How to Allow Apps from Unknown Sources on Android: Easy Steps

Download Article

Install apps outside of the Google Play Store

Co-authored by Naseem Speach and Cory Stillman

Last Updated: October 2, 2025 Tested

Download Article

• Allowing Unknown Apps
|
• Why Install Unknown Apps
|
• Unknown App Risks
|
• Video
|
• Expert Interview
|
• Q&A

|Show more |Show less

Do you want to download an app that you can't get from the Google Play Store? Fortunately, you can download APKs from your web browser by enabling the "Install Unknown Apps" option. Keep in mind, there are certain risks when allowing your device to download apps from anywhere. Here's how to allow apps from unknown sources on Android.

Quick Steps to Allow Unknown App Sources

1. Open Settings and select Apps.
2. Tap the three-dots icon.
3. Tap Special app access.
4. Tap Install unknown apps.
5. Select an app.
6. Toggle on Allow from this source.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Allowing Unknown Apps

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Open Settings

   

   . Tap the gear app icon in the app drawer or pull down the Quick Menu panel and tap the gear icon there.

   • If you start downloading an APK in your browser before completing this method, you'll see a pop-up that asks if you want to continue downloading from an unknown source. Tap Ok > Install, then tap Settings to toggle on "Allow from this source." If you want to allow downloads from all sources going forward instead of just one, continue with this method.
2. 
   2
   Tap Apps. Depending on your phone manufacturer, this might say "Apps & Notifications" instead.

   • If you're using a Samsung, tap Security and privacy instead.
   Advertisement
3. 
   3
   Tap the three-dot icon and select Special app access. This will be in the drop-down menu. If there's no three-dots icon, scroll down and check under the General subheader.

   • If you're using a Samsung, tap More Security settings instead.
4. 
   4
   Tap Install unknown apps. It should be located towards the bottom third of the menu.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Naseem Speach

   Tech Expert

   Naseem Speach is a Tech Expert based in Los Angeles, California. Naseem started his tech reviews YouTube channel in 2020 and has since gained a following of over 34,000 subscribers. He specializes in sharing information about the latest smart home tech, Apple, Samsung, Google, PlayStation, Microsoft, and gaming devices.

   

   Naseem Speach
   Tech Expert

   Enabling unknown sources unlocks more Android apps. If you want to download apps outside the Play Store, head to your settings and find the option that allows installations from unknown sources. Flip that switch, and you're good to go!
5. 
   5
   Select an app for which you want to allow the installation of unknown apps. You can only allow apps from unknown sources on an app-by-app basis. You likely want to allow it for your browser, but you may see apps like Gmail, WhatsApp, and Files by Google listed as well.

   • If you do not see the app you are looking for, your Android does not support the downloading of APKs from that specific app.
     • Try finding the same or a similar APK on an app that is listed, and using that app instead.
6. 
   6
   Toggle the "Allow from this source" switch on

   

   . Doing so will allow you to download APK files from the selected app. Repeat this process for any other apps where you want to enable downloads from unknown sources.

   • Be aware that downloading apps from untrusted sources has risks, like losing data from your phone or exposing your personal data to hackers.
   • Alternatively, download these files on your computer then transfer them to your Android.
   • By enabling this app to download from unknown sources, you will not get a pop-up confirming the action every time.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 3:

Why should I install apps from unknown sources?

Download Article

1. Unknown apps are apps not officially checked by the Google Play Store. Apps in the Google Play Store are typically trusted sources and have been approved for use by Google. However, you may want to install apps that aren't officially in the Google Play Store. This may be due to regional restrictions or early access testing.

   • You may want to install apps from unknown sources if you want more freedom in what kinds of apps you can download onto your device.
   • Before you give your device the ability to install apps from unknown sources, be sure you know all the associated risks.

Section 3 of 3:

Unknown App Risks

Download Article

1. Unknown apps can have security risks. Because these apps aren't officially approved by the Google Play Store, your device may be susceptible to data theft, malware, viruses, and even some privacy violations (such as unauthorized access to your camera or microphone).

   • To be safer when downloading unknown apps, make sure to research the source and only download from reputable developers. You should also read reviews from other users, and make sure to check the app permissions required to use the app.
   • Keeping your Android up-to-date is another way to keep your device safe.
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

• Question

  Is it safe to download?

  

  Community Answer

  It depends on what you are trying to download. Be careful, though. If it is blocked by your browser, don't download it.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 9 Helpful 28

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!