Is it right or wrong to download apps from anywhere in Android?

How much has Android changed? Earlier, the phone's job was to make calls, send messages, listen to songs and play games. Now it has become a means of banking, a box of identity cards, a storehouse of health reports and photo albums. One mistake can cause great harm.

What is sideloading?

Sideloading means downloading an app from outside Google Play Store or the official app store and installing it on the phone. If you want to install the APK file of such an app, then you have to go to Settings Security and allow installation from unknown sources. Even after warnings, many apps dodge Play Protect.

How dangerous is sideloading?

A wrong app can access your bank account. Gallery, contacts and location can be leaked. Earlier, sideloading was done to get premium features for free, to get rid of ads and to use free cake versions of games and apps. But now it can be very risky.

Should sideloading be stopped completely?

Answer: No. If you want to install something from a trusted source like Epic Games Store, keep in mind- download APK only from the official website. Scan the file before installing. Check the app permissions carefully.

How to do safe sideloading?

1. Download APK only from trusted sites.

2. What to do in Settings:

> Settings > Apps> Special access > Install unknown apps then allow browser or file manager.

3. What to check before installing:

Scan for viruses. Check what permissions the app is asking for. Remove unnecessary permissions immediately.