While it is always advisable to install apps through Google Play Store , especially for safety reasons , some applications is to be under development or filtered updates that have not yet been published through the Google application market is just installer can download the application in the format . apk (Application Package File)
What reason would I have to install applications outside the Play Store?
For example there are applications that are not available in the Play Store or our country or only for certain devices such as occurred with the release of Flipboard exclusively for Samsung Galaxy SIII , Facebook Home is only available for a few devices and certain countries , an interesting application that someone is working on XDA -Developers and would like to have comments and opinions from other users in the community or, for example , the use of alternatives to Play Store such as Aptoide .
To install this type of applications that have not yet been published you need to download the installer ( APK) and install it but for this we need to empower our mobile to allow the installation of applications from unknown sources .
Installing applications from unknown sources
I would like to emphasize that to avoid security or virus , it is extremely important to know the origin of the application and if it comes from a reliable source . Although initially has no virus or malware affecting the security of our Android, to install applications from unknown sources , these applications can have an upgrade system that, not be reviewed by Google that can be added later if any "surprise" unpleasant.
To allow our Android application installation from unknown sources we go to : Settings - > Security - > Select Origins Unknown.
When we activate Unknown Origins we 'll get a confirmation if we are sure to do this with the following message message : Your phone and personal data are more vulnerable to attack by applications from unknown sources. You agree to be solely responsible for any damage to your phone or loss of data that may result from using these applications.
If we move forward we will click on "OK" and now we can install applications from unknown sources.
How to install an APK ?
We may receive an Android application from unknown sources through an email from a contact, a download link or alternative shops to Play Store and the Amazon Appstore or Aptoide .
Once downloaded the application can access it both from the download history as our browser using a file manager for Android such as ES File Explorer . If you have downloaded the application from the browser , it will be found in the " Downloads " or "Download"
Once we have located our application or to install APK just have to press on it or , if you are newly downloaded , you can access it directly from the notification bar or from the Android download manager .
Permit review
Once we run the app comes something extremely important and is the review of permits will grant the application. As with Google Play Store shows detail permits each of the applications, when you run one of unknown origin also show us the permissions we offer the same when we install .
If this application is malicious , will not appear on these permissions but if we can guide the intentions of it. For example, we will install a simple application such as a calculator or an animated wallpaper and see that we requested permission to install to review our contacts, send SMS or make calls without our consent, etc. . is something we should worry , alert and do check if it's worth installing this application because the requested permissions do not match the nature of it.
Google gives an extra security
Currently Google , through its Google Play services ( Google Settings ) Verify installed applications outside Google play to add extra security . We do not have to install anything , Play services are installed and updated only on our android . Only give permission for that extra check when we install these applications
conclusion
We highly recommend using solely the Play Store as the official source of downloads and installations for added protection in applications that are purchased from there recommended.
You can install the APK whether you are in the internal memory of the phone as if you are in the MicroSD . Once installed it is not necessary to keep the APK .
Check the permissions of the applications that we will install ( either with unknown origins and applications in Play Store)
Font installation from unknown sources should be used in cases such as exposed initially install applications in beta that have not been published or applications that have not been officially released for our country or device but not for the download and installation pirates of respect for their applications developers.