How many times have you bumped into an Android program while browsing online that you plan to install but cannot find it on Google Play Store? If your answer is “many times”, then let me introduce a concept called Sideloading. Here, you can install your favorite apps without any complications.
P.S.: Beware!! It involves risks!
Understanding The Term “sideloading”
It is an expression to install apps on Android phones without downloading directly from Google Play Store. Here, you can download APK (Android Package Kit) file directly on your phone, which is referred to as installation files for Android.
Now, the question arises why would anyone want to sideload an app. There are apps that are not available on the Play store but can be found online on a popular forum. Or your developer friend wants to test his app before he publishes it. Here, you can use sideloading to get those apps.
Before going through the installation process, you must understand that installing apps from other sources rather than Google Play Store may give invitation to viruses and malware. So, consider yourself warned!
The process of sideloading app is different for Android Oreo. So, if you have ever sideloaded apps in other versions or in any other phone, understand that the method for downloading apps from other sources in your phone is not the same as it was in earlier versions.
What’s New with Android Oreo?
The latest version lets you sideload apps in safer way. With Android Oreo, you have more control over apps that are meant to be downloaded. It allows more than one setting while permitting programs to be installed from unidentified sources. Also, this new version allows you to keep your mobile system safe while you install apps via sideloading.
Despite the level of security Android Oreo is offering, hackers can hack into your account and corrupt your device. Hence, remaining cautious is the only option available while sideloading. Make sure the apps you are loading come from trusted sources like APKMirror and APKPure.
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How to Sideload in Oreo
Steps
1 : Start with swiping down from the top to expand the menu. Find Settings and click on it.
2: Open “Apps & Notifications” and click on the Advanced menu.
3: Choose Special App Access.
4 :Select “Install Unknown Apps.”
5: You will find a list of apps that can download APK files. By default, none of these apps can actually download.
6: Click one of them that you want to use for downloading apps and then toggle the switch on.
7: Now, when you will visit the previous menu, the word “yes” will appear, if you have opted for Chrome. This shows that your program is now eligible for downloading apps from other sources apart from Google Play Store.
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Though sideloading apps gives you liberty to use phone in your desired way but it is advisable to remain cautious. But if you stay attentive for malicious programs, you can relish loads of new options on your Android device.