Simple Guide to Installing Android APK Files

Written by: Simon Hill • Edited by: Wendy Finn
Updated May 2, 2011 • Related Guides: Android | Android Market | Android Phone

This tutorial will show you how to install APK - Android Package files on your Android Phone. Various methods are discussed and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions are provided.

Android is one of the most promising mobile platforms currently available on the market. Many more new Android smartphones are expected in the coming year and they are getting more and more powerful. One of the best features of the Android OS is the availability of third party applications.

There are various ways to install third party applications on your Android based phones:

The first way is by installing applications through the online Android Market, which we have already covered (check out this basic tutorial on How To Install Apps and Games on Android).
The second way is to manually install APK applications developed using the Android SDK on your Android phone.

APK applications are basically Android package applications. If you don't want to use the Android Market app on your phone then you can try these solutions. The easiest methods are described in the easy alternative ways to install APK files section below.

Through the Android Market

To install APK applications on your Android phone do the following:

Copy the APK file you want to install to your phone's memory card and insert the card into your Android phone.
Go to Android Market and search for the Apps Installer, App Installer, z-App Installer or Fast Installer application.
Open it and click on the Install button.
After it is installed, just open it. It will show you all the APK files stored directly in the root directory of your memory card.
Just click on the application you want to install and it will be installed.

You could also just install a file manager app like Astro File Manager and then browse to the APK and install it.

Using the Android SDK

There is another method that can be used, you can install APK files into your phone using the Android SDK. Download the Android SDK.

First of all, install the Android SDK on your computer. You will also need to install the Android USB drivers to connect the SDK to your phone via USB. You can download it from here - http://dl.google.com/android/android_usb_windows.zip .

To install applications from other sources, you also need go to Settings -> Application Settings and enable Unknown Sources. Also go to Settings -> SD Card and Phone Storage -> Disable Use for USB Storage. You can enable it again later.

Next, just open Command Prompt and type: adb install path/file.apk

Where path is the full path to the APK file and file is the name of the APK application file. Your application is now installed. This is all you need to do, now just open the application on your phone and use it.

Easy Alternative Ways to Install APK Files

As long as you have enabled Unknown Sources as mentioned above there are some very easy alternative ways to get that APK file on to your Android device. As discussed in our Android Tips and Tricks article you could use the DropBox or Awesome Drop apps to transfer the APK file wirelessly. You could also e-mail the APK file to the e-mail account on your Android phone. Once the APK is on your phone just tap on it and it should prompt the install process.

If you have any problems, questions or comments then please post them.

References

Author's own experience.

Dudududu Jan 22, 2012 3:29 PM

RE: Simple Guide to Installing Android APK Files

10x

Ciaed Jan 18, 2012 2:59 AM

thanks your tutorial.. its useful..

Jomson George Dec 2, 2011 10:25 AM

I was struggling to install APK files to my android. Let me try this. Thanks for suggesting:)

boopathyD Dec 2, 2011 9:32 AM

Many of my friends still struggle to install android apps in their mobile. This article would be a great help for them. Thanks brother!!

Simon Hill Nov 17, 2011 10:00 AM

If you're talking about pre-installed apps try this article for advice - http://www.brighthub.com/mobil...

geeza Nov 16, 2011 2:18 AM

I'm really keen on buying a Smart TV HD Box, but it tells me in all the blurb that I will need APK Files to run programs...I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to latest gizmo's, so any help will be appreciated thanks

Simon Hill Oct 10, 2011 5:00 AM

RE: Uninstall app

Try pressing Menu button > Settings > Applications > Manage Applications and choose the one you want rid of and uninstall it from there.

