Open sesame

[Rgarner]

What does it take to open an apk? I recently downloaded one and was told I had no way to do that. If I really need such a thing, what would you recommend (safe, trustworthy, not bloaty, etc.)?

 

[ocnbrze]

if you download an apk, you can't open it. you have to install it which any file manager should be able to do

 

[kate]

Do you want to open it, or install it?

On a computer you can use a program like 7zip to view the files inside since APK files are like archives, probably can do the same on a phone.

To install an APK not from Google Play first enable installing from Unknown Sources. Up until Android 7 Nougat the option to install from Unknown Sources was located in Settings - Security - Unknown Sources. Starting with Android 8 Oreo the steps to install from Unknown Sources changed, it's now per app instead of any app.

Here is how to enable installing from Unknown Sources from Chrome:
https://www.howtogeek.com/324270/how-android-oreo-changed-sideloading-and-why-its-a-good-thing/

When you're installing apps from unknown sources make sure they are from a legitimate source. Don't download apps from untrusted sites, or apps that have bad reviews.

 

[Rgarner]

I want to do whatever it takes to use it. Files says it cannot preview this type of file and I have nothing to open it. I can't be the only one who is tired of this nonsense.

 

[ocnbrze]

I want to do whatever it takes to use it. Files says it cannot preview this type of file and I have nothing to open it. I can't be the only one who is tired of this nonsense.

to use the apk file you just install it, you do not open it. the link that @kate gave should help you out.

i do not call this nonsense. it is what you have to do if you want to get away from google. once you understand the process it will become easier.

 

[Rgarner]

I hope. I just checked allow installation from unknown sources. Supposedly Files is allowed to do this. Why is it giving me grief about installing this apk?

 

[ocnbrze]

I hope. I just checked allow installation from unknown sources. Supposedly Files is allowed to do this. Why is it giving me grief about installing this apk?

thats what you want. otherwise malicious apps could download and install apks without you knowing it....its a security feature which you should appreciate.

 

[puppykickr]

Doesn't your device already have a package installer?

Anyway, there are multiple types of apks now, and here is an installer that I use and like very much.

Be sure to check which version is compatible with your device.

https://m.apkpure.com/xapk-installer/com.wuliang.xapkinstaller

 

[Rgarner]

I obviously don't want malware, but I also should be able to do some sideloading. If I know an app or apk to be malicious, I won't bother with it. Formerly I trusted apkpure, but not any more. After my recent bad experience with it, I would not recommend it to anyone.

 

[ocnbrze]

I obviously don't want malware, but I also should be able to do some sideloading. If I know an app or apk to be malicious, I won't bother with it. Formerly I trusted apkpure, but not any more. After my recent bad experience with it, I would not recommend it to anyone.

well yes you can side load apps, that is what apk's are designed for. but you do not want to make it too easy. otherwise, like i said earlier, malicious content would be a lot easier and more proliferate.

 

[puppykickr]

I obviously don't want malware, but I also should be able to do some sideloading. If I know an app or apk to be malicious, I won't bother with it. Formerly I trusted apkpure, but not any more. After my recent bad experience with it, I would not recommend it to anyone.

What happened with APK Pure?
I use it all the time and never have had any issue.

 

[Rgarner]

I'm pretty sure that's the one I downloaded and then found a bunch of mysteriously added apps, all games except Pandora (I think). This was on the TCL, which I haven't helped with lately. Things kept popping up until I removed the apparently malicious offender.

 

[puppykickr]

I'm pretty sure that's the one I downloaded and then found a bunch of mysteriously added apps, all games except Pandora (I think). This was on the TCL, which I haven't helped with lately. Things kept popping up until I removed the apparently malicious offender.

I really dont know what you are talking about.
It is simple to find what apps can install apps without permission.
Apk Pure and the xapk installer I recommended are not capable of that, as far as I know.
I will check.
Anyway, I have been using them for years.
The xapk installer is just that- nothing more. It does not even require internet access, so it cannot download anything.
You do not need to have Apk Pure for it to work.

 

[Rgarner]

Thanks, I did download APK Installer and that made it possible to install the apk I meant. Then I found there was another that had not been installed, but it probably can't be. There was a problem parsing the package, whatever that means.

 

[puppykickr]

Thanks, I did download APK Installer and that made it possible to install the apk I meant. Then I found there was another that had not been installed, but it probably can't be. There was a problem parsing the package, whatever that means.

Most likely that means that the apk is not the right version for your device.

Most apps have multiple versions to work with different arms.

 

[puppykickr]

Also, that xapk installer gives you the option to delete apks from the device.

Pull from the top to refresh.

 

[DoraIzchi]

to use the apk file you just install it, you do not open it. the link that @kate gave should help you out.

i do not call this nonsense. it is what you have to do if you want to get away from google. once you understand the process it will become easier.

What do you mean "if you want to get away from Google" ? I keep getting a notice "cannot open this file type" after ive tried moving videos or pics to a memory card. Or when sent by email. Idk what does that have to do with google?

 

[ocnbrze]

What do you mean "if you want to get away from Google" ? I keep getting a notice "cannot open this file type" after ive tried moving videos or pics to a memory card. Or when sent by email. Idk what does that have to do with google?

well the op, is trying to be as non google as one can be on android. rather than get the apps from the play store, he is trying to install apk's instead.....so that is what i meant by "if you want to get away from google".

what files are these that you are talking about? maybe your issue should be in its own thread?

 

[puppykickr]

What do you mean "if you want to get away from Google" ? I keep getting a notice "cannot open this file type" after ive tried moving videos or pics to a memory card. Or when sent by email. Idk what does that have to do with google?

Depending upon the device, sometimes a restart is needed to read media after it has been moved to the SD card.
(The device I am using right now, for example.)

Also, you are limited to 20MB per e-mail, so if the media is larger than this it is possible that the file is not being sent at all or is incomplete.