Database Develop

newb question - installing .apk?

OK - rookie here - how do you install a .apk - I've downloaded one to my computer but don't know the next steps. The manual is silent and I think this is such a basic question that search on the forum didn't help.
Too bad there wasn't a basic FAQ for us newbies.
Thanks.
Jack

Connect your phone to your computer, drag the apk to your phone, use a file explorer on your phone (estrong) etc, to find the file on your SD card, click on it and it will give you an option to install it
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

You could also just use HTC Sync that came with your phone and push the .apk with that. It's how I installed Swype.

KitsapAndroid said:
You could also just use HTC Sync that came with your phone and push the .apk with that. It's how I installed Swype.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i honestly did not know that, then again i use a mac,

eagles16 said:
Connect your phone to your computer, drag the apk to your phone, use a file explorer on your phone (estrong) etc, to find the file on your SD card, click on it and it will give you an option to install it
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks! worked fine - now I 'm not a total rookie!

Incredible S file explorer

Hello
I'm waiting for my new Incredible S to arrive shortly and in the meantime I'm reading the user manual, I'm new to Android coming from Windows Mobile world.
Question: if I have backupped my applications to the memory card, in case of an hard reset, is there a way to reinstall them without passing through AppMarket? I have not found any File Explorer or Application Manager included in the ROM... are you obliged to connect to internet and download them?
Thanks

You can use Titanium Backup to back up and restore your apps.
They are not passed through the Android Market.
I do recall the app requires root, but that will be possible soon and is easy to do.

stefanospizzica said:
Hello
I'm waiting for my new Incredible S to arrive shortly and in the meantime I'm reading the user manual, I'm new to Android coming from Windows Mobile world.
Question: if I have backupped my applications to the memory card, in case of an hard reset, is there a way to reinstall them without passing through AppMarket? I have not found any File Explorer or Application Manager included in the ROM... are you obliged to connect to internet and download them?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, I hope you will enjoy android!
There is indeed no file explorer installed on the Incredible S.
And yes, you will have to register your google account to access the market to download a file explorer (Astro File Manager for example)

TimMun said:
Hi there, I hope you will enjoy android!
There is indeed no file explorer installed on the Incredible S.
And yes, you will have to register your google account to access the market to download a file explorer (Astro File Manager for example)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
Thanks for your prompt answer! I suspected that after reading many threads on this matter. It seems a sort of limitation, I mean, having an SD card with your backup data and needs to connect to internet to download a file manager to install them..
But ok, this is the way it works

please use the ES File Manager .GO Android Market search "ES"

If you really wan't to avoid android market, you could usb adb (android debug bridge) to install titanium backup and then restore your apps. Or you could use adb to install certain apk's (apps are always .apk) you stored on your pc.
simple commands like
adb install C:\bla\bla\*.apk work like a charm
so if you download a filemanager, say "filemanager.apk".
you can give the command
adb install C:\bla\downloads\filemanager.apk
and it will install it on you phone after which you can acces all your files directly on your device.
You will need the SDK and some more info
If you want to use the adb, cd to \platform-tools\
But all this will be clear after a few hours of reading, trial and error
Welcome to Android.

DaanJordaan said:
If you really wan't to avoid android market, you could usb adb (android debug bridge) to install titanium backup and then restore your apps. Or you could use adb to install certain apk's (apps are always .apk) you stored on your pc.
simple commands like
adb install C:\bla\bla\*.apk work like a charm
so if you download a filemanager, say "filemanager.apk".
you can give the command
adb install C:\bla\downloads\filemanager.apk
and it will install it on you phone after which you can acces all your files directly on your device.
You will need the SDK and some more info
If you want to use the adb, cd to \platform-tools\
But all this will be clear after a few hours of reading, trial and error
Welcome to Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello!
thanks for your info. I was actually playing with adb and see it is very powerful. But you need the pc connected to your phone of course and again it seems not a so comfortable solution. I find a little bit curious not having an application installer or file explorer embedded in the system.
About the backup, I know that Tytanium need root privileges, correct? As far as I know no root procedure are still available on Incredible S. But, will tytanium allow to select what you want to restore? Maybe root is not necessary is you want to restore your application and not system files
Thanks

stefanospizzica said:
Hello!
thanks for your info. I was actually playing with adb and see it is very powerful. But you need the pc connected to your phone of course and again it seems not a so comfortable solution. I find a little bit curious not having an application installer or file explorer embedded in the system.
About the backup, I know that Tytanium need root privileges, correct? As far as I know no root procedure are still available on Incredible S. But, will tytanium allow to select what you want to restore? Maybe root is not necessary is you want to restore your application and not system files
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, with titanium backup it is possible to select only certain apps that you wan't to restore.
It is indeed strange that HTC doesn't ship their android devices with a file manager, I recall my Hero didn't have one too. My Galaxy S does, although it's extremely basic.
I think after a few weeks when the first custom roms come out they will probably have a file manager installed in them. Until then I would recommend Linda Filemanager or OI Filemanager from the market, they are both free and quite powerful.
Cheers,
DaanJordaan

