The Google Play Store is the most common way for Android users to download apps, but it is not the only option. There are actually several different methods you can use to download Android apps without going through the Play Store.
App Stores
One of the easiest ways to get apps outside of the Play Store is to use a different app store. Here are some of the major alternative app stores for Android:
- Amazon Appstore – Amazon’s own app store that comes pre-installed on Amazon Fire devices. It has a large selection of apps and games.
- APKPure – An app store with a wide selection of apps and APK files. Many apps are uploaded early here before reaching the Play Store.
- F-Droid – A completely open source app repository with a focus on privacy and security. All apps are open source.
- GetJar – An independent app store that has been around since 2004. It has over 2 million apps and games across various platforms.
- Opera Mobile Store – App store that comes pre-installed on Opera browsers. Focuses on localized content.
- Samsung Galaxy Store – The app store for Samsung devices. Has many Samsung-specific apps. Replaced the old Samsung Apps store.
- Huawei AppGallery – The official Huawei app store for Huawei and Honor devices. Offers apps optimized for Huawei devices.
The selection on these alternative app stores may not be as large as the Play Store, but they can still provide access to many common and popular apps. The Amazon Appstore in particular has a substantial catalog of apps and games.
APK Files
APK files are the installation files used to directly install apps on Android. By obtaining the APK file for an app, you can install it without going through any app store. Here are some sources to download APK files:
- APKMirror – A repository of APK files uploaded from various sources. Many are official releases provided by developers.
- APKPure – As mentioned above, APKPure is an app store but also lets you directly download APK files.
- Github – Many open source Android apps host APK downloads on their Github pages.
- App developer websites – Some developers provide APK downloads directly from their websites.
- Torrent sites – APK files for both free and paid apps are often uploaded to torrent sites.
When downloading APK files from outside the Play Store, be careful to only trust reputable sources. Avoid any files that seem suspicious or malicious.
Pre-installed Apps
Many Android devices come with a suite of pre-installed apps right out of the box. For example:
- Samsung phones include Samsung apps like Bixby, Samsung Pay, etc.
- Amazon Fire tablets contain Amazon’s apps like Kindle, Audible, Amazon Shopping.
- Carrier-branded phones often have carrier bloatware apps.
- TV boxes like the Nvidia Shield have entertainment apps.
These built-in apps do not need to be downloaded from any app store. However, you are limited to only the apps pre-loaded by the device manufacturer or carrier. Many of the pre-loaded apps cannot be deleted either.
Sideloading
Sideloading refers to installing apps directly on your Android device without going through any kind of app store. There are a few different ways to sideload apps:
- Enable “Unknown Sources” – Go to your Android Settings > Security and enable the “Unknown Sources” permission. This will allow you to install apps through sideloading.
- Transfer APK via USB – Connect your Android device to your computer via USB. You can now transfer and install the APK file directly.
- APK downloader apps – There are apps like APK Downloader that let you search for and download APKs to your device for sideloading.
Sideloading gives you more freedom to install any apps you want. However, it also comes with risks. Apps installed via sideloading are not vetted by any centralized authority. You should still take care to avoid malware by sticking to trustworthy APK sources.
Development Options
The Android development options contain tools to help load and install apps without using an app store. Here are some relevant features:
- USB Debugging – Allows connecting your Android device to a computer to transfer data and install apps.
- Install via USB – Allows installation of APK files directly from connected computer.
- Install Unknown Apps – Same as enabling “Unknown Sources” mentioned above.
- Mock Locations – Useful for testing location-based apps.
These are intended for developers to test apps during the development process. But anyone can access them by enabling the developer options on their Android device. Just be aware that some of these options reduce security, so it’s best to turn them off again when not needed.
App Recommendation Tools
There are various app recommendation tools and platforms that can suggest apps to you without providing any way to actually download them. These include:
- App Annie – View app rankings, statistics and recommendations.
- Apptopia – Track app metrics and get app recommendations.
- Sensor Tower – Rankings, analysis and app intelligence.
- AppBrain – Find and track top apps across various categories.
- App Grooves – Get app recommendations based on your interests.
You can use these services to discover interesting apps and then search for their APK files through other methods in this article. This bypasses having to browse in the Play Store itself.
App Subscription Services
There are subscription services that give you access to apps and games without relying on traditional app stores:
- Amazon Prime Gaming – Get free games and in-game loot every month with an Amazon Prime subscription.
- Apple Arcade – Play over 100 exclusive games on Android and iOS for a monthly fee.
- PlayPass – Google’s subscription service for access to 800+ apps and games.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – Get access to 100+ games for a monthly subscription.
This can be a good way of getting premium and exclusive content while avoiding traditional app stores. However, it does involve an ongoing monetary commitment.