Webster Oct 8, 2011 6:07 PM

Uninstalling Problem

I Have an app that I downloaded but did not like it.So just how i installed It, I went to the Android market and found the app and selected uninstall.After it was being it says it uninstalling but It still end's up installed.I CAN NOT UNINSTALL IT PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

Simon Hill Sep 29, 2011 5:45 AM

RE: adb not recognized

It could be because of where you installed the sdk, make sure the command prompt is looking in the right place - it has a default path. You can always try typing cd \{path}\android-sdk-windows\tools first, where path is the exact location of your sdk.

thedirector227 Sep 24, 2011 4:36 PM

Update

Simple install...download, and email it to yourself. It will ask you to install...no problems.

ISSUE- After installation, the app looks for an update which prompts a Download...which doesn't exist. App then closes, game over.

Phone: Sprint EVO 4G

zack Aug 31, 2011 8:57 PM

problem

instruction on a game i downloaded said i need to copy Data folder to MS Root/Android/Data but i cant find it im usuing root explorer cause my phone is rooted but i cant find that path i cant access root folder but it is empty i try just installing in but it wont work any help would be really great

Simon Hill Aug 26, 2011 4:54 AM

RE: Command Prompt

Sorry Eric I'm not sure why that would be, as long as the filepath is correct it should work. Why not just use Awesome Drop or email it to the phone?

Erik Aug 24, 2011 10:09 AM

Command Prompt -adb install

Simon thanks for that. Yes I've got the mac terminal up etc but when I enter adb install fiepath/apk.apk I get a command unknown prompt.
Ive save the app.apk in a folder on my desktop, so I think the file path is fine.
Any ideas?
Cheers

Simon Hill Aug 24, 2011 4:29 AM

RE: Command prompt

The command prompt is on your PC, in Windows 7 it would be Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. In Mac I think its the Terminal which will be in Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Erik Aug 23, 2011 7:31 PM

Newbie

Im at a loss!
Ive downloaded SDk on to my Mac, connected my device via USB but can't find the 'adb devices' command in /platform tools. There is an 'adb' command?
Also where then do you run command 'adb install' <app.pk>?
Any ideas?
Help much appreciated guys!
Cheers
Erik

Simon Hill Aug 9, 2011 6:36 AM

For info on uninstalling apps that come installed on your phone check out this article - http://www.brighthub.com/mobile/google-android/articles/82517.aspx

Amanda Aug 8, 2011 6:32 PM

Deleting apps already on my cell

I would like to remove some of the market apps that I do not use how can I do it?

kurlghimire Jul 12, 2011 10:56 AM

I can't install application in my htc desire hd A9191. please help me

Anonymous Jul 11, 2011 9:40 AM

my file manager

my file manager does'nt have any install button.. im using a torque i68 flow android phone so i cant install any apk files.. :((
should i download another file manager?

Anonymous Jul 8, 2011 9:14 AM

Im kinda lost. I changed the OP to my nook color, so it is now an android tablet. Im trying to install a couple games to it, but i wanted to put them on a memory card instead of using a USB...is that possible?

Sajan Jul 7, 2011 2:56 PM

Connect your phone using USB, and enable DEBUG and from your adb sdk location - typically C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools

run command
adb devices -- this will list your device

adb install <yourapp.apk>
-- should say SUCCESS if all goes well

thats all I do - [ this maybe specific to Motorola Atrix ] not sure

nicolas Jun 19, 2011 11:08 PM

thank you

THANK YOU SO MUCH, YOUR GUIDE HELPS ME ALOT. I LOVE YOU

Simon Hill Jun 9, 2011 7:12 AM

Acer A500

Hi Alicia, there are a few possible solutions discussed here - http://www.androidtablets.net/forum/android-tablet-q/14330-download-unsuccessful-market-apps-acer-iconia-tab-a500.html
Good luck hope something there works for you.

alicia Jun 9, 2011 7:05 AM

big problem

hi simon

I'm having an big problem with my acer A500. I cannot even install an game from the android market. i really need your help thanks you

Simon Hill Jun 8, 2011 8:48 AM

You can find APK files at various locations online such as http://www.freewarelovers.com/android

soumya Jun 6, 2011 3:16 AM

can u tell me where can i download .apk files from.............