Regarding Titanium Root requirements. It does allow you to select between applications to restore, but the root check at start-up means you can't even access the backup/restore screen if your device isn't rooted.
It would be interested to see if a temproot is sufficient to restore certain apps. Something for me to try when i get home
As for the file manager... i think it was a concious decision to keep the device consumer focused. HTC has changed much in the last 2 years and definitely closed a lot of doors/windows they had open to devs and geeky consumers.

Bantu85 said:
Regarding Titanium Root requirements. It does allow you to select between applications to restore, but the root check at start-up means you can't even access the backup/restore screen if your device isn't rooted.
It would be interested to see if a temproot is sufficient to restore certain apps. Something for me to try when i get home
As for the file manager... i think it was a concious decision to keep the device consumer focused. HTC has changed much in the last 2 years and definitely closed a lot of doors/windows they had open to devs and geeky consumers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello
what does temproot means? How do you log on as temproot?
Let me know about your trial...
Thanks

How to install apps from computer?

Is there anyway to download and install games/apps from the computer? Can I go into CWM - Mount USB - and then create a folder in my Gtablet and put all my apk files in that folder and then somehow install them once booted into my tablet?
I have never used android before so please forgive my ignorance... I just just flashed Clock Work Mod via NVFlash so I am still learning. I would like to install PSX4Droid and Final Fantasy 7 among other games.
Thank you for your time.

twistid1 said:
Is there anyway to download and install games/apps from the computer? Can I go into CWM - Mount USB - and then create a folder in my Gtablet and put all my apk files in that folder and then somehow install them once booted into my tablet?
I have never used android before so please forgive my ignorance... I just just flashed Clock Work Mod via NVFlash so I am still learning. I would like to install PSX4Droid and Final Fantasy 7 among other games.
Thank you for your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if they are android files (which, by apk, I assume they are), then yes. Just put them in a folder, use a file explorer to browse to them and open them, and they should install. Of course, installing is no guarantee that they will work on the gTab.
Also note that if you load an app that does not appear in your market, you will not be able to get updates to the app via the market.

You should have a folder called download in the root, use that for consistency.
However, I have found the easiest way is to email them to yourself at the gmail address you use on the tab.
The regular gmail reader provides for installing the APK from inside the message (just click Install!).
Works every time.
(Plus this gives you a backup copy of the app to install from anywhere you have web.)

The easiest way is to place them on a usb flash drive & use a file explorer (i.e root explorer) to install them.

I also want to mention that the new web-based Market will install the programs onto the tab for you when you click to install them from the PC.
No muss, no fuss. I was pretty surprised when I discovered it accidentally.

[Q] Any way beside change root permission to install certain apps???

Hey guys...
Just wanna ask, if there's other options or ways to install certain apps WITHOUT changing root permission on our X8? Cuz it's quite confusing and sometimes not even work e.g. when I tried to install Xperia S Home Launcher mod. I'm using GingerXperiaRay V004 and nAa kernel. Even changing root permission cannot install it ('application not installed' message constantly appeared)
Thanks for help!!!

Not sure if it will help, but you can try installing apps from Android Commander (I can't post a link but use a search engine). It's a Windows program that basically acts like ADB with a GUI with other helpful functions.

AlphaEcho35 said:
Not sure if it will help, but you can try installing apps from Android Commander (I can't post a link but use a search engine). It's a Windows program that basically acts like ADB with a GUI with other helpful functions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All right thanx man I'll try using ADB then lets see if it's gonna work...

Yep, use adb to push that app to your phone. It depends if you use what the other guy said or use sdk and copy adb to home directory etc. Full explanation later, I have school
Sent from my X8 using XDA App

Hassle sideloading, please help!

