When it comes to installing apps on Android devices, the Google Play Store is the go-to destination for most users. However, not all apps are available on the Play Store, and sometimes you may need to sideload an app to your device. Sideloading refers to the process of installing an app manually, without using the official app store. This can be done by downloading the app’s APK file from a third-party website and then installing it on your device. In this article, we will explore some of the best Android sideload apps available for users to install apps outside of the Google Play Store.
The use of sideload apps can provide a range of benefits, such as allowing you to access apps that are not available on the Play Store, or giving you access to versions of apps with advanced features or modifications. It can also be useful for developers who want to test their apps on multiple devices, or for users who prefer to have more control over their devices.
We have compiled a list of 7 Best Android Sideload Apps for your consideration, which have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by our team of experts.
Table of Contents
7 Best Android Sideload Apps
1. QuickLyric – Instant Lyrics
QuickLyric is a lyrics app for Android that aims to provide users with a hassle-free experience. Unlike many other lyrics apps, QuickLyric does not require manual input of song titles or interrupt users with notifications. It offers instant access to song lyrics and supports offline access and synchronized lyrics for karaoke. The app supports a variety of music players and is ad-supported, with the option to remove ads through a subscription model. QuickLyric is also open-source and available on GitHub for anyone to improve or help with translations.
QuickLyric’s highlights include offline lyrics for free, fast lyrics finding, synchronized lyrics for karaoke, floating lyrics, and a notification feature for quick access to lyrics. Premium features include a night mode, exclusive themes, ad removal, and support for Android Wear devices. The app supports several music players, but some players, such as SoundCloud and Wynk Music, are not fully supported.
QuickLyric respects user privacy and only requests access to notifications to listen for music. The app’s source code is publicly available on GitHub and licensed under GPLv3. Developers who infringe on QuickLyric’s copyright will have their apps removed from Google Play. The app’s support team is available to answer any questions or address concerns. Users can connect with QuickLyric on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ community.
2. MX Player
MX Player is a video player for Android devices that supports hardware acceleration and subtitles. With the HW+ decoder, hardware acceleration can be applied to more videos. It is also the first Android video player that supports multi-core decoding, resulting in up to 70% better performance for multi-core devices. The player also allows for easy pinch-to-zoom and zoom and pan. Subtitle gestures such as scrolling forward/backward, moving text up/down, and changing text size are also available.
MX File Transfer is a file sharing app that allows for fast file transfer without mobile data usage. Users can share music, videos, photos, and other files with just one click. The app requires the LOCATION, NETWORK, WIFI, BLUETOOTH, CAMERA, and INTERNET permissions to work properly.
MX Player supports various subtitle formats including DVD, DVB, SSA/*ASS*, SAMI, SubRip, MicroDVD, VobSub, SubViewer2.0, MPL2, TMPlayer, Teletext, PJS, and WebVTT.
To prevent the phone from sleeping while watching a video, the app requires the WAKE_LOCK permission. The KILL_BACKGROUND_PROCESSES permission is needed to stop MX Player services used in background play. The app also includes a KIDS LOCK feature that prevents children from making calls or accessing other apps.
3. APKMirror Installer (Official)
APKMirror Installer is a utility app that allows users to install .apkm, .xapk, and .apks app bundle files as well as regular APK files on their devices. The app also includes a feature that shows the exact reason for installation failure if sideloading an APK fails. The app is particularly helpful for installing split APKs, which are created through the new dynamic app delivery format called App Bundles introduced by Google in 2018. APKMirror Installer allows users to easily install the base APK and one or more APK splits, which make up a single release, to their devices.
The app also supports the installation of .apkm files that consist of a base APK and a number of split APKs. These files are becoming more common as more apps migrate to the split APK format. Users can select only the splits they want to install to save space on their devices. APKMirror Installer is ad-supported, but there are subscription options available for users who prefer an ad-free experience and additional features.
Users of Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco MIUI devices may encounter issues when installing split APKs due to modifications made by Xiaomi to the part of Android that APKMirror Installer uses for installation. A workaround is available by disabling MIUI optimizations in developer settings. Other issues or bugs can be reported through the app’s Github bug tracker.
4. Sideload Launcher – Android TV
The Sideload Launcher app is designed for new Android TV devices such as the ADT-1 and the Nexus Player, and is not compatible with other devices. Android TV requires apps to be updated and declared compatible before they can be installed from the Play store. While some apps may still function on these devices through sideloading, they cannot be accessed through the Leanback Launcher.
To address this issue, the Sideload Launcher app provides a simple solution. This app shows the standard app launcher icons that are hidden on Android TV, enabling users to launch any sideloaded app. Although this process may not be as seamless as desired, it offers a workaround for users who want to access sideloaded apps on their Android TV devices.
5. Apps2Fire
The most recent Amazon update for the Fire TV has resulted in a connectivity issue between the Apps2Fire app and the Fire TV. Users are now required to confirm Allow USB debugging on their Fire TV screen during the initial connection. If issues persist, it may be helpful to turn off and on the developer options.
Apps2Fire is an application that allows users to upload any Android application from their mobile device or tablet to their Fire TV or Fire TV stick. To use this app, users must first enable developer options on their Fire TV and input the Fire TV IP address in Apps2Fire. The sideloading process utilizes the Fire TV’s developer options, which can sometimes be unreliable. Therefore, patience is advised when using this app. If issues arise, users can try turning off and on the developer options and frequently restarting their Fire TV.
Apps2Fire offers several features, including the ability to push apps from mobile to Fire TV, launch apps on Fire TV, download apps from Fire TV to mobile, uninstall apps from Fire TV, upload files from an SD card to Fire TV, rename files on Fire TV’s SD card, take screenshots of the Fire TV screen, and pause and restart Fire TV. Users are encouraged to subscribe to the app’s beta program and try out new updates.
6. Sideload Channel – Custom Application Loader
The Android TV platform allows users to create personalized channels by including any installed apps within their device. These channels can be customized with a variety of colors and icons to categorize apps as desired. This provides an efficient way to access frequently used apps from the Android TV home screen, based on the user’s personal preferences. Additionally, this platform can also act as a sideloader to include shortcuts to non Android TV apps that have been installed.
7. Apple TV
The Apple TV app offers users the ability to access a variety of television programming in one place. In addition to watching exclusive Apple Originals like The Morning Show, See, Dickinson, and For All Mankind, users can also buy or rent popular movies and subscribe to premium channels. The app provides a personalized experience for each user.
Users can access a range of features through the Apple TV app. They can watch new exclusive Apple Originals every month and enjoy ad-free programs from channels like Showtime and CBS All Access. The app also includes a library of over 100,000 movies and shows, including the largest catalog of 4K HDR movies. A personal watchlist called Up Next is available to help users find and resume shows across all their devices.
The Apple TV app includes a dedicated Kids space for children’s programming. Users can easily find all their purchased or rented movies and shows in the Library tab. Payment for Apple TV Channels is charged to the user’s Apple ID account at the time of purchase, and subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the billing period. The availability of features, channels, and content may vary by country or region. Users can manage and cancel subscriptions in the account settings of the Apple TV app. The privacy policy can be found on the Apple website, and the terms and conditions of the Apple TV app are available on the iTunes website.