This post was updated in January 2015.

1. Download Android Apps Apk
2. Play Store Without Account
3. How To Download Android Apps Free
4. Google Apps For Android
5. Download Android Apps To Computer
6. How To Download Android Apps Without Google Account Free
7. Google Play Without Google Account

Scenario: - No Google account is attached to the phone - No apps have been installed beside ones that where already on the phone (even after a factory reset) Questions: - Is it possible to let the apps update without entering any Google account? - Can apps update in the background when no Google Account has been entered into the phone?

Believe it or not, a lot of people, especially newcomers to Android, don’t know how to install apps on their devices. While everyone is, or soon becomes, aware of the Google Play Store and finds out how simple it is to search and download apps directly from the store, most people don’t know that they can easily sideload apps to their devices from their computers without needing a Google account.

There can be several reasons behind sideloading and it is generally something only power users do, when they want to install apps that are not available on the Play Store. In this guide, I will stick to one simple way to install apps directly on your device.

#1. Connect your Android device to your Computer

Assuming you have downloaded the APK (Android Package) file for the app you want to install, you will need to transfer it to your device’s memory (if you have not downloaded it on the device itself). In order to copy the file from your computer to your device, connect your device to your computer using the USB cable that comes with it.

#2. Browse device memory

Once connected, your Windows computer should automatically install the related device drivers, after which you will be able to see your phone listed in ‘My Computer’. Now you can browse the contents of your device like any other folder on your computer.

#3. Copy APK files to your device

It is recommended that you make a folder on your computer and name it ‘Sideload Apks’ or something similar so that you can easily find it later on your device. Copy or move all the downloaded APK files to that folder and then copy that folder to your device’s memory. If your device has an external memory card inserted, you will see both internal and external memory and can copy the Sideload folder in either.

Download Android Apps Apk

#4. Safely disconnect your device

Play Store Without Account

After copying the APK files you will need to safely disconnect your device. Don’t just pull the wire out of your computer, because that can lead to memory corruption at times. The safest way is to eject or remove the device using the ‘Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media’ option from the Windows notification area.

#5. Enable installation from Unknown sources

Before you can go on to install the copied APK files on your device, you will need to enable installation from unknown sources through the settings menu. Go to your device’s settings page and look for an option called ‘Security’. In the security settings, you should be able to locate a check box titled ‘Unknown sources’. Once you enable this, you will receive a warning message (which is important) – read it and tap on OK to proceed (as long as you trust the app you are installing, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about).

How To Download Android Apps Free

#6. Run a file explorer app on your device

Some manufacturers provide file explorer apps pre-installed, and they can be used to browse the device’s memory. However, it is always a good idea to download a better third-party app which has more features and can be useful for other purposes. One such free app that I recommend is ZArchiver by Ant-ON, which you can download from the Play Store (link below). This app will not only let you browse your device’s memory but also help you create and read compressed files (zip, rar etc).

You might also be interested in: 17 Android App Store Alternatives to Google Play Store

#7. Install the copied APK files

Run the file explorer app of your choice and navigate to the folder with the APK files you copied from your computer. Now you simply need to run these files to start the installation.

If you are using ZArchiver, simply tap on an APK file and choose ‘Open’ from the menu. From here onwards, you just have to tap the ‘Install’ button and read the on-screen app details and permissions overview to see whether you are installing the correct app. After successful installation you will be able to run the app from your App drawer.

Download ZArchiver File Manager

That’s it folks. Follow these steps and you will have installed Android apps on your phone or tablet without a Google Account or Play Store access. The process is simple and you only need the APK files for the apps you want to install. Please note however that all sideloaded apps carry potentially greater risk due to chances that they may be tampered with.

Editor's note, May 26, 2017: Due to increased security concerns, CNET no longer recommends installing third-party apps not officially supported by a device's official app store. In this case, we do not recommend installing a third-party APK not officially supported by Google.

The Google Play store is a great resource that can enhance your mobile experience. It gives Android users access to more than one million apps, such as Facebook, Pandora, and Instagram, among thousands of others, but what do you do when Google unexpectedly pulls an app from its marketplace?

Google has removed apps from the Play store for a number of reasons, the most common being that they violate the company's policy. Once an app is removed, however, all hope isn't lost. You may not have been aware that apps no longer available in the Play store can still be installed on your Android device through a process known as 'sideloading.'

Here's how to do it:

Setting up your device

From your smartphone or tablet running Android 4.0 or higher, go to Settings, scroll down to Security, and select Unknown sources. Selecting this option will allow you to install apps outside of the Google Play store. Depending on your device, you can also choose to be warned before installing harmful apps. This can be enabled by selecting the Verify apps option in the Security settings.

Google Apps For Android

On devices running an earlier version of Android, go to Settings, open the Applications option, select Unknown sources, and click OK on the popup alert.

Downloading an app

The next step will be finding an Android package file, also known as an APK, which is the way Android apps are distributed and installed. This is where some people usually run into trouble. Never, and I mean ever, use sideloading as a way to pirate applications; doing so will likely result in your Android device getting a virus. You should only download APK files from trusted developers and companies.

Download Android Apps To Computer

For example, Grooveshark, a free online music streaming service, previously had an app in the Play store. After a dispute with Google, however, the app was removed. Grooveshark now offers the app on its Web site for users to sideload.

The process

How To Download Android Apps Without Google Account Free

You can either download the APK file on your mobile device or on your computer, although the latter is a little more difficult. To get started, download an APK file using either Google Chrome or the stock Android browser. Next, go to your app drawer and click Downloads; here you will find the file you just downloaded. Open the file and install the app.

If you downloaded the APK file on your computer, the process is slightly different. You must connect your Android device to the PC and enable USB mass-storage mode. The next step is to drag and drop the file onto your device. Then, using a file manager, such as Astro or ES File Explorer, you can locate the file on your device and install it.

Google Play Without Google Account

Remember to be careful when downloading apps outside of official Android marketplaces like Google Play and Amazon's Appstore.

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