First, you'll need to download the APK file for the app you want to install. I'm going to use F-Droid, an alternative app store that only carries free and open source applications, to demonstrate ...

Sometimes, not every Android app will be available on the Google Play Store in your region, which means you'll need to install the APK file instead.

However, there may be times when you want to download an APK (Android Package Kit) file without using the Play Store.

An APK file is an archive of all of the assets an Android app needs to install and run, including not just its main code but things like certificates, resources, and a manifest file.

The prospect of smartphone app ecosystems opening up has gotten lots of folks interested in sideloading apps. Here's how to do it on an Android smartphone.