If you’ve just bought a new Android device, you’ve probably run into the issue of not being able to download certain apps. If you keep trying to download apps from outside of Google Play Store, you get the “Download Pending” message that does not go away. This issue arises because your Android phone or tablet is set to not allow applications from unknown sources. In this blog post, we will be discussing how to turn on allow unknown sources on Android, so that you can download and install apps from anywhere you want.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before starting the process of allowing unknown sources on your Android device, you need to have two things. Firstly, make sure you have an updated version of the Android Operating System. Secondly, make sure you have a strong and secure internet connection. Once you have these two things in place, you are ready to move on to the next step.
What Requires Your Focus?
You need to be careful when you turn on allow unknown sources on your Android device. This opens up your Android phone or tablet to potentially harmful apps that can cause serious security issues. Be sure to only allow trusted apps from sources that you know are safe and legitimate. Also, ensure that you turn the switch back to “off” after you have installed the app you were looking to download.
Different Methods to Turn on Allow Unknown Sources on Android
In this section, we will be discussing four different methods to allow unknown sources on your Android device.
Method 1: Via Settings
Step 1: Unlock your Android device.
Step 2: Tap on the “Settings” app that is visible on your device.
Step 3: Scroll down and look for the “System” option.
Step 4: Tap on “Apps & Notifications”.
Step 5: Scroll down and click on the “Advanced” tab.
Step 6: Click on “Special app access”.
Step 7: Select “Install other apps”.
Step 8: Click the app that you want to enable.
Step 9: Enable “Allow from this source.”
Pros: This method is very safe as you have to take a lot of steps in order to get to the settings.
Cons: It can be time-consuming.
Method 2: Via Notification Shade
Step 1: Unlock your Android device.
Step 2: Swipe down your notification shade.
Step 3: Tap on the gear icon on the top right corner of your screen.
Step 4: Scroll down and look for the “System” option.
Step 5: Tap on “Apps & Notifications”.
Step 6: Click on the “Advanced” tab.
Step 7: Click on “Special app access”.
Step 8: Select “Install other apps”.
Step 9: Click the app that you want to enable.
Step 10: Enable “Allow from this source.”
Pros: It’s a quick and easy way to turn on allow unknown sources on your Android device.
Cons: It’s relatively easy to access by anyone who handles your phone or tablet, therefore there is a security risk.
Method 3: Via File Manager
Step 1: Unlock your Android device.
Step 2: Download the APK file manager to your device.
Step 3: Launch the “File Manager” app.
Step 4: Look for the folder that contains the APK app.
Step 5: Tap on the APK app.
Step 6: A pop-up message will appear on your screen.
Step 7: Enable “Allow from this source” to install the app.
Pros: It’s a quick and easy way to turn on allow unknown sources on your Android device.
Cons: This method only works when you are installing APK files from your device’s file manager.
Method 4: Via Developer Options
Step 1: Unlock your Android device.
Step 2: Click on “Settings”.
Step 3: Select “System”.
Step 4: Tap on “About phone”.
Step 5: Click on the “Build number” tab continuously until you get a message that reads, “You are now a developer.”
Step 6: Go back to the “Settings” app.
Step 7: Scroll down and click on the “Developer options” tab.
Step 8: Look for the “Unknown Sources” option.
Step 9: Toggle the switch to enable it.
Pros: It’s easy and quick to access once you have activated developer options.
Cons: This method is not very safe as it is relatively easy to access the Developer options.
Why Can’t I Turn on Allow Unknown Sources?
There are several reasons why you might not be able to turn on allow unknown sources on your Android device, and they include:
1. Security settings:
Some mobile carriers and device manufacturers limit the use of third-party apps due to security concerns.
A: To fix this issue, contact your device’s manufacturer or telecom provider and enquire about how to allow third-party app installations.
2. Virus or Malware:
The android device may have a virus or malware that may prevent app installations from third-party sources.
A: To fix this issue, install a reliable antivirus app to scan your device, and clean up the virus or malware detected.
3. Outdated Operating System:
The android operating system on the device may be too old to accept installs from unknown sources.
A: To fix this issue, update the operating system to the latest version available.
Implications and Recommendations
Allowing unknown sources can create a huge security risk by exposing your device to harmful apps. Therefore, it is recommended that you keep this feature ‘off’ when you are not actively installing apps from a trusted source. Ensure that you only download apps from reputable sources to prevent these apps from causing harm to your device.
5 FAQs about Turning on Allow Unknown Sources on Android
Q1. Is it safe to download apps from unknown sources on Android?
A: It is generally not safe to download apps from unknown sources on Android as they can cause serious security issues.
Q2. Can I download APK files from the web and install them on my android device?
A: Yes, you can download APK files from the web and install them on your device, but it’s important to make sure that these files are safe and come from a trusted source.
Q3. What happens if I forget to turn off ‘Allow Unknown Sources’ after downloading an app?
A: If you forget to turn off ‘Allow Unknown Sources’ after downloading an app, your device remains exposed to potential security risks.
Q4. How can I tell if an app is from a trusted source?
A: You can tell if an app is from a trusted source by reading its reviews and ratings on Google Play Store, looking up the app online, and checking to see if it is a well-known app.
Q5. Does allowing unknown sources on Android void my device’s warranty?
A: No, allowing unknown sources on Android devices does not void your device’s warranty, but it is unadvisable and not encouraged.
Final Words
In this blog post, we have discussed different methods on how to turn on allow unknown sources on Android. It is important to note that allowing unknown sources can lead to harmful apps being downloaded on your device, causing severe security issues. Be sure to turn off this feature once you have installed the app you were looking to download and limit its usage to ensure that your device remains secure.