When it comes to smartphone operating systems, one of the major names that pop up is Android OS. Besides iOS, the exclusive operating system that powers up iPhones, Android is one of the most widely-used operating systems that millions of Android smartphone users all around the globe use. According to Android Authority, there are numerous instances when an Android phone performs better than an iPhone. Android OS is a feature-packed mobile operating system that packs many powerful features and functionalities. Besides this, the platform also supports millions of applications, most of which users can download from the reliable and secure Google Play Store.
Even though Android and iOS developers recommend users download applications from their respective app stores, both platforms also allow users to download and install applications from third-party sources. This significantly widens the user’s horizons in accessing and utilizing new and handy features. This article will shed light on whether sideloading applications on both iOS and Android OS is safe or not and provide a detailed guide following which Android users can sideload applications on their Android smartphones. So let us dive right into it:
Is Sideloading Safe?
All Apple developers warn users against installing any app from an unauthentic source to ensure that their device’s safety does not get compromised. If you own an iPhone and wish to sideload iOS apps, you should be aware of the risks that come with it. Sideloading apps is a risky move because there are numerous third-party applications which hide malicious code that can potentially damage or brick your iPhone. Besides, it may compromise your data, make tons of pop-ups appear on your screen, and cause several similar issues. Therefore, it is not completely safe to install third-party apps or sideload apps on iOS. However, if you desperately need to sideload an app, you should ensure that it is free of viruses by scanning it with an anti-malware tool.
When it comes to sideloading applications on Android, the case is no different. Installing apps from third-party sources poses similar risks of compromising the device’s security. Hence, it is always advised to ensure that users download apps from reliable and trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store or other certified app stores. However, if the user must sideload apps, they should inspect the installer file using an anti-malware tool.
How to Sideload Apps on Android:
Even though sideloading applications on Android is not a highly complex task, users should follow every step efficiently to ensure no issues arise after the app has been installed. To sideload applications on an Android device, follow the given steps:
Step 1 – Find and Download the Required APK File or App Bundle.
One of the first steps in sideloading applications on an Android smartphone is finding the right installer files. Installer files of Android OS feature the “.APK” extension. An APK file comprises all the necessary elements the OS needs to install and run the application without hassle. Besides APK, you can also opt to use app bundles. When it comes to app bundles, there are majorly two types of app bundles, namely official app bundles and unofficial app bundles. As the name suggests, official app bundles are backed by Google, whereas unofficial app bundles can be found on numerous websites online. Once you have found the required APK file or app bundle, you can move on to the process of sideloading it on your Android device.
Step 2 – Transfer the Downloaded File to your Android Smartphone
You can either download the required file directly on the Android device you wish to install it on or download it on your PC and then transfer it to the Android. Even though downloading the file directly on the smartphone simplifies the process, it is advised that you first download the file on your computer and scan it using an anti-malware tool. To transfer the file to your android device, there are numerous methods you can follow. For instance, if the APK or app bundle’s size is small, you can transfer it to your device using Bluetooth. Besides this, you can use Google Drive or transfer it manually by connecting your Android smartphone to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 3 – Install the Application on your Android Smartphone
Once you have transferred the APK file, you can conveniently install the file by clicking on the APK and following the instructions on the screen. However, the process is a bit more complex if you wish to install an App Bundle. You would need to install Google’s Bundle Tool to install the app bundle on your smartphone. Besides this, you can also choose a third-party bundle installer app to get the job done. Once you have installed the tool, you can install the downloaded app bundle by following the instructions prompted on the screen.
To sideload applications on Android without hassle, follow the steps mentioned above.