Wolfgang Machert May 26, 2011 5:28 AM

adb path

To those looking for the path to the adb command:

First you need to have the "Android SDK platform-tools" (in whatever latest revision) installed using the Android SDK and AVD Manager.
Afterwards you can find the adb command at "{sdk}/platform-tools/adb" for OSX, or "{sdk}/tools/adb.exe" for Windows - where {sdk} is the path to your installed android sdk.

Samuel May 20, 2011 11:45 PM

what about htc sunc

htc sync, easy download and install, has built in easy application install feature, tell it where an apk is and it auto installs it.

Cecilia Abadie Apr 16, 2011 1:01 PM

Installing through Gmail

If you email your .apk to yourself, when you open the email on your android it automatically shows you a Install button and it's as easy as clicking Install.

lbb Mar 29, 2011 2:42 PM

I have the same question that has been asked probably half a dozen times in this thread. People are saying use "adb install blah de blah de blah" from a windows command prompt. Okay. WHAT IS THE PATH???? Windows can't find it, you need to know what the path is in order to do this! Why can't anyone answer this simple question??? Ain't hard people...

Jimmy Mar 26, 2011 8:23 AM

APK Manager for windows and linux

Thanks for brief guide of how to download apk to Android phone. If some one searching for APK Manager for Windows and Linux follow this link http://goo.gl/rUd1B

Keep sharing.

Peter Mar 12, 2011 1:02 AM

Eclipse

Thanks for this guide. I'm using Eclipse and can test an applicaton on an emulator with no problem. a Compile generate an APK file.. I can also export and sign the solution with a keystore. Not clear on how to deploy the solution to my Android phone though. Thanks. http://koowie.com/pete

Simon Hill Feb 24, 2011 5:02 AM

You can check here for some alternative methods - http://www.brighthub.com/mobile/google-android/articles/107781.aspx

Klaas Drurrer Feb 23, 2011 4:42 PM

Bizarre

I'm sure that my lack of knowledge about android is the basis of my problem. Installing without the Android market seems impossible. And the answer supposedly is... installing an SDK. Clearly, if I could install something I wouldn't have a problem. However the problem IS that I cannot install an application... Any suggestions, because I'm lost at the moment.

Ricky Martin Feb 18, 2011 8:56 AM

android injector

I agree with Kyle D. Android Injector is the easiest one. Use it guys... You will love it.

An easy way is to use freeware Android Injector from http://www.harmonyhollow.net/android_injector.shtml

D Feb 12, 2011 1:25 PM

@Pratim

Just figured this out:
the apk that you're installing is supposed to be on the _source_ computer, not on the phone or its SD card!

pratim ganguly Feb 9, 2011 10:55 PM

problem faced in manual installation

i tried to install by the manual process adb install path/file.apk but every time i do it the message comes as not found...... cant understand why.......

clrncd1511 Feb 8, 2011 10:11 AM

@sabev

go to the market, look on the top right for the magnifying glass, enter "Apps installer" for the search term.

Kyle D Feb 4, 2011 7:19 PM

An easy way is to use freeware Android Injector from http://www.harmonyhollow.net/android_injector.shtml

lulo lulito Feb 1, 2011 12:16 PM

Copy to SD card

You can plug in the phone to your computer, enable Disk Drive on the phone, then copy the file over to the phone from your computer.

i would suggest you download File Manager from the market, also if you want Premium apps free, go to <a> http://www.iportable.net </a>
there a lot of apps on that website, just copy the apk over to the phone, or like someone else suggested, email it to yourself!

peace out!

JimC Jan 18, 2011 10:24 AM

Or just e-mail the APK

You can e-mail the APK to yourself and just install from the attachment.

Seems to be the easiest way. No?

Frank Jan 16, 2011 3:42 PM

Just found an other easy way of installing .apk files.

This is only if your PC does not have a SD reader or if you forgot your USB cable. Or.. For newbies..

Do it the online way with www.apkinstall.com

I found the info on the XDA forum.

