Learn how to install APK files on Android: Complete explanation

 How to install APK files on Android with complete explanation

Just like we have .exe files for Windows which allow us to install & run software and games in our computer, we have .apk files for Android. Apk files can contain anything like games, software, a live wallpaper, etc. Here’s a short & detailed tutorial which will help you to install APK files on an Android phone.
Before installing an external application on your Android device you will have to enable the installation of applications from external sources. To do this, you can simply follow the below steps.
Home ->Settings -> Applications -> Check “Unknown Sources”
After you have done that, follow the below steps to install APK files on your Android phone.

2 methods For you to install APK APP on Android Phone.

Method1:

1. Transfer the .apk file to your Android mobile phone using USB or Bluetooth or you can alternatively download the .apk file directly on your mobile phone using your internet browser.
2. Open the default file manager and locate the .apk file you just downloaded or transferred.
3. Tap on the file & click on install.
4. That’s it! Your application will be installed in a few seconds and you will be able to open the installed app in the same way you install apps from Android Market.

Method2:

1. Copy the APK file to your Android’s memory card and insert the card into your phone.
   Download and install the Apps Installer application from the Android Market
   Once installed, the Apps Installer will display the APK files on the memory card.
   Click and install your APK files.
   Installing Applications With Android SDK
2. It is possible to install APK files without utilizing the Android Market, although the process is more difficult and complex. To avoid the Android Market, you need to use Android SDK.
3. Download and install the Google Android SDK program and the Android USB drivers. 
4. The download links are as follows:http://code.google.com/android/intro/installing.html
5. http://dl.google.com/android/android_usb_windows.zip
6. You need to modify your Android’s settings to allow the installation of applications from other sources. Under “Settings,” select “Application Settings” and then enable “Unknown Sources.” Also under “Settings,” select “SD Card” and “Phone Storage,” and finally enable “Disable Use for USB Storage”
7. This last step is easy. Open Command Prompt and type the following: adb install <1>/<2>.apk
8. However, when you type the command, replace <1> with the path to your APK file and replace <2> with the name of the APK file.

You’re done! Your application is now ready for your use and enjoyment.

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