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Android APK
How to install Android APK
To install an APK on an Android device, there is a utility provided with the android sdk called 'adb.exe'
https://developer.android.com/tools/adb
Download it here: https://developer.android.com/studio/
It is part of Android Studio.
It allows you to connect to an Android device and install APK files.
To use it, connect the device with a USB cable.
The ability to receive connections via ADB is not enabled by default on most Android devices and has to be enabled in the 'developer options'.
'developer options' is a menu that is hidden by default, but can be made visible by going to:
settings -> about phone -> software information and click on the 'build number' 5 times. You should see a confirmation message saying 'developer mode enabled'.
You can then go to
settings -> developer options
and turn on 'USB debugging'
You can verify that ADB can connect to the device with
>adb devices
The first time you use ADB with a device, it will ask for permission on the screen. Once you approve, the PC will be able to use ADB to install the APK
>adb install someapp.apk (substitute the APK filename you are trying to install)
Once installed, the app should appear on the device.
Last modified 18d ago