How to Install Android APK on Your Phone Manually

Usually we know that Android apps can be downloaded directly from the Android Market. In some cases, apps are not available from the Market and you have to install them manually using a APK file that you downloaded to your computer.

It may sound very easy and many of you would be already knowing this, but to most of the Android users – they are always stuck at how to install apps using a APK file. I have covered a step-by-step tutorial below.

How to Install Android APK on Your Phone Manually

Follow the steps below carefully to install an APK file using a file manager in Android phones.

Step 1 – Download the APK file in your computer. We’ll call the file as sample.apk here. If you downloaded directly on your phone, it will be in the folder called ‘downloads’ on SD card.

Step 2 - Download ASTRO File Manager from the Android Market on your phone. You can use any other file manager as well.

Step 3 -Now in your phone, go to Settings > Applications > check “Unknown sources” box. Tap ‘OK” on the warning.

OR

For Android 4.0+ users: Go to Settings > Security > scroll down and check “Unknown sources” box. Tap ‘OK” on the warning.

Step 4 -Connect your phone to the PC and transfer the sample.apk file anywhere in your SD card or phone memory.

Step 5 -Disconnect from PC and navigate through the app to your directory where the APK is transferred.

Step 6 -Tap on the sample.apk file. A popup will show up. Now tap on the “Open App Manager” button.

Step 7 -Tap on the Install button. It will then take you to the Android installation interface where it will show you the permissions required for the app. Tap ‘Install’ again for the installation to begin.

That’s it! The application is now installed in your phone!