Usually it’s a good idea to get your apps from the Android Marketplace. But, sometimes you might want to download an app that isn’t on the Marketplace yet, such as SWYPE or maybe you are developing your own app and need to test it out. By default, Android doesn’t allow apps to be installed if they aren’t from the Market, and Google has openly included a groovy setting that will instantly unlock that. Let’s do it!
Note: These screenshots were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Epic 4G. Actual menu locations and annotations may vary depending upon your device manufacturer but they should be similar.
How To Allow Installation Of External Apps On Your Android Phone
Step 1
Access the settings menu on your Android phone.
Most phones have an external menu button that when pressed allows you to Select Settings. However, you can always access settings from the app drawer.
Step 2
Tap Applications*
*On HTC devices applications may be known as Programs.
Step 3
Tap Unknown Sources.
Step 4
An Attention pop-up will appear. It is just warning you that third-party apps can sometimes be unsafe or contain viruses, but as long as you only install them from trusted developers you should be fine.
Click OK.
Done!
Android is now set up to allow install of non-Market applications! Now you can install any app from anywhere that you want, but do use common sense and make sure you do some background checking when downloading from an unknown source.
45 Comments
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somsaK
hello
Dasaka(gottaSayImDrunkATM)
where is the reply button for the article blog or whatever?
NP
Some stock phones DO NOT HAVE THIS OPTION. Thank you to the author for including a screen shot of each step. After spending 30 minutes fiddling with my phone trying to figure out why I couldn’t find the option to allow unknown sources (sideloading I guess), I realized that AT&T’s stock Captivate ROM does not allow sideloading, and this option is entirely missing from the applications menu.
Tim
I have an unlocked Moto Z Play and Nova launcher, can’t find that option either.
Tim
Settings, Applications gives you a list of all applications.
george
Will these Android apps also work on my new Coby tablet pc?
pete
I also would like to know if it is possible to use these on Android Android tablet with a 2.1 .
Erica
life is good when u have The Most High
Masud
Playing games in cellphone is perfect for relaxing.
MrGroove
Agreed… If I need to chill for a minute, breaking out the phone helps…
MW
Your evplanation and pictorial is good, but my Samsung Galaxy S does not have that option… what else can I do?
gitch
Killer
MrGroove
Groovy – I assume this helped you out?
boncarlo
How to log in adroid application?to download art of war
Vincent barone
Thanks for the easy step by step procedures of downloading.
demi
My phone already was in this settin but it still doesnt let me download games and apps, my phone is an lg optimus
Beth
Yes, but what do you do if you go to your settings > applications and “unknown sources” is not even THERE. How do you get around that?
I have the Samsung Captivate, a Galaxy S phone.
bpogula
I have a samsung captivate with Android 2.1 In settings–> Apps, I do not see ‘unknown sources’. How do I get it.
I download the apk file and is in Sd card already. Also I have the app installer downloaded.
Amy
I too have 2.1, and this option is unavalible. Is there a way to get around it? Or possibly another way?
grooveDexter
AT&T has decided to block third party app installations. (another reason to hate AT&T right?) You can get around this by rooting your phone, or you can use the sideload wonder machine found here: http://forum.androidcentral.com/android-sideload-wonder-machine/76171-android-central-sideload-wonder-machine-v-1-2-a.html
Ttwixed44
My tablet docent allow siddeloading or third party apps I just want to get the amazon prime video app is there anything I can do
roselyn
Hello this us a good option
Veronica
Is this a trusted web site
Disne
I cant get market i have the same pass word for years, what do i need to do it want except my password
MrGroove
@Disne – Are you saying you cannot get into Market? Your password is not working?
Shamika
I cant get my phone to download any of the games from the web
Beverly Lewis
Would I to add as a friend
MrGroove
@Beverly? Sorry, I don’t follow. Say that again?
Boogielee
I have downloaded a game to my phone and can not find it.Where would it be?
preetam
game is funy
dasrath671
tolking cat,s/free game/
new g.t.a.game in mobile
ahmad zaki
Alwas
aly
Cool thankya ig
Ashleigh
Hi. I have the Pandigital Ereader, whitch is an Android tablet. I have done this at least a million times, and it keeps saying that it can’t be installed on my tablet. Can I do anything so I an download them? I really need help. Thanks!
cream flower
will anyone hack into my phone
if i let other apps in
motherklucker
I have a Samsung Captivate and under “Applications” there is no “Quick Launch” or “Unknown Sources”. Someone mentioned I may have to root my phone, is this true?
Ley
Hi Groovy Post
Can you tell me how to get Flash player 11 on my Cruz T301. Cruz is not supported on Android Market. Thank you.
Austin Krause
Hi Ley, I don’t personally have a Cruz T301. But, please feel free to post your question in the free Answers community where I’m sure one of the community experts will see your question and help you get an answer.
Your question also has a MUCH better chance of being seen by other groovyPost writers from the Answers forum as well.
Kebab
Just to let others know, on three Samsung Galaxy S 3 it’s a bit different – settings > Privacy and that’s were you find the option.
Steve Krause
Ah — thanks Kebab!
Ashley B
Please help, I have done these steps. As soon as I exit out of the settings, my phone automatically unticks the allow from unknown sources, I go back in, switch it on again, it gives me the warning, and then I go to install the App and it comes up with it again and tells me to turn it on. I have also tried switching my phone off and on after turning on the “allow from unknown sources'” it still .. turns it off.. help please
Austin Krause
Hi Ashley. What model phone are you using?
JJ
I have a samsung galaxy note tablet 10.1 (not the newest version), and even when I do this, I can’t install 3rd party apps. I’ll get to the install screen, but I cannot confirm the install – only cancel. (I can mash on the confirm button all I want, but it doesn’t do anything..)
Huda
Hello, I was wondering how the heck that could happen with iPhones. Or if it’s possible at all for iphones at all to have this option?
Sadiq
I have already enabled the unknown sources on my Samsung galaxy j7, when open the apk I can’t hit the install button