Third-party App Stores
Here is a comparison of some of the most popular third-party Android app stores:
| App Store | Number of Apps | Developer Verification | Downloads Outside Play Store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Appstore | 400,000+ | Required | Allowed |
| APKPure | 5 million+ | Not required | Allowed |
| F-Droid | 3,000+ | Open source only | Allowed |
| GetJar | 2 million+ | Not required | Allowed |
| Huawei AppGallery | 420,000+ | Required | Only for Huawei devices |
This shows that third-party app stores provide access to a significant number of apps outside of the Play Store. However, the selection is still smaller compared to the Play Store’s 3+ million apps.
App Bundles and Stores for Developers
There are developer-focused app bundles and marketplaces that distribute apps outside of consumer app stores:
- Amazon Appstore for Developers – Distribute apps to Amazon’s Appstore.
- APK Expansion Files – Host APK expansions on Google Play hosting.
- Google Play Asset Delivery – Deliver game assets through Google Play.
- Huawei Developer Portal – Distribute apps for Huawei devices.
- Samsung Partners – Upload apps to the Samsung Galaxy Store.
These provide developers with tools to publish and distribute apps on specific platforms or stores. It allows developing apps that avoid traditional stores like the Google Play Store.
Enterprise App Stores
Some companies operate internal enterprise app stores for distributing apps within their organization. These include:
- AirWatch App Catalog – VMware’s enterprise app store solution.
- Apperian EASE – Managed and secured enterprise app distribution.
- Appsian Enterprise App Store – Self-service corporate app store.
- Citrix Endpoint Management – Provides an on-premises app store.
- Intune Company Portal – Distribute apps through Microsoft’s cloud.
Enterprise app stores allow companies to distribute business apps, productivity tools and internal resources to employee devices without needing a public app store.
Benefits of Enterprise App Stores
- Control over which apps are available to employees
- Apps can be pre-configured for corporate policies
- Apps can contain proprietary company data
- No public visibility needed
- Can be integrated with Mobile Device Management (MDM)
App bundles and stores for developers
There are developer-focused app bundles and marketplaces that distribute apps outside of consumer app stores:
- Amazon Appstore for Developers – Distribute apps to Amazon’s Appstore.
- APK Expansion Files – Host APK expansions on Google Play hosting.
- Google Play Asset Delivery – Deliver game assets through Google Play.
- Huawei Developer Portal – Distribute apps for Huawei devices.
- Samsung Partners – Upload apps to the Samsung Galaxy Store.
These provide developers with tools to publish and distribute apps on specific platforms or stores. It allows developing apps that avoid traditional stores like the Google Play Store.
App Recommendation Websites and Tools
There are various app recommendation websites and tools that can suggest apps to users without actually providing a way to download or install them, such as:
- App Annie – View app rankings, statistics, and recommendations.
- Apptopia – Track app metrics and intelligence to get app recommendations.
- AppGrooves – Get app recommendations based on your interests.
- AppZapp – Find apps based on different categories and interests.
- BestApp.com – Get app recommendations with crowdsourced ratings and reviews.
- Sensor Tower – Market intelligence and app rankings to discover top apps.
These sites can be useful to find interesting apps, which users can then search for and download through the methods mentioned in this article. It provides app discovery outside of browsing traditional app stores.
Developer Mode
Android’s developer mode and options contain various tools that allow installing and testing apps outside of normal app stores, such as:
- USB debugging – Debug apps using a connected computer.
- Install via USB – Install APK files transferred via USB.
- Install unknown apps – Allow app installs from outside sources.
- Mock locations – Spoof device location for testing.
- Network simulation – Simulate different network conditions.
Developer mode is intended for testing and debugging apps as part of the development workflow. But anyone can enable it to gain more control over app installation and testing.
Steps to enable developer mode:
- Go to Settings > About phone
- Tap “Build number” 7 times to enable developer options
- Go back to Settings menu and Developer options will now be visible
- Enable options like USB debugging as required
Use developer mode carefully as some options reduce security. Turn it off when not actively developing/testing.
App Subscription Services
There are some subscription services that provide apps and games without needing an app store:
- Apple Arcade – Get access to over 100 exclusive games for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV for a monthly fee.
- Google Play Pass – Android subscription service to access 1000+ apps and games.
- GameClub – Offers over 100 premium mobile games for a monthly price.
- Hatch Kids – Subscription gaming for kids with family friendly games.
- Playond – Subscription service focused on indie and casual games.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – 100+ games for one monthly price.
These subscriptions are an alternative way to access a collection of apps or games for a recurring fee instead of downloading them individually.
Benefits of app subscriptions:
- Access many apps for one subscription price
- No ads or in-app purchases
- Includes premium and exclusive games
- Try out new apps for limited commitment
- Curated collections of content
Conclusion
While the Google Play Store is the primary app store for Android devices, there are still many ways to download Android apps without using it. Alternative app stores, direct APK downloads, pre-installed apps, sideloading, and developer options allow you to search, install, and test Android apps while bypassing the Play Store entirely. However, you lose out on the convenience, security, and centralized platform the Play Store provides.
For most average users, the Play Store has the biggest selection and easiest installation process. But with the techniques outlined in this article, you have many options to expand your Android app sources outside of just the Play Store.