Hello all,
I have been creeping these forums for quite some time, but this will be my first post since I can't seem to get sideloading to work on my Galaxy Gear.
First of all, it was very hard to find the apk file i wanted (fat finger calculator), so I settled with an apk file for a calculator another helpful member developed himself. It was very easy to download, compared to other popular free apps. I don't understand why people can't upload the apks of other apps just liek he did.
I went through the steps to be able to sideload, but immediately hit a snag because my gear didnt have the usb debug option. I managed to find a solution by tapping my version number seven times (?). Everywhere else I didn't see people having this problem, or describing it in how to guides, very strange indeed..
Sideloading apps to the gear is described as "very easy", but as I finally got to the step to sideload the apk file in cmd after the above procedures I get an error that nobody has brought up as a potential problem, nor a fix for it. Hence this post.
I use the command: adb install C:\Users\SP Gaming I\Desktop\samsung\calculator.apk
and I get the error: too many files specified; only takes APK file and verifier file
Sideloading isnt as easy as it is described in countless sources, and there isn't a good, accessible step by step guide. Not that I could find anyway. I dont want to use any third party applications, and would really like to sideload through cmd and adb.
Can someone help me with this last obstacle i ran into? I can't find any information on what I am doing wrong. The app should be able to install with this command, no? I have the drivers and ADB. What am I doing wrong?
I really need a simple calculator on my gear, it would be so nifty in my everyday work/life. Please someone, help me!
-edit lol, before posting this, I wanted to try to install it from a simpler path: c:\calculator.apk
this actually did the trick and I managed to install the app! however, maybe someone will have use for my post since I encountered so mnay snags..

It is not easy....it is EXTREMELY easy. If you are running Null rom just use usb cable tu put the apk on you gear and then with any file manager install. Or I have also used the Google Play store on my PC and sent it directly to my Gear.
Do you have gapps?
Are you running null?
cjakobp said:
Hello all,
I have been creeping these forums for quite some time, but this will be my first post since I can't seem to get sideloading to work on my Galaxy Gear.
First of all, it was very hard to find the apk file i wanted (fat finger calculator), so I settled with an apk file for a calculator another helpful member developed himself. It was very easy to download, compared to other popular free apps. I don't understand why people can't upload the apks of other apps just liek he did.
I went through the steps to be able to sideload, but immediately hit a snag because my gear didnt have the usb debug option. I managed to find a solution by tapping my version number seven times (?). Everywhere else I didn't see people having this problem, or describing it in how to guides, very strange indeed..
Sideloading apps to the gear is described as "very easy", but as I finally got to the step to sideload the apk file in cmd after the above procedures I get an error that nobody has brought up as a potential problem, nor a fix for it. Hence this post.
I use the command: adb install C:\Users\SP Gaming I\Desktop\samsung\calculator.apk
and I get the error: too many files specified; only takes APK file and verifier file
Sideloading isnt as easy as it is described in countless sources, and there isn't a good, accessible step by step guide. Not that I could find anyway. I dont want to use any third party applications, and would really like to sideload through cmd and adb.
Can someone help me with this last obstacle i ran into? I can't find any information on what I am doing wrong. The app should be able to install with this command, no? I have the drivers and ADB. What am I doing wrong?
I really need a simple calculator on my gear, it would be so nifty in my everyday work/life. Please someone, help me!
-edit lol, before posting this, I wanted to try to install it froma simpler path: c:\calculator.apk
this actually did the trick and I managed to install the app! however, maybe someone will have use for my post since I encountered so mnay snags..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

dragoncius said:
It is not easy....it is EXTREMELY easy. If you are running Null rom just use usb cable tu put the apk on you gear and then with any file manager install. Or I have also used the Google Play store on my PC and sent it directly to my Gear.
Do you have gapps?
Are you running null?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the uninitiated, you are jumping over a few steps that may seem easy and obvious to you, but not for the first timer. Did you read my thread?
First of all, how would one get a hold of the apk file one would need for the installation process? All links i can find routes me to the google play store. If i press install there, it asks me which device I want it on, and can only find my mobile phones in that drop down list. It doesn't give me a raw .apk file. After some googling there seem to be some plugin for chrome to do it, but I run Firefox and I don't want to install chrome on my machines for various reasons. ALso by looking on the guide to fetch the apk with that plugin, it doesnt seem as easy as using any other plugin, I have to input my device id and things like that. Atleast a few steps only there to get the desired apk file downloaded.
I want to quote you again: "It is not easy....it is EXTREMELY easy. If you are running Null rom just use usb cable tu put the apk on you gear and then with any file manager install. Or I have also used the Google Play store on my PC and sent it directly to my Gear."
Oh lawdy, if it was this easy I would have had my calculator on my gear one hour ago, the moment I started researching if I could get a calculator. "Just use USB cable". On you it sounds like it would find the apk, download it, install it on my gear, all this automatically, only by plugging my gear into my computer with an USB cable. Maybe you missed that I didn't even have the USB debug option under "more info", under settings. Nowhere I read initially, it said that I had to go to dev mode by tapping my version number 7 times in order to get the USB debug option.
Maybe by judging by my first post and the process I had while doing this "extremely" easy thing, you would notice that I am a very novice user when it comes to these things. I am sorry if I upset you by reaching out for help. Get real man.

