You can download no-charge and paid apps from Google Play on your Android phone or tablet. We recommend that you get apps from Google Play, but you can also get them from other sources.
Your Android device has a security setting (Google Play Protect) that checks for potentially harmful apps, warns you and removes apps if necessary. Learn how to help protect against harmful apps.
Download apps from Google Play
- Open Google Play.
- On your device, use the Play Store app .
- On your computer, go to play.google.com.
- Find an app that you want.
- To check that the app is reliable, find out what other people are saying about it.
- Under the app's title, check the star ratings and the number of downloads.
- To read individual reviews, scroll to the 'Ratings and reviews' section.
- When you pick an app, tap Install (for no-charge apps) or the app's price.
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Report bad Google Play apps to Google
If you find an app that you think is harmful, report it to us. Learn how to report bad apps.
Download apps from other sources
Important: If you download apps from unknown sources, your phone and personal information can be at risk.
- Your phone could get damaged or lose data.
- Your personal information could be harmed or hacked.
- On the other source, start downloading the app.
- Follow the steps on screen. Depending on the source, you may need to tap OK Install.
- On the message that opens, tap Settings.
- Turn on Allow from this source.
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Apps Special app access Install unknown apps.
- To stop the app asking you to install unknown apps, tap the app.
- Turn off Allow from this source.
If you install apps from outside of Google Play, your phone can send Google information about those apps.
This information helps Google better protect everyone from harmful apps. The information can include log information, URLs related to the app, device ID, Android version and IP address. Learn about Google Play Protect.