====== Sideloading apps ======

[[wp>Sideloading]] is the process of transferring files between two local devices. In our context it refers to transferring files from a PC to the Phone, usually to install an APK file.

==== Installing Apps ====

<note important>This process will require a PC, a USB cable (that supports data transfer), and having ADB installed with USB Debugging enabled (if you do not then refer to: [[setting_up_adb|Setting Up ADB]]).</note>

  - Download the App's APK file \\ \\
  - Rename the APK file to something simple (e.g. "example.apk") \\ \\
  - Open a command line (on Windows and Mac "Terminal")\\ \\
  - Navigate to where the file downloaded to, which will likely be Downloads. You can do this usually by entering ''cd Downloads''\\ \\
  - Now plug in your phone (accept Fingerprint if prompted)\\ \\
  - Now to install the app type ''adb install example.apk''\\ \\