Easiest method that I have been using is Wonder share on a PC. My computer recognized my Note 3 and installed drivers before this. To get APPS I put on phone using app store, then Export to PC folder, then Install to Gear. with both look up by USB is very fast and easy to get from the phone to the gear you can also load music files and movies this way and put programs on your gear like the Apollo player or mX Video Player I'm able to watch movies and podcast on the gear this way and listen to music that is on the gear.

dragoncius said:
It is not easy....it is EXTREMELY easy. If you are running Null rom just use usb cable tu put the apk on you gear and then with any file manager install. Or I have also used the Google Play store on my PC and sent it directly to my Gear.
Do you have gapps?
Are you running null?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I have my gear recognized as usb drive so I can just drag and drop the files i needed to put into the gear internal memory instead of using adb to push the file?
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jhobert said:
Can I have my gear recognized as usb drive so I can just drag and drop the files i needed to put into the gear internal memory instead of using adb to push the file?
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's exactly like using your phone. Enable MTP under storage settings.

puredreamz said:
It's exactly like using your phone. Enable MTP under storage settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mtp under storage of phone or gear? How to do that? Help pls. Thanks
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jhobert said:
Mtp under storage of phone or gear? How to do that? Help pls. Thanks
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gear

puredreamz said:
Gear
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive googled it and I think enabling mtp on gear only works if the gear has custom rom and rooted. Mine still on stock.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

cjakobp said:
I use the command: adb install C:\Users\SP Gaming I\Desktop\samsung\calculator.apk
and I get the error: too many files specified; only takes APK file and verifier file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason is that your path has spaces in it. Command line tools treat spaces as delimiters between arguments. In other words, It thinks you want to adb install "C:\Users\SP", "Gaming", and "I\Desktop\samsung\calculator.apk". The fix for this is, like you did, either move it to another directory, or (even easier) simply put quotes around the file name. So, your full command would be
adb install "C:\Users\SP Gaming I\Desktop\samsung\calculator.apk"
As a tip for command line stuff in the future, do this.
cd "C:\Users\SP Gaming I\Desktop\samsung"
adb install calculator.apk
You can also use the Tab key to autocomplete file names when in cmd.exe on Windows, which will auto-add the quotes if they are needed.
As you mentioned in your other post, acquiring APK files in the first place isn't immediately obvious. You can use:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
and just paste the Google Play link in and download, even without the extension. However, once set up, the Chrome extension is extremely easy to use; just click the button and you're done. If you really really don't want to install Chrome for your untold reasons, you can always set up a virtual machine, or use a program like Sandboxie to make sure it doesn't touch the rest of your system.
It does seem odd that none of the guides say that you had to hit the version number 7 times; that's actually been a part of Android since 4.2. All USB Debugging options are disabled until you do that, on any device.

jhobert said:
Ive googled it and I think enabling mtp on gear only works if the gear has custom rom and rooted. Mine still on stock.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on stock, then I think that enabling usb debugging under settings->gear info can allow for usb transfer of files.

koiulpoi said:
The reason is that your path has spaces in it. Command line tools treat spaces as delimiters between arguments. In other words, It thinks you want to adb install "C:\Users\SP", "Gaming", and "I\Desktop\samsung\calculator.apk". The fix for this is, like you did, either move it to another directory, or (even easier) simply put quotes around the file name. So, your full command would be
adb install "C:\Users\SP Gaming I\Desktop\samsung\calculator.apk"
As a tip for command line stuff in the future, do this.
cd "C:\Users\SP Gaming I\Desktop\samsung"
adb install calculator.apk
You can also use the Tab key to autocomplete file names when in cmd.exe on Windows, which will auto-add the quotes if they are needed.
As you mentioned in your other post, acquiring APK files in the first place isn't immediately obvious. You can use:
"cant post outside links" - retarded since this is a quote...
and just paste the Google Play link in and download, even without the extension. However, once set up, the Chrome extension is extremely easy to use; just click the button and you're done. If you really really don't want to install Chrome for your untold reasons, you can always set up a virtual machine, or use a program like Sandboxie to make sure it doesn't touch the rest of your system.
It does seem odd that none of the guides say that you had to hit the version number 7 times; that's actually been a part of Android since 4.2. All USB Debugging options are disabled until you do that, on any device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your reply! Now things doesn't seem as mysterious as they did. Once again, big thanks for your post!
btw, also found this repository for apks: androiddrawer

puredreamz said:
If you're on stock, then I think that enabling usb debugging under settings->gear info can allow for usb transfer of files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My gear still won't show as usb on my computer, but installing apks through adb is working I just couldn't get the push file from adb to work.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app