Install apps from unknown sources in Android

Here is how to allow unknown sources on Android. To use third party apps or install APK files on Android devices, you need to enable unknown sources from the Settings.

" Unknown sources" are places outside of the Play Store where you can download an APK file. It is called "unknown sources" as these apps are not trusted by Android, because they haven't been submitted for review to their teams. However this app distribution is really useful for private or limited distribution. That's why PandaSuite makes it easy to deploy app to the Play Store and outside - this is what is called "sideloading".

Android protects users from inadvertently downloading and installing untrusted applications. Users must explicitly approve unknown sources to be enabled in settings.

⚠️ Beware of applications from unknown sources that you authorize: some may be fraudulent or malicious.

Download the APK you want to install.

How to enable Unknown Sources in Android?

To install apps from unknown sources, please follow these steps below.

For old Android versions (4.0, Lollipop 5.0, Marshmallow 6.0, Nougat 7.0)

Tap the Settings app.

Tap Security.

Check the option Unknown sources.

Tap OK on the prompt message.

Select Trust.

If you are running Android 9.0 and later, you will need to allow Unknown source s for each app willing to install an APK file.

For New Android Versions (Oreo, Pie, Android 10, 11 and 12)

1: Tap the Settings app.
2: Tap Apps & notifications.
3: Tap Special app access.
4: Tap Install unknown apps. Select the browser (e.g., Chrome or Firefox) you want to download the APK files from.
5: Toggle Allow from this source on.