Jay Jan 3, 2011 9:14 AM

2nd Option

Thanks Eric, this is much easier. I had tried the "adk' option without results, it gives me the error msg "windows cannot find "abd" ....

Vance Dec 30, 2010 12:18 PM

Windows 7?

Is there a USB driver for Windows 7?

Monte Hardman Dec 29, 2010 7:08 PM

command prompt problem

Hey i am receiving the same problem as naif awlia, i installed the program correctly and i have no clue why this is not working for me. I am running off of a windows OS. respond soon please

sabev Dec 17, 2010 5:14 AM

how to install APK files

Thanks for the answer, Pathik. Still can't understand where and how to find the application called "Apps Installer" u mentioned.

hptalon Dec 15, 2010 7:27 AM

Question - rooting

I just modded my phone and I can't add an account now because cant connect to server.

so how can I
install the the google addon .apk that should fix but don't know to.

with and without the sdk.
actually I prefer if it is possible without the sdk manager

sabev Dec 13, 2010 2:36 PM

aqpps installation

everybody is speaking about the Apps installer on Android market. Where is this stuff ????

vuji Dec 6, 2010 4:54 AM

easiest way

go to market get app called fourshared

then open app and search whatever app you want and ad ".apk" at the end

click on whichever link u desire wait how ever long it tells u usually 45 secs

click download

once downloaded open it and install it

thats it no rooting no desktops no nothin'

lilyoizle Dec 5, 2010 3:54 PM

@naif awlia

are you typing "adp" or "adb"?

the command is "adb install path/file.apk"

also are you on a windows OS?

as long as you have SDK installed correctly, that should work with no issues.

Khaled Dec 3, 2010 8:11 AM

Erics way

Eric's way warked for me 100% on X10 Mini pro (u20i)

naif awlia Nov 26, 2010 3:40 AM

a command prompt problem

i am havign a problem. i down loaded all the necessary file and i installed the SDK as well as JDK and the USB driver. now when i go to the command prompt and type adp install path/.akp it shows me this message
'adp' is not recognized as an internal of external command, operable program or batch file.

so what do i do? please help

Jeremy (Captivate) Nov 1, 2010 2:52 AM

Galaxy S I897 HELP

I have everything from SuperUser to Astro. but my phone has no "enable Unknown Sources" button from my understanding..... can anyone help me? (i have the well known message "For security, your phone is set to block installation of applications not sourced in Android Market")

Amanda Oct 31, 2010 10:22 AM

Thanks!

Yay! Angry Birds disappeared from the market just when I rooted my phone. When I rooted I had to install SDK tools - so happy to know how to install using ADB - so much easier and faster than downloading via phone. Thanks!

(BTW am on a mac - to use adb you need to put ./ in front of your command. Non mac, you also need to be in the directory where you've installed the SDK tools, or know how to tell your system where it is.)

redsoxfan Oct 30, 2010 11:54 PM

installed apk files from pc

hi guys, i installed the astro file manager and was able to transfer my apk games.
now when i installed the games it says this
1. storage(modify/delete sd card contents)
2. network communication(full internet access)
3. phone calls(rad phone state and identity)

i was wondering when i play the games does that mean that the phone can connect to the internet and use my data usage (internet usage time) and does this program can actually modify the sd card.

redsoxfan Oct 30, 2010 11:44 PM

installed astro file manager

ok i can install my downloaded apk files, now my question when i install games it says.
allow this application to:
1 storage(modify/delete sd card contents)
2. phone calls(read phone state and identity.
3.network communication(full internet access)
i was wondering does it mean when i play the game it is accessing the internet and using up my data service (internet usage time)

Tarek N. Elsamni Oct 23, 2010 11:15 AM

Great website

http://android-apk.info

is a great website to provide APK files for the famous android program sources ..

Joseph Mudd Oct 13, 2010 7:28 PM

apk google earth

installed app installer on lg alley,put apk earth on my sd card app installer found it like they said it would. Iinstalled it but it kept telling me it was not installed. what do i do now?

