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Non-market apps are also known as third-party apps, and as the name implies the same developers and designers who made your smartphone do not make these apps. You won’t find non-market apps at the iStore or the Android Market because third-party developers independently make them. Therefore, does that mean they aren’t safe for download? If you can’t find what you want through official channels, are there any non-market apps you can trust? Use a guide to non-market Android apps to find safe third-party software for your smartphone.
Compatibility
A recently downloaded app may not function on your phone because it’s not compatible. Before you download, double-check to make sure the app will work on your smartphone. Otherwise, the app may not work and may even prevent other apps and functions from working properly. Apps that aren’t compatible with the exact version of your smartphone may still run, but with a display that’s the wrong size or is otherwise hard to see. Once you delete the non-compatible app, everything should function again. One of the dangers of downloading third-party, non-market apps is this compatibility problem, but if you take time to check beforehand you can avoid this issue.
Safety
Not all non-market apps are to be trusted. Some of those third-party apps might contain vicious malware and spyware that will actually harm your phone. After you download the app, it may record your private data and send it to other websites. The app may even ruin the functionality of other apps and features on the phone, causing considerable damage, if it contains vicious software. Many people shy away from third-party apps in order to avoid this danger entirely, but if you ignore safe third-party apps you may be missing out on great features and games.
Safe Non-Market Apps
There are some non-market app developers who have a good reputation for providing safe apps, so much so that the official Android site names them on their pages. AppBrain, SlideMe, MobiHand and other app developers are well-known for providing safe, quality apps; however, neither Android nor any other smartphone provider will guarantee the safety of these apps.
Obtaining third-party apps is quite simple. Just download non-market apps through the Web browser on your mobile phone. Follow the step-by-step instructions to download and install the app. Non-market apps may also be downloaded through your laptop, and placed on your phone later.
Look for user reviews and ratings to make sure you’re downloading only safe non-market apps that won’t hurt your phone. When an app is unsafe for your phone, other users may already be alerted to the danger. Even when app makers aren’t trustworthy, other smartphone users are. Follow tips to keep your Android safe, and you can have your apps and use them too.