If you have an android smartphone or tablet you have already noticed that for app installations you need to have a Google account and access the Google Play Store app to search, download and install the apps you want such as Whatsapp, Facebook, etc ... But you can download And install apps on Android without Google Play or without necessarily having a Google account? The answer is YES, but we need to make some clarifications before understanding how to do this.
The Android operating system is open source and has recently become one of the preferred platforms even by hackers to spread viruses, trojans and malware; their spread is enormous, and even on the official Google website you can find some dangerous applications.
The reason this is happening is that Android is not only one of the most popular operating systems, but also because it is extremely easy to publish an Android app compared to other closed operating systems, such as iOS.
install an app officially, as already mentioned, you have to use the Google Store, but not all developers choose to distribute their applications through Google. For this reason, it is possible to find a variety of "alternative stores" on the web from which to download applications in APK format: TorrApk is one of them, as it allows developers to enter their applications without using the Google Play Store.
How does an .apk file work?
The applications are usually present in a "APK”Which means Android Application Package, and is basically a compressed file that contains the code necessary for the installation and operation of the app on the Android device.
You don't need the Play Store to install the application, but you still need software that allows you to load and install the .apk file in the device's memory.
How to Install an APK on Android?
Before installing an APK package it is necessary to activate the option "Sources unknown”Through the“ Settings -> Security ”menu on the device. Some older versions of Android report the “Unknown sources” option under the “Settings” menu and then “Applications”.
When you activate the option, a warning message will be displayed with the risks of this operation. Accept and proceed.
At this point, search and download the APK file of the application you want to install on your mobile / tablet on your computer and then we recommend using a program such as MOBILEGO to install it on the device. We have already seen how, thanks to this program, it is easy to install apps on Samsung Galaxy. The procedure is the same for all Android devices:
1. Download the trial version of the program to your computer
2. Launch MobileGO and connect your phone / tablet to the computer via USB
3. Click on the icon INSTALL APP and then select the APK file from your computer for installation
That's it!
What are the risks of installing an .apk file?
Installing apps from unknown sources is not present as a default option for security reasons. As you can imagine, downloading a file from the Internet and installing it without being fully aware of what it is can lead to many problems: Trojans, adware, viruses and malware are always a threat.
The greatest dangers are "Trojans" which aim to extract personal data and "malware" which are capable of altering files. The "Adware" are less dangerous, but they are very annoying because they bring up advertisements and pop-ups.
How to install apps safely?
Here are some useful tips:
1. Use only reputable sources
Download .apk files only from trusted “Stores”. Read possibly comments and reviews on the store to understand the reliability.
Avoid downloading cracked versions of applications: it is illegal and even risky.
TorrApk is an alternative store to the Play Store and reliable.
2. Install a good Antivirus
Many Android users have no antivirus installed on their device. Instead, it is advisable to do so and as soon as possible. Read the following article: The best antivirus for Android.
After installing the antivirus (either from the PlayStore or by downloading the APK file), it will scan the system for any threats.
3. Use VirusTotal, an online scanning tool
The VirusTotal tool is a powerful tool run by Google that analyzes suspicious files (even APK files) and tells you right away if they are safe or not. It relies on over 50 antivirus and allows you to analyze each file directly online.
It is a free and very easy to use tool: select the file to be analyzed and click on "Scan it!". At the end you will be able to see the report with the report.
It is impossible for Google and gmail to take over mobile phones and tablets
And we citizens forced to use their applications, even if we don't want to
It is not thanks to Google and gmail for WAP phones and Android tablets
Is it possible to install an apk of a previous version of a game without having to perform the update afterwards? Graxid6
An applause for the expository clarity preserved in the conciseness of the article.
Well done really precise thanks for the useful information and well explained .. I thought it was definitely safe android ... I immediately install one of the aforementioned antivirus ...
GOOD JOB!
