Help Problem sideloading app from Nexus to Kindle Fire

[nvrfgt343]

My son desperately wants SimCity Deluxe on his Kindle Fire. I previously bought the app through the Play Store on my Nexus and want to sideload it onto his Kindle.

Problem #1
I can't find the .apk, or any .apk for that matter, on my Nexus. I assumed that they were deleted when I use a cache cleaner so I uninstalled it and redownloaded it with no luck. Can someone steer me to the .apk?

Problem #2
I've read that paid apps sideloaded onto the Kindle do not authorize correctly. Is that accurate? Is there any way for me to get this game moved over for him?

Any help would be appreciated...

 

[Tim K]

If you install an app from the Play store there is no apk file to speak of. An apk is an installable file type but its not how apps are installed through any markets. The market app or play store app acts as the installer and installs the necessary files. An apk is what you would download and install when you sideload an app....think of it as the installer file.

If you want to sideload an apk of an app available through the play store you would have to find someone who compiled an apk (ie a pirated copy) and posted it online. However, I don't know about the Kindle and whether certain apps can be sideloaded.

 

[nvrfgt343]

If you install an app from the Play store there is no apk file to speak of. An apk is an installable file type but its not how apps are installed through any markets. The market app or play store app acts as the installer and installs the necessary files. An apk is what you would download and install when you sideload an app....think of it as the installer file.

If you want to sideload an apk of an app available through the play store you would have to find someone who compiled an apk (ie a pirated copy) and posted it online. However, I don't know about the Kindle and whether certain apps can be sideloaded.

Thanks for the clarification on the .apk file. I'm pretty sure that's how the Amazon Appstore works and I just assumed that was the standard install methodology.

 

[txrose72]

I disagree with Tim. There is an apk file which contains the complete app and copy protection if any download from all app stores to your device. The install process is built into all file managers I have used. The only problem is finding the apk file. I explain a method below I use which works on all my android devices.

I install the Astro File Manager from the play store on the device which has the app I want to side load. You also need a file manager on the Kindle. I suggest the Es File Manager from the Amazon Appstore. The Astro has a backup program accessed by a leftward swipe called Application Manager. Start the App Manager and select the apps you want to sideload. The app backups are installed in their full installable .apk format in the Backup/Apps folder. Copy those apk files and paste them in the KF memory. You can use a cloud service like Dropbox which is available from the Amazon Appstore or use a computer to copy the app file from the GN to the computer and then from the computer to the KF. Once on the KF use the ES FM to select the file and with one touch it will ask for approval to install it.

You still have the potential problem of activating the app on the KF if it was purchased and not free. Also not all apps are compatible with the KF. I don't have any experience with activation.

 

[nvrfgt343]

I disagree with Tim. There is an apk file which contains the complete app and copy protection if any download from all app stores to your device. The install process is built into all file managers I have used. The only problem is finding the apk file. I explain a method below I use which works on all my android devices.

I install the Astro File Manager from the play store on the device which has the app I want to side load. You also need a file manager on the Kindle. I suggest the Es File Manager from the Amazon Appstore. The Astro has a backup program accessed by a leftward swipe called Application Manager. Start the App Manager and select the apps you want to sideload. The app backups are installed in their full installable .apk format in the Backup/Apps folder. Copy those apk files and paste them in the KF memory. You can use a cloud service like Dropbox which is available from the Amazon Appstore or use a computer to copy the app file from the GN to the computer and then from the computer to the KF. Once on the KF use the ES FM to select the file and with one touch it will ask for approval to install it.

You still have the potential problem of activating the app on the KF if it was purchased and not free. Also not all apps are compatible with the KF. I don't have any experience with activation.

I was unable to use ASTRO to get the apk as it showed up as "protected" and would not backup. I did, however acquire an apk, but it wouldn't complete the install since it was not an authorized device.

I guess the kid is out of luck. Thx for the pointers!

 

[Unforgiven]

I would look into installing Play on the KF and then just installing it. I can't remember if you need root or not.

edit: Seems root is required but not incredibly difficult.

 

[nvrfgt343]

I would look into installing Play on the KF and then just installing it. I can't remember if you need root or not.

edit: Seems root is required but not incredibly difficult.

Thanks but I'm not going to root my kid's device just so he can play a game that still might not authorize correctly.

 

[Unforgiven]

Then your only other option is to purchase it again through the Amazon app store if it is available.