Help Center

How to install an APK on Android

A complete, easy-to-follow guide to installing APK files on any Android phone or tablet. Covers every major Android version and the safety checks you should run before you install.

OVERVIEW

What is an APK?

APK stands for Android Package Kit. It is the file format Android uses to install apps outside of the Google Play Store. APJ Digital publishes signed APKs directly so you can download our latest apps as soon as they are released.

QUICK STEPS

Install in three steps

APK installation takes less than a minute on most devices.

01
↓

Download the APK

Open the APJ Digital project page in your Android browser, tap the latest APK download button, and wait for the download to finish.

02
⚙

Allow installation

If your phone asks for permission, tap Settings, then enable Install unknown apps for the browser you are using.

03
✓

Open the app

Return to the browser, open the downloaded file, tap Install, then tap Open to launch the app.

BY ANDROID VERSION

Detailed instructions for each Android version

Android 14 & 13

  1. Download the APK in Chrome.
  2. Tap the download notification, or open Chrome → Downloads.
  3. If you see "Can't install app", tap Settings.
  4. Enable Allow from this source for Chrome.
  5. Return and tap Install.

Android 12 & 11

  1. Download the APK and pull down the notification shade.
  2. Tap the downloaded file name.
  3. If prompted, tap Settings → Install unknown apps.
  4. Turn on Allow from this source for your browser.
  5. Go back and tap Install.

Android 10 & 9

  1. Open the downloaded APK from your browser's download list.
  2. Tap Settings when the "Install blocked" dialog appears.
  3. Enable Allow installation from this source.
  4. Tap Install and then Open.

Android 8.0 & 8.1

  1. Go to Settings → Apps & notifications.
  2. Tap the browser you used (for example Chrome).
  3. Tap Install unknown apps and enable Allow from this source.
  4. Open the downloaded APK and tap Install.
SECURITY

How to install APKs safely

✓ Only download from trusted sources

Always get APKs from the publisher's official site. APJ Digital releases are signed with our developer certificate and published only on this domain.

✓ Check the file name

Make sure the APK name matches the app and version shown on the project page. If it looks random or has a different extension, do not install it.

✓ Keep Google Play Protect on

Google Play Protect scans sideloaded apps for malware. Keep it enabled in Settings → Security → Google Play Protect.

✓ Revoke the browser permission

After installing, you can disable Install unknown apps for your browser again to reduce accidental installs in the future.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Common problems and fixes

"App not installed" error

This usually means the APK is newer or older than your Android version supports, or a previous version is still installed. Uninstall the old version first, then try again.

"Install unknown apps" is missing

On some phones this setting is under Settings → Apps → Special access → Install unknown apps. Select your browser and enable it.

Download never starts

Check that your browser can save files. Try Chrome or Samsung Internet, and make sure you have enough free storage.

App keeps asking for permissions

Review each permission before accepting it. You can change permissions later in Settings → Apps → [App name] → Permissions.

TRUST

Why APJ Digital releases are safe

✓ Verified & authentic

Every release on APJ Digital is published directly by our team. Downloads are served over HTTPS from our private storage, and each APK is signed with the same developer certificate used across all APJ Digital apps. If you ever have a question, email support@apjdigital.co.za.