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Play Store Could Soon Handle Updates For Sideloaded Apps (Update: Rolling Out) - Android Authority
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
Update, August 12, 2024 (10:45 AM ET): Google Play Store is rolling out the option to update sideloaded apps, as highlighted by Telegram user Ayan (h/t Mishaal Rahman).
The feature works as we predicted, allowing the Play Store to reclaim update ownership over sideloaded apps with user consent. However, as Artem Russakovskii points out, the Play Store previously did hijack update ownership over sideloaded apps anyway. The change only makes it clearer that the update is for an app that was installed from an external source.
Original article, July 30, 2024 (11:47 AM ET): The Google Play Store could soon let you install updates for apps that have either been sideloaded or installed from a third-party store. Evidence spotted in Play Store version 42.0.18 suggests that users may see a new "Update from Play" option on Play Store listings for apps installed from third-party sources, giving them the option to download and install updates from the Play Store instead of the original source.
An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release.
Google introduced a useful change with Android 14 that lets an app store set update ownership for apps downloaded from it. This move was intended to prevent users from accidentally installing the wrong version of an app from a different store by presenting a confirmation pop-up that highlights the original source and alerts the user that installing the update from a different source may change functionality.
While this feature doesn't prevent you from installing updates from a different app store, it currently doesn't give you the option to give the Play Store update ownership for apps that were sideloaded or installed from a third-party app store. That may change soon.
A new flag spotted in the latest Google Play Store release suggests that users may see the option to install updates for apps downloaded from a different source. As you can see in the attached screenshots, the Play Store will show available updates for apps downloaded from different sources. On the app listing, you'll also see a new "Update from Play" button that will switch the update ownership from the original source to the Play Store.
The listing will also show an alert stating, "The app installed on your device didn't come from Google Play. You can update the app from the original source or from Google Play." At the moment, it's not clear if selecting the "Update from Play" button will switch all future updates to the Play Store. We'll need to wait until the change rolls out to users to know for sure.
Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at news@androidauthority.Com. You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.How To Install Third-party Apps Without The Google Play Store - Android Authority
Android is, for the most part, an open platform. You can use the Google Play Store to install apps and games, or you can go off the reservation and install APKs on your own. We do not recommend this practice. The Google Play Store has so many security measures that it's actually difficult to mess up your phone while using it. Installing your own apps has some dangers.
That said, some folks may want to do it anyway for various reasons. There are currently two methods to install third-party apps without the Google Play Store. The first is through third-party app stores like F-Droid, Amazon's App Store, and others. You can even install the Google Play Store, if your phone doesn't have it! We have a list of the best app stores if you need it. The second is to download and do it yourself. Here's how to do both.
QUICK ANSWER
To install third-party apps without the Google Play Store, download the APK you want to install and tap the notification to begin the installation. At the prompt, go into your Settings and toggle on Allow from this source. Then, tap on Install. Alternatively, use a file browser to initiate installation, give the file browser permission to install APKs, and it should install fine.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
Editor's note: Unless otherwise stated, these instructions were formulated using a Google Pixel 8a running Android 16. Some steps may differ depending on your device and software version.
How to install third-party APKsThis is the current method for manually installing APKs on your Android phone. Google changed the method upon the release of Android 8.0 Oreo, and aside from some tweaking, it remains the same to this day. It may vary slightly from phone to phone, but this is how it works.
Before we start, here's how Google does this. It requires you to give explicit permission to install APKs from the app initiating the installation. So, for example, if you use your browser to download the APK file and then tap the download notification, you'll need to give your browser permission to install the APK. Similarly, if you use a file browser, you'll need to give permissions specifically for the file browser.
How to install an APK on Android:Note — Sometimes, you may need to initiate installation again. For example, if you tap the notification and use your browser to do it, you sometimes need to tap the notification again to get the install prompt after giving the app permission.
From there, it works like any other app. You'll find it in your app drawer, where you can open it and use it as you usually would. Some apps may not install due to device compatibility issues, and there isn't much we can do about that. Otherwise, it's pretty straightforward.
How to revoke installation permissionsYou may want to revoke permissions after installing a third-party app, so no additional apps get installed without your knowledge. Most apps, like Firefox or Amazon, generally don't abuse the privilege, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Here's how to revoke permissions for app installations:Third-party app stores are the easiest way to install third-party APKs from outside the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, you'll need to install a third-party app store in order to do it, but after that, it's remarkably easy.
You only have to go through this setup process one time. The app store should download and install apps without issue as long as you have the permission enabled for the store.
How to install APKs pre-Android 8.0 OreoTechnically, this method is outdated. However, we wanted to preserve it just in case someone shows up here with a very old Android phone. If your phone runs Android 8.0 Oreo or later, this method will not work.
FAQ The app I installed isn't working. Why?
Not every Android device can run every app. Most apps should work fine. However, for example, you can't just install Samsung's App Store on any phone. It requires a Samsung phone.
Does this work for Android TV? Why is it saying my installation failed?The most likely answer is that the app isn't compatible with your device. Check your source to make sure there isn't a different version you can try. Also, some newer phones only support 64-bit apps, which can cause conflicts.
Are third-party app stores as good as Google Play?Not really. You trade the quality of Google Play's ecosystem for freedom from Google's ecosystem. A few app stores do better in some ways. For instance, F-Droid is great for open-source apps. However, by and large, Google Play is tied into Android and works the best with it.
How do you install APKs on Samsung phones?The process of installing APK files manually is only slightly different on Samsung phones. You'll also need to allow installation from unknown sources. Go to Settings > Apps, tap on the three-dot menu button, and select Special access. Select Install unknown apps and toggle on the apps you want to allow to install APK files.
Google's Play Store Can Finally Install Or Update Multiple Android Apps At Once - The Verge
Tech /Google /AndroidGoogle's Play Store can finally install or update multiple Android apps at oncePlay Store apps might now download to your Android phones in threes.
Play Store apps might now download to your Android phones in threes.
by Umar ShakirAug 30, 2024, 2:19 PM UTCLinkFacebookThreads
Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
Umar Shakir is a news writer fond of the electric vehicle lifestyle and things that plug in via USB-C. He spent over 15 years in IT support before joining The Verge.Google Play Store can now download, install, and update multiple Android apps simultaneously. Previously, if you attempted to run all your updates manually, Play Store would only process a single app at a time. Now, as we've tested, it can do up to three.
As reported by Android Police, Google has tested concurrent app updates for Play Store before, starting as far back as 2019 and as recently as last March. Now it looks like the speedier updates are rolling out to more users, which could be a huge time saver for people setting up new phones or restoring from a backup. Apple has also supported up to three iOS app installs from the App Store for many years.
Three simultaneous downloads and installs in action.Screenshot: Richard Lawler / The VergeGoogle does not have an announced launch timeline or indication that the feature has arrived on any specific device, which means the limitations on simultaneous downloads and installs are likely server-side. You'll just have to try updating all your apps manually to see if it's there.
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