• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Help Problem Installing Zip Files

msaly

Lurker
Is it not possible to install programs by downloading a zip file from the phone? With the recent Play Store updates, I have gone to the Media Fire link and downloaded the file with my GN, but when I try to install it does not work. I have to search around for the apk file, which works fine. When those links are posted on Phandroid, is it intended that people are downloading onto a PC first? I'm not rooted - is it a root issue? Thanks.
 
You can unzip files on your phone without root. There are several free apps in the Play store to do this with. I use Root Explorer (paid and worth it if rooted), but I'm pretty sure ES File Explorer, ASTRO and AndroZip (all free) are capable of unzipping those on your phone for you. I'm sure the .apk is just compressed in the zip file, so you have to unzip it first to get to the .apk.
 
On a side note, be careful what you are unzipping. Plenty of files and apps that come from these outside sources contain bugs or even malware that can mess up your phone.
 
Back
Top Bottom