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The Daily Insight Hub

Is it safe to install third party apps?

Author

Sophia Koch

Updated on January 20, 2026

Android is an open-source platform and, thus, you have more options than you do with something like iOS. One of those freedoms is the ability to install third-party apps from outside of the Google Play Store. It’s not a practice we recommend because the Play Store has so many security measures.

Does APK harm your device?

Your Android phone is vulnerable to viruses and malware if you download apk files from untrusted websites. Therefore, it’s important to find a reliable source such as apktovi.com to download. If you still don’t believe in the security of an apk file, we will show you some tools to help you scan and check it.

What happens if we download apps from unknown sources?

As long as the Unknown sources option remains unchecked, you can’t get software through any means other than the Play Store. If an app you like isn’t there or gets removed, you’re left without access.

How do I know if APK is safe?

Checking the hash The SHA of a file is kind of like a digital fingerprint, and if the app you’re looking for has its SHA publicly mentioned by the developers, then you can compare that with the SHA of the APK you have. If the two match, you’re safe.

Are third party apps illegal?

It is not legal if you have not got third party website’s permission according to Google Play Distribution Agreement [1] . One of my friends developed an app, and he asked me to recommend it. You may download and review it, thanks.

How do I get rid of third party apps?

Go to the Security section of your Google Account. Under “Third-party apps with account access,” select Manage third-party access. Select the app or service you want to remove. Select Remove Access.

Is downloading APK files illegal?

Yes, APK is completely legal. It is the native file format that developers use to package an Android app; even Google uses it. APK means the format of the file and says nothing about the legality of its contents. For example, a png, which is a completely legal file format, can be used to store child porn.

Is APK pure safe?

ApkPure is absolutely safe for downloading Android Packages on your Android devices. It is totally secure to download third-party apps. It is the most trusted platform when it comes to downloading apps.

Where is unknown sources in settings?

Navigate to Setting > Security. Check the option “Unknown sources“. Tap OK on the prompt message.

Is it okay to install unknown apps?

Installation via unknown sources remains the primary means for the distribution of PHAs today, and while it might seem quick and straightforward to install an app someone sends via WhatsApp, or in a YouTube video, or really anywhere else, if the equivalent isn’t available on the Play Store then it’s best avoided.

Can you store APK files in Google Play Store?

You can store APK files upon downloading an app. Look, some people also like to keep backups of apps in the form of APK files for later usage. And, the Google Play Store doesn’t allow us to download a backup of an app, instead, it automatically installs the app on your phone after downloading.

How to manage third party apps with account access?

Under “Third-party apps with account access,” select Manage third-party access. Select the app or service you want to review. If you gave Google Account access to a third-party app or service you no longer trust or want to use, you can remove its access to your Google Account.

Why are Google apps listed with third party apps?

To make it easy to manage access to all your sites and apps, Google apps are listed with third-party apps. For example, you might see that the Google Chrome app you downloaded for your Mac computer has full account access. Google keeps your data private and secure.

Which is the Best App Store for APKs?

Again, be aware of the laws surrounding torrenting in your country. NewPipe is a great free YouTube frontend from the alternative app store, F-Droid, which hosts open-source APKs and also takes care of automatic updates of the apps installed.