Google Play store previously known as Android Marketplace lets us installs lacks of applications ranging from games, business apps, productivity tools, etc. to our android devices. But some of the apps that are not available in the Play store can also be installed in the Android devices. In this article I will guide you through the simple steps of installing non-marketplace apps.

Sometimes some application that you want is not available in the Google Play store. But the app’s .apk file is available in the internet at some other websites and you have downloaded it to your android device or your PC.  But when you want to install it in the device it restricts you by saying that you can’t install non- market place apps. To get rid of those find your settings menu and go to Security Settings.

Find the Device Administration section and you will get the option to allow installation of non-market apps. The menu item is known as Unknown Sources. To allow the installation check the check box and accept the warning it flashes which says “your phone and personal data are more vulnerable to attack by apps from unknown sources……” as shown in the screenshot below.

But you have to use this option very carefully and be sure that the app you are going to install is free from any viruses/mall-ware and it comes from a trusted source. Know the advantages and disadvantages of installing non-market applications.