How to install apps on Android devices

By Scott Younker June 20, 2012

Android devices are a different beast from Apple’s iPhones. This is mostly due to the fact that Android devices aren’t tied into a service like iTunes and the App Store. Instead, these devices use the Google Play app marketplace, or proprietary marketplaces like the Amazon app store on Kindle Fires.

With this how-to we’ll help you learn how to download and install apps using Google Play. You will need a device with Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G access.

1. Access to Google Play is provided via a pre-installed app on your Android phone. Turn on the phone and unlock it. You will see the Android homescreen. Towards the bottom of the screen you should see a little tab or grid icon. Tap the icon, which opens a new view showing all the apps that are on the device.

2. Find the pictograph that is labeled “Play Store”. Generally this icon a white handbag on it with the Google Play triangle logo. Tap the icon for it to load up.

3. Browse and search for apps that you’d like to install. For this example, let’s grab a free app, like the original Angry Birds.

4. Once you’ve selected an app for download tap the app of choice to view details like the description, rating, and the number of downloads by other users. At the bottom you should see a button labeled “Install.” A list of device functions that the app needs to access in order to function properly will pop up. Confirm the install with another tap and the download and install process will begin.

Depending on the size of the app it may take a few minutes to download. Once it’s finished the app is officially installed.

5. If you go back into the app grid, your new app will be there. Launch it and start playing.

Note: You can find a list of all the apps that you’ve downloaded by going into the Android Market app and finding the “My Downloads” section.

Looking for more tips and tricks to help you master your new Android device? Also check out How to uninstall or delete apps from an Android Device.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Mobile

Motorola’s new Android phone looks amazing, but there’s a catch

motorola edge 50 Pro rear shell.

Earlier today, Motorola introduced a new premium phone in the Edge series, and from the looks of it, this could be one of the most value-centric phones of 2024. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro, which flaunts a fresh design language, marked its arrival in the Indian market with a price tag of roughly $385. For a limited spell, it will be sold at approximately $335, which is nothing short of stunning.

At that asking price, you won’t find a phone in the U.S. market that can match the hardware prowess and the fine looks of Motorola’s latest phone. We are talking about sleek curved glass aesthetics, a metallic frame, and a vegan leather finish available in a beautiful lavender shade.

Computing

What is packet loss, and how do you fix it?

resetplug wifi router

There are few things more frustrating than trying to work, game, or stream a movie and experiencing stuttering, pausing, and other unstable behavior due to a dodgy internet connection. Even if your Wi-Fi signal is strong or you're using a wired connection, you can still experience hiccups due to the irritating phenomenon of packet loss.

If you're wondering what packet loss is and how to fix it, we're here to help explain the issue and show you how you can mitigate it.
What is a packet?
Think of a single email as a convoy of buses taking the class to Disney World. Each bus carries a portion of the overall student body -- your email -- along with information about where it’s going, where it’s from, and who is riding in the seats.

Computing

How to change your Zoom background on Mac and Windows

A man working from home.

Not everyone builds their home office around video calls. And if your home office also doubles as your bedroom, kitchen, or is tucked away in a cluttered corner of your basement, you'll be glad to know that Zoom lets you hide your surroundings from your co-workers. One way the software does this is by letting you change your Zoom background, allowing others in the chat to see you while swapping out your environment for something more professional.

Want to make use of the cool feature? In this guide, we'll go over how to change your Zoom background using both built-in images and custom images uploaded by the user. We also cover how to blur your Zoom background, in case you want something a bit more low-key, along with how to add filters for something more fun.
Step 1: Access your Zoom settings