasons to install an app from another source, ie, gambling apps in the UK. As long it's from a legit source don't worry. On a side note, honestly I'd laugh at the guy who stole my identity. Good luck paying that debt back

 

[Cinque8]

Thanks for the information Chief.

 

[psionandy]

There are plenty of reasons to install an app from another source, ie, gambling apps in the UK. As long it's from a legit source don't worry.

Of course, that begs the question about what a legit source is, how they are verifying the veracity of the app, what security measures they have in place. Even the mighty Fortnite which is only available outside the google play store, has been found to have a major security flaw which could compromise the device. Now Fortnite was noticed because it is popular and lots of people were looking at it. Smaller apps from other sites may not be noticed. So as Dannydet so wisely said.

Install at your own risk

 

[KBU2]

As a precautionary measure, download you a app analyzer that gives you developers information, location, list of permissions etc. So you have a greater scale of knowledge of what the app is doing and what it may cause on your device.

 

[Hadron]

The source you wish to download from can be a good indicator of safety. There are curated repositories, such as F-droid (open source) or apkmirror (old versions of Play Store apps), which are pretty safe. There are developers who make apps that Google won't allow into the Play Store, such as many ad-blocking apps. Then there are sites that anyone can upload anything to, and sites which offer "cracked" apps (paid apps for "free"), both of which are very risky.