How To Install Alternative App Stores On Android

Google Play Store is the largest app store in the world across all platforms, judging by the number of apps. So obviously no third-party app store will probably offer you a more diverse app selection. There are still several reasons you might want to use a third-party app store. Some apps are made available free on Amazon App Store, for instance. You can also install a custom ROM and then use one of these alternative app stores if you want a Google-free Android experience.

Here, we are going to show you the best third-party Android app stores and how to install other app stores on Android.

Third-Party App Stores On Android

Just like Google Play Store, you can browse and install apps from other app stores. These are just like other apps on your phone, with options to download other apps. You can easily install any of the available alternative app stores on Android. You’ll need an APK file which you can get from one of the links below.

Best Third-Party App Stores on Android

• Amazon App Store: Amazon App Store is probably the best option after Google Play Store for Android. It’s the default store on Amazon’s Kindle and Fire Android devices. It doesn’t have as many apps like the Play Store but it has plenty. Moreover, it is probably safer than most other Android alternative app stores.
• APKPure: APKPure is a popular way to download region-locked Android apps that you won’t find on the Play Store in certain regions. As far as the app library goes, it is very similar to Google’s but not as big.
• F-Droid: F-Droid is an app store for open-source Android apps. As such, it is the smallest of all the alternative app stores on Android. However, this makes it also the most unique. It’s less of a replacement to Google Play Store and more of a companion. Because it has plenty of apps you will not find on the Play Store.
• Yalp Store: Yalp Store is actually available from F-Droid and is an open-source app store for Android. It has the largest app selection of all because it pulls APK files directly from the Play Store. So anything that’s on the Play Store is on Yalp Store. Unlike Amazon or Google’s app stores, Yalp Store does not collect any data either making it one of the best alternative app stores on Android.
• Aptoide: Aptoide is one of the oldest Play Store alternatives on Android. It hosts a large selection of apps including some paid apps for free. It has long been one of the best app stores on Android.

Related: How to Disable or Enable Android Auto Update Feature for Play Store Apps

Install Alternative Third-Party App Store on Android

On older versions of Android, one can simply go to Settings > Security and turn on app installations from sources other than the Google Play Store. On newer versions of Android, this permission is granted on a per-app basis. 

You can use directly download third-party app store APKs to your phone using Chrome browser. After downloading, you need extra permissions to install APK files.

1. Download any of the third-party app store APKs using Chrome.
2. You should see the download status at the bottom.
3. Tap Open once the download is complete.
4. Tap SETTINGS on the pop-up message. You’ll see this if this is the first time you’re installing an APK from Chrome.
5. Turn on the toggle on the next page and go back.
6. Tap on the INSTALL option from the next screen.
7. OPEN the app store once installed.
8. Browse the app store, find an app, and try to install it.
9. Tap on Settings again on the popup.
10. Turn on the toggle on the next page to allow the app store to install apps.

You don’t have to grant the app installation permission each time. From now on, you can simply browse and install apps normally as you would from the Play Store.

Related: How to Identify Fake Apps in Google Play Store?

Since these alternative app stores don’t enjoy the same root privileges as Google Play Store, there are a few limitations. For example, you may have to press Install once on the app store and once on the popup to install an app. Similarly, while updating apps you may get the same pop up again. This can get annoying when you’re updating multiple apps.