How to download and install incompatible apps

How to go about using incompatible Android applications that technically wouldn't be executable on your personal device? There are several causes that lead to this eventuality, for example if they cannot be installed on the model in use or with the version of the operating system, but also if they are not available for the geographical area of ​​residence.

In short, we are determined requirements which remain at the discretion of the application developers or who must follow national rules and regulations. If you search for the software in question on Google Play from your browser you will see the now well-known writing “The app is not compatible with any of your devices“.

It may seem like a joke, because you open the tab relating to the application, you can read descriptions and comments, but you cannot download and install it on your smart phone. But all is not lost, because there are various possible solutions for this inconvenience.

Download the application via APK

The first and simplest solution is to download the software via the installation file or the famous APK. You can find the package from well known portals such as for example APK Mirror which is the most famous of them all and which acts as a kind of alternative Android app container.

The operation is very simple: you open the site, search for the software from the search menu usually marked by a magnifying glass and proceed with the download and installation on the device. It can be done directly from the internal browser or from a computer by transferring the APK via cable, cloud or instant messaging.

First, however, it will be mandatory to allow the installation of software from unknown sources from the internal settings menu.

Download via a VPN

If the problem is the geographic area then you can go from one VPN that is, from the software that falsifies the position by simulating to be navigating from another country. Of course, you will first need to make sure in which country the app works.

There are several free VPNs (even the one inside Opera) with several servers available scattered around the world and ready to use. Once you have downloaded the app, you may also need to continue using the VPN in order to take advantage of the software.

Simulate another device

If the problem is related to the nature of the device, you can switch to an unofficial software not present on the Google Play Store called Market Help which allows you to simulate being using another device, to meet specific hardware or brand-model requirements.

Please note: for this app you need the rooting of the device and you will modify the build.prop file in the individual applications. A procedure to be considered well, because it could compromise the proper functioning of your smartphone and suitable for an expert audience.

Update Android to the latest version available

If your own version of the Android operating system it is older than the minimum required, it is not certain that your smartphone cannot be upgraded to the new one. It may be that the update has been postponed gradually despite the fact that the notification of availability has come for months if not years. Go to Settings> System> Check for software updates to fix it right away.

Change the behavior of the APK file

Then there is a last way, the more complex one and only for really expert users, that is to modify the behavior of the APK by changing the verifications which are carried out gradually. Something that is at the limit of the regulation and that should be made in accordance with the provisions of article 15 of Directive 2009/24 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the legal protection of computer programs.

We therefore recommend the previous options, leaving the last one for information purposes only. It goes without saying that the previous tips should not be used for illicit aims such as to make the free download of otherwise paid apps.