Download apps to your Android device

You can download no-charge and paid apps from Google Play on your Android phone or tablet. We recommend that you get apps from Google Play, but you can also get them from other sources.

Your Android device has a security setting (Google Play Protect) that checks for potentially harmful apps, warns you and removes apps if necessary. Learn how to help protect against harmful apps.

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 8.0 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Download apps from Google Play

  1. Open Google Play.
    • On your device, use the Play Store app Google Play.
    • On your computer, go to play.google.com.
  2. Find an app that you want.
  3. To check that the app is reliable, find out what other people are saying about it.
    • Under the app's title, check the star ratings and the number of downloads.
    • To read individual reviews, scroll to the 'Ratings and reviews' section.
  4. When you pick an app, tap Install (for no-charge apps) or the app's price.

Report bad Google Play apps to Google

If you find an app that you think is harmful, report it to us. Learn how to report bad apps.

Download apps from other sources 

Important: If you download apps from unknown sources, your device and personal information can be at risk.

  • Your device could get damaged or lose data.
  • Your personal information could be harmed or hacked.
Help Google protect against bad apps from other sources
  • If you install apps from outside of Google Play, your device can send Google information about those apps.

  • This information helps Google better protect everyone from harmful apps. The information can include log information, URLs related to the app, device ID, Android version and IP address. Learn about Google Play Protect.

Related resources

Search
Clear search
Close search
Main menu
4073652008390013843
true
Search Help Centre
true
true
true
false
false