Sanjeev Sep 30, 2010 4:29 AM

How to install .apk

YouWave Sep 29, 2010 4:57 PM

Another way is through YouWave

If your phone is "rooted", you can now wirelessly install Android apps from PC to your phone using Youwave Android software. With an ADB server running on your phone, such as the free app "ADBWireless", and a WiFi connection, installation can be done in a few clicks of your mouse.

Harshit Patel Sep 16, 2010 10:31 AM

Where to download APK files (Application files from)?

Thanks for sharing on how to install application using SDK, but my question is where can I download "APK" files from, in the android website there i s no link to download on a pc, pls guide?

Phil Sep 8, 2010 11:16 AM

Almost

My experience varied in two ways. First, I did not install the USB 3 drivers because A) Windows already installed drivers (turns out they are just the mass storage drivers) and B) I had already downloaded the USB 3 drivers in the Android SDK utility. I still needed to tell Windows to install them.

Second, no matter what I tried, I ADB kept giving me "device not found" errors. This is because I tried it before installing the drivers. Once the drivers were installed, the daemon was already running and wouldn't search again. To fix it, I had to run "ADB kill-server" to shut down the daemon. After that, running the instructions as posted restarted the daemon and worked.

HTC Magic, CyanogenMod 6

firdy Sep 4, 2010 3:12 AM

great!

Thanks for these instructions. Managed to installe mybackup pro using them!

Sheridan Aug 20, 2010 12:18 AM

Worked like a charm

Thanks for the instructions, Pathik!

abdul Aug 11, 2010 8:04 AM

andriod market

I have milestone motorolla but there i no icon for andoid market on my decktop ?

josh Aug 11, 2010 6:40 AM

cant find it

i have done everything you have sed to do and once i have installed it i cant find it on the fone.

DroidCLH Jul 17, 2010 3:06 PM

Fetching

I installed the SKD but under aviaable packages it says that i failed to fetch the URL for some reason? Help?

kimmy belgrade Jul 12, 2010 4:16 PM

installing apk files on HTC SMART

hi guy's i am having a problem...how can i do this i try with sdk, i try to download astro file menager but i cant install it on mobile because it is "APK" file... remember that i don't have anything to open that files with... can u help me? how to install astro fm on htc smart? my email is: kimmybgd85@hotmail.com t.y.

Margo Jul 3, 2010 9:30 AM

kudos to you Dinesh. I was just about to give my new phone to my dog to play with when I came across your instrucs, thank you, thank you, thank you
margo Perth.

Justin Luttrell Jul 1, 2010 1:11 AM

You are a GOD Dinesh Kumar

Your advice was the easiest, and most useful. You sir deserve an altar. Kudos!

martin Jun 28, 2010 8:21 PM

all of these solutions have 1 thing in common

They all require you to check allow unknown sources. AT&T has removed this option from their phones. Does anyone know a workaround?

beruff55 Jun 25, 2010 12:20 PM

apk files

to get apk. files i go to andriodplayground.com and i paid 10 a year and it has all tohe apps and games for andriods. download them to your phone and the use like Astro File Manager to find them then hit install when the phone well not let you install them hit the settings button and the first box that you see hit that and then back out and try it again. that should do it i have every game there is on my phone, there is even games that are not on the android market place but there only for the droid cell phone. you can look at the apps for free but to download them you got to pay if you paypal me 5 ill give you my account that im paying for and download all you want (beruff55@gmail

rohan Jun 22, 2010 4:50 AM

can we install apk on sdcard ?help......

i am using android g1 with 1.5 sdk
i am apk on sdcard .firstly is it possible for 1.5 sdk
secondly-> i have downloaded astromanager but while installing it gives insufficient space,even if there is space in mobile and in sdcard

omer Jun 13, 2010 6:19 PM

arabic android

I have a HTC hero. I am unable to browse on Arabic websites. I have downloaded a apk but I don't know how to put the apk into my phone. i have followed all the processes that are written here above. Also I need to know how to root my phone.

