Install apps from unknown sources in Android

Install apps from unknown sources in Android

Here is how to allow unknown sources on Android. To install APK files on Android devices, you need to enable unknown sources from the phone's settings.

" Unknown sources" are places outside of the Google Play Store where you can download an APK file, which is a bundled version of the app. It is called "unknown sources" as these apps are not trusted by Android, because they haven't been submitted for review by the folks at Google. However this app distribution is useful for private distribution such is the case with the SOVA app, as it requires a subscription to use. Downloading an APK and installing it without using the Google Play Store is a process called "sideloading". 

Android protects users from inadvertently downloading and installing untrusted applications. Users must explicitly approve unknown sources to be enabled in settings. This process is different depending on the version of Android that you have on your device.

Beware of applications from unknown sources that you authorize: some may be fraudulent or malicious

For old Android versions (4.0, Lollipop 5.0, Marshmallow 6.0, Nougat 7.0)
  1. Tap the Settings app
  2. Tap Security
  3. Check the option Unknown sources
  4. Tap OK on the prompt message
  5. Select Trust
If you are running Android 9.0 and later, you will need to allow Unknown sources for each app willing to install an APK file.

For New Android Versions (Oreo, Pie, Android 10, 11 and 12)
  1. Tap the Settings app
  2. Tap Apps & notifications
  3. Tap Special app access
  4. Tap Install unknown apps. Select the browser (e.g., Chrome or Firefox) you want to download the APK files from
  5. Toggle Allow from this source to 'on'

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