Database Info

Alternate method to installing Market content

In case there's somebody around here wondering, I'm starting a thread to show you how to download FREE apps if you don