Skip to main content

How to install apps on Android devices

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

Scott Younker
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Your Google Photos app may soon get a big overhaul. Here’s what it looks like
The Google Photos app running on a Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Google Photos is set to get a long-overdue overhaul that will bring new and improved sharing and notification features to the app. With its automatic backups, easy sorting and search, and album sharing, Google Photos has always been one of the better photo apps, and now it's set to get a whole slew of AI features.

According to an APK teardown done by Android Authority and the leaker AssembleDebug, Google is now set to double down on improving sharing features. Google Photos will get a new social-focused sharing page in version 6.85.0.637477501 for Android devices.

Read more
Google just announced 7 big Android updates. Here’s what’s new
Text editing in Google Messages.

If you have an Android phone or tablet or a Wear OS watch, you should sit up and pay attention. Google has just announced a bundle of new features it's rolling out soon, and from Google Messages updates to a better hotspot experience, there's a lot to dig into.

Earlier this year, Google was spotted testing a new edit feature for its RCS-powered Google Messages app. Well, it has finally made its way to the app with the latest Android feature drop.

Read more
Perplexity, one of our favorite AI apps, just got a big update
Perplexity app shown on an iPhone.

If you've been looking for more than just traditional search engines, you may have turned to Perplexity. The app allows users to ask questions and receive quick, accurate answers from a carefully selected set of sources, all powered by ChatGPT. Now, a new software update is making Perplexity AI even better.

Perplexity Pages allows you to transform your research into visually engaging and comprehensive content. Whether you are creating detailed articles, reports, or informative guides, Perplexity Pages brings your ideas to life. This new tool simplifies organizing and sharing information, giving you more control. You also have the option to publish your work to Perplexity’s library of user-generated content, where you can showcase your expertise.

Read more