What is Unknown Sources?
Unknown sources refer to places outside the Google Play Store from which an APK (Android application package) app is downloaded. Google considers its own Play Store as the sole trusted source for apps to be installed on Android devices.
However, there are situations where it becomes necessary to download apps from unknown sources, such as:
- Accessing apps that are in beta testing
- Gaining access to apps that are not available in your region
- Getting early access to app updates
- Installing apps that have been removed from the Google Play Store
- Using older versions of apps that are no longer supported
This distribution method is commonly known as “sideloading.”
Since the early versions of the Android operating system , users have had to explicitly enable the “Unknown sources” setting in their device settings to allow installation of apps from these unknown sources. Without this setting enabled, the user will be prompted with the message:
For your security, your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source.
How to enable Unknown Sources in Android?
To allow apps to be downloaded from unknown sources, follow these steps
For new versions of Android
- Go to your Android Settings > Apps & Notifications
- Select Advanced or the three dots in the upper right corner
- Select Special App Access
- Choose Install Unknown Apps
- Select the apps you want to allow to sideload apk files
For older Android versions
- Go to your Android settings > Security
- Enable the Unknown sources option
- Tap OK when prompted
- Select Trust
About Security
Regarding security when downloading apps from unknown sources, it’s always best to use a trusted source, such as Captain Droid, to obtain the APK file. This helps ensure the integrity and safety of the downloaded app.
Google has implemented a security feature on Android devices called Google Play Protect, which aims to protect the entire device with three key features: theft prevention, web browsing protection, and app scanning. This feature is generally activated by default on Android devices, but you can check its status in the Google Play Store under the “Play Protect” section.
The app scanning feature is particularly important when it comes to sideloaded apps. Google not only scans apps available through its own Play Store, but it also scans apps that are sideloaded by users on their devices. This enables threat detection across the ecosystem. If you try to install an APK file that has been flagged as dangerous by Google Play Protect, either through their routine scanning or because other users have reported the file, the system will display a warning message.
This means that even if you have enabled the “Unknown sources” setting to allow installation of apps from outside the Google Play Store, there is still a safety net in place provided by Google Play Protect. However, it’s always important to exercise caution and only download apps from trusted sources to minimize the risk of installing malicious or potentially harmful software on your device.
