Help GS4 will not download apks

[speedlever]

Does the stock browser still block apk downloads? I tried to get the new Google Play version today and regardless which mirror I choose, I never see any indication of the file being downloaded.

My workaround is to hop on my PC and download the file. Then I open up ES File Explorer on my GS4, navigate to my PC over wifi and copy/paste the apk to my GS4's download folder and then execute the apk.

That seems entirely too convoluted but at least it works. Why am I unable to download apk files straight to my GS4?

I am unrooted and use Nova Prime launcher. Android 4.4.2.

 

[lotus49]

I just tried with Chrome and the stock browser. Both worked perfectly and I didn't have to do anything special.

Whatever is causing your problem, it's not a restriction of the browser.

 

[speedlever]

Thanks for trying that out. What indication did you have of the file being downloaded?

For anyone else what wants to try, here's a link to the article. The link to the new version is buried about 1/3 of the way in the page.
Google Play Store Update 4.9.13 Adds Material Design App And Content Pages [APK Download]

I had the same issue recently when I tried to get an update (before it was pushed out to me) of another app. So it must be something with my setup on my GS4.

 

[allanlaw]

Of course you have the phone set to download apps from unknown sources?

 

[Unforgiven]

Of course you have the phone set to download apps from unknown sources?

^^^that is only for installation, ou should still be able to download.

OP, as far as an indicator for downloading you should see a down arrow in the notification bar. When you drag down the notification pane you should see the icon with a status bar showing the download progress.

 

[speedlever]

Good question, but yes, unknown sources is checked.

if i navigate to the site via Chrome, I can d/l the apk. But if I use my Android News app (my normal method), I thought it kicked me to the browser when I followed a link, but actually I'm not sure what it kicks me to, now that I look at it again.

Anyone else use the Android News app and have this issue of being unable to d/l apk files from within it?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.pinenuts.androidnoticias

I never thought to navigate there from outside that app.

 

[lotus49]

Thanks for trying that out. What indication did you have of the file being downloaded?

For anyone else what wants to try, here's a link to the article. The link to the new version is buried about 1/3 of the way in the page.
Google Play Store Update 4.9.13 Adds Material Design App And Content Pages [APK Download]

I could see the files I downloaded and install them. I also tried your link and again, I was able to download and open the APK. I didn't actually install it as I don't want it but there was a 7.19MB APK file in my download directory exactly as I would expect.

 

[speedlever]

Hmm. As mentioned above, if I navigate there with Chrome (the only browser I tried), I can download the apk file. But if I go there from within the Android News app, it takes me to the d/l page but the download never happens... or at least, not that I am aware of nor is it found in my downloads folder. So maybe this is an issue with that particular app.

 

[Unforgiven]

Using a file browser like root explorer or whatever is your favorite, see if there is a downloads folder under the Android News app.

 

[speedlever]

Thanks for that idea. Thought it held a lot of promise, but using both FX and ES File Explorer, I could not find anything.