How to install an Android app you can’t find in the Play Store

Most of the time, the Google Play Store is all you need to find and download apps on Android. Unlike iOS, though, Android gives you the option to install apps from other places. And every now and then, that level of freedom can come in handy.

Say, for instance, you’re looking for an app that isn’t available in your country. Or maybe you’re longing to try a newly announced update to an app that hasn’t yet rolled out to you. You might even want to find an older version of an app, if a recent update is proving to be problematic.

Here’s how to get started.

Downloaders beware

First, a quick word of warning: generally speaking, it’s best to limit your app downloading activity to the Play Store as much as possible. Contrary to popular belief, Android does actually scan apps downloaded from third-party sources (and has since 2013), but the layers of protection are inherently less thorough outside of the Play Store’s virtual walls. Consequently, your odds of encountering something shady are significantly higher whenever you venture out into the wild.

So use third-party sources only as needed — and only when you’re confident you’re downloading from somewhere…