It primarily allows developers to test their apps before publishing them.
Because of this, you’ll need Android development tools on your setup to sideload an app.
The main one is theAndroid Debug Bridge (ADB) from Google.
Install ADB
ADB is used by developers to send data between a computer and an Android equipment.
Google makes the ADB available for free to anyone.
you might download it straight from them and install it on your rig.
Windows
Open your web client, anddownload the ADBfrom Google.
Unpack the ZIP file into a convenient folder.
This is the folder that youll trigger the ADB from.
Right click in the directory where you unpacked the archive.
In the menu that pops open, selectOpen a command window here.
Youre ready to enable debugging on your phone, connect it, and run ADB.
Ubuntu/Debian Linux
Open up a terminal window
Install ADB with the Apt package manager.
Its not that difficult, and its built right in to the Android configs.
Scroll down and selectSystem.
Scroll all the way to the bottom of the list again, and pressAbout phone.
Tap it seven times at a fairly regular rate.
Go back up a level to theSystemsettings.
This time, locate and tapDeveloper options.
Scroll until you see theDebuggingheading.
Find theAndroid debuggingswitch and toggle it on.
This a potential security risk, so only enable debugging over web link when necessary.
Sideload an App
Youre all set to start sideloading apps.
Connect your rig to your gear.
Open a terminal window (or command prompt) to execute the ADB.
If youre on Windows, confirm that youre in the right directory.
Linux users can run it from anywhere.
In the terminal window run:
You should see your gadget listed, but not connected.
At the same time, check the screen on the equipment.
There will be a window asking you to authorize access from the computer.
If youre connecting over the web link, you probably wont see your unit listed.
Instead, run:
Substitute the IP address of your gear.
The same authorization window will pop up for you now too.
CheckAPKMirrorfor a large library of Android APKs.
Be carefulinstalling APKsfrom an unknown source, as they may contain malicious software.
Now that you have your APK, you could install it.
Use the install option in ADB followed by the path to your package.
Your package will install and, if all goes well, be available on the Android equipment.
