Safe Place To Download APK Files

rcsthompson · Sep 14, 2014

My Chinese Android phone does not have Google Play and will not run it, even won't take a Google account. I am just looking for the apk files for free apps (such as BBC weather) then I can sideload and circumvent the problem. I am not looking for cracked paid apps or anything dodgy, just the free and freely distributed ones.

Where can I download these without picking up at best a load of adware, and at worst a lethal virus?

chanchan05 · Sep 14, 2014

Try getting Amazon AppStore.

rcsthompson · Sep 14, 2014

Great, it works on my phone, thank you! It isn't quite Google Play, but there is enough on there to make my phone usable. Thank you!!!

mrsmumbles · Sep 14, 2014

There's also something called GetJar which I had on a cheap tablet. It probably has some of the same apps as Amazon though. I'd trust Amazon more actually.

UncleMike · Sep 14, 2014

mrsmumbles said:
There's also something called GetJar which I had on a cheap tablet. It probably has some of the same apps as Amazon though. I'd trust Amazon more actually.

GetJar has been around since before Android, distributing apps for handsets that ran Java (e.g. Nextel phones). I wouldn't hesitate to trust GetJar, but I have no idea how much effort (if any) they put into screening apps or otherwise protecting users.

mrsmumbles · Sep 14, 2014

UncleMike said:
GetJar has been around since before Android, distributing apps for handsets that ran Java (e.g. Nextel phones). I wouldn't hesitate to trust GetJar, but I have no idea how much effort (if any) they put into screening apps or otherwise protecting users.

That's what I meant, thanks.

rcsthompson · Sep 14, 2014

Of course had to get Getjar apk file from 3rd party site, as they only offer via Google Play, but they require a Google account on the phone to use, which of course is not allowed. Grrr, seems so childish to block Google on an Android phone. Any other app store suggestions very welcome or workaround to get Google on there.

So far you have all been really helpful.

mrsmumbles · Sep 14, 2014

This is an older Google but who knows, there's something called Android Market. It's supposedly (what I'm thinking of) the precursor to google play. Not sure where to find it though.

palmtree5 · Sep 14, 2014

mrsmumbles said:
This is an older Google but who knows, there's something called Android Market. It's supposedly (what I'm thinking of) the precursor to google play. Not sure where to find it though.

That's what Google Play used to be called IIRC

rcsthompson · Sep 14, 2014

mrsmumbles said:
This is an older Google but who knows, there's something called Android Market. It's supposedly (what I'm thinking of) the precursor to google play. Not sure where to find it though.

I think this will still need a Google account though. The Google link being severed is the source of all the problems. I found the apk file for Google Play, and it loads, but without a Google account on the phone it won't work.

mrsmumbles · Sep 14, 2014

rcsthompson said:
I think this will still need a Google account though. The Google link being severed is the source of all the problems. I found the apk file for Google Play, and it loads, but without a Google account on the phone it won't work.

Oh, well that makes sense. There are a few more, Opera app something, let me check. Opera Mobile Store, SlideMe Market, and Android Freeware.

rcsthompson · Sep 14, 2014

Slideme and Android Freeware have some stuff I can use, thank you! It is a shame so many of the big guys only offer their apps through Google Play, not through direct apk download.

mrsmumbles · Sep 14, 2014

rcsthompson said:
Slideme and Android Freeware have some stuff I can use, thank you! It is a shame so many of the big guys only offer their apps through Google Play, not through direct apk download.

YW! There's an app through F-Droid too. I'm not sure how much overlap there is between these but there's clearly a need for these alternatives to Google. I guess most devs just figure they'll get the most exposure through Google, but I agree they should put their apps in these others too.

rcsthompson · Sep 14, 2014

mrsmumbles said:
YW! There's an app through F-Droid too. I'm not sure how much overlap there is between these but there's clearly a need for these alternatives to Google. I guess most devs just figure they'll get the most exposure through Google, but I agree they should put their apps in these others too.

Definitely. The more choice can only good for all of us and the big boys need some competition.

Anyone tried Aptoide.com? Seems to have an awful lot and works on my phone. Almost too good to be true. Are they legit?

Slug · Sep 15, 2014

rcsthompson said:
Anyone tried Aptoide.com? [...] Are they legit?

The last time I looked it was full of paid apps available for free download, so I would suggest no.

Don't overlook the power of direct appeal to developers. An email to a dev explaining that your device prevents access to Play Store may get a result.

Dark One · Sep 17, 2014

Does your phone have a sub-forum here or on XDA? You might be able to find out how to get Google play on it.

rcsthompson · Sep 19, 2014

Dark One said:
Does your phone have a sub-forum here or on XDA? You might be able to find out how to get Google play on it.

Unfortunately not, I think it is a rare one. Actually all the app stores very kindly suggested here have really made up for loss of Google Play. I just need to find a way to sync contacts and calendar with my Google account. Any good stand alone apps that will do this?

rcsthompson · Sep 19, 2014

Slug said:
The last time I looked it was full of paid apps available for free download, so I would suggest no.

Don't overlook the power of direct appeal to developers. An email to a dev explaining that your device prevents access to Play Store may get a result.

Yes, I must contact more of them directly. I tried once or twice without luck but should be more persistent. My guess is a lot of the developers are very small companies or individuals who don't have the resources for much customer service, especially where their apps have been successful and downloaded millions of times.

BOO5TED · Sep 20, 2014

I've used Log in | Blapkmarket.com.

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