Can you explane me how to please?

Omer

Dinesh Kumar Jun 9, 2010 9:40 AM

How to Install APK files on your Google Android Phone

Hi,
Above all is just a waste of time.
Follow this simple route:
At least for one time u should activate internet services from ur network.
Then download Astro File Manager (2 MB) to your android mobile.
Install it and that's it.
Now disconnect from internet services from your network operator.
Download .apk files from www.androidfreeware.org or any other similar site to ur computer.
Connect ur phone to computer. Copy all .apk files into the memory card of ur phone.
Browse these .apk files through Astro File Manager and u can install them without the need of android market anymore......
This procedure is simple once u get used to it.
This is just to avoid high internet download charges from network operators than cable internet.
If you have any doubts regarding this u can mail me to: hidinu@gmail.com
Thanks and have a gr8 day..

Nishil Patel May 6, 2010 2:12 AM

Install .apk file

hello,
my name is nishil patel and i would like to know how to install .apk files or applications on android os enabled phone like sony ericsson xperia x10i ?

can u tell me plz how to install step by step..

Thanx sir

Anonymous Mar 24, 2010 11:13 AM

how to install.apk on htc hero

you can also try to this

a)download htc sync

it should be included in the sd card that came with your phone

b)download usb driver for windows
http://developer.android.com/sdk/win-usb.html

c)install both of these

d)now got to your phone

do

To install applications from other sources, you also need go to Settings -> Application Settings and enable Unknown Sources. Also go to Settings -> SD Card and Phone Storage -> Disable Use for USB Storage. You can enable it again later.

exactly the same as pat s mentioned

to be more specific

1)on your htc phone
go to settings>application settings
>check the box unknown sources

2>open the notification ared >if you have mounted your sd card to transfer files from pc pls unmount it

e)now open htc sync

f)you will see an entry appllication installer

g)select that

h)it will ask you to select the type of appllication(.apk) in this context)

i)check the box and click next and it will give you a wizard

j)run the wizard after browsing to the location of the application you have downloaded on your pc

k)once you are done with the wizard check your phone it will ask you to chose install or cancel

l)choose install and you are done

brad mason Mar 23, 2010 6:37 PM

thanx eric ...

hey all ... i 've just bought lg gw620 ( android v1.5) ..and unfortunately ,, it doesn't have the Android market .. However, i tried what did ERIC say ( but on 4shared) ..and it magically works ,,...
Thx again ...eric ..

dustin kloos Mar 7, 2010 11:50 PM

Help

How do i get the actual "market app icon back on my phone??. I recently rooted my nexus one and downloaded the new Cyanogen ROM.....Now the market ican is missing

Eric Mar 3, 2010 1:04 AM

Better Way For Eris

Hi guys, there is a much easier way to do this for the Eris if you cannot do these above steps.

1. Create or log into http://skydrive.live.com (Free 25 GB Storage!)

2.Upload your APK file.

3. Log into your account on your phone, open it and it should ask to install!

DavidWas Feb 15, 2010 11:46 PM

Droid ERIS missing the Dissable USB setting

My Droid ERIS does not have the following option "Settings -> SD Card and Phone Storage -> Disable Use for USB Storage". I believe this is why I am failing with "error: device not found". I have followed the other steps such as installing the drivers. Any thoughts?

Peter Feb 12, 2010 11:47 PM

Linda (File) Manager

I found an easier method, just get this app from the market and do what ever you what with your apps downloaded and transferred to you SD card.

4r4nd0mninj4 Feb 10, 2010 9:28 PM

Works for me

Works like a charm through the adb.

arie Jan 20, 2010 3:51 AM

do I need to Root my phone to use "adb" ?

Simple Guide to Installing Android APK Files

Through the Android Market

Using the Android SDK

Easy Alternative Ways to Install APK Files

References

Comments