How to Install Unknown Apps on a Samsung Phone
Learn how to safely enable permissions and sideload APK files from third-party sources on your Samsung Galaxy smartphone using One UI settings.
- Read the tools, materials, safety notes, and steps below for free.
- Tap Start Camera Coach when you want hands-free voice help.
- Allow camera and microphone. Point your phone at the work; the coach watches your progress and tells you the next step.
🧰 Required Tools & Equipment
- ✓ Samsung Galaxy smartphone
- ✓ Samsung One UI Settings app
- ✓ Web browser (Chrome or Samsung Internet)
- ✓ Samsung 'My Files' file manager
📦 Materials & Supplies
- ✓ Valid APK installation file
- ✓ Trusted APK source URL
- ✓ Active Wi-Fi or mobile data connection
⚠️ Safety Checkpoints & Warnings
- • Only download APK files from reputable, well-known repository sites to avoid malware.
- • Verify the requested runtime permissions during installation match the app's actual intended function.
- • Toggle off 'Install Unknown Apps' permission for browsers after installation is complete to prevent unauthorized downloads.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide (5 Steps)
Open Settings and Access Security
Swipe down from the top of your Samsung screen to open the notification shade and tap the gear icon in the upper-right corner. Scroll down the Settings menu and tap 'Security and privacy' (or 'Biometrics and security' on older One UI versions).
- • Settings menu is open with 'Security and privacy' section active on screen
- • Selecting 'Apps' directly instead of the security settings menu
Locate Install Unknown Apps Menu
Scroll down in the Security and privacy menu and tap on 'Install unknown apps' or 'Special app access'. This will display a comprehensive list of installed applications capable of triggering package installations.
- • A scrollable list of apps like Chrome, My Files, and Drive with toggle switches next to each
- • Looking for a global 'allow all' switch which no longer exists in modern Android
Enable Permission for Your Source App
Find the app you will use to open the APK file, such as 'Chrome' or Samsung 'My Files'. Tap the app name and switch the 'Allow from this source' toggle to the ON position (blue).
- • The toggle switch next to 'Allow from this source' is highlighted in blue
- • Enabling Chrome when opening the file later through the My Files file manager
Download or Locate the APK File
Open your authorized browser or open the 'My Files' app and navigate to the 'Downloads' folder. Tap on the downloaded APK package file to initiate the Android package installer.
- • A pop-up prompt titled 'Do you want to install this application?' appears over the screen
- • Tapping a corrupted or incomplete .crdownload file instead of the finished .apk file
Confirm and Complete the Installation
Tap 'Install' at the bottom right of the prompt and wait for the progress bar to complete. Once finished, tap 'Open' to launch your newly sideloaded app or 'Done' to return to your home screen.
- • Screen displays 'App installed.' with 'Done' and 'Open' buttons at the bottom
- • Exiting the screen or locking the phone while the installation progress bar is moving
Credit: inspired by an original tutorial by Tech Zone — watch the original on YouTube.
Don’t have everything?
- No Chrome? Samsung Internet Browser
- No Samsung 'My Files'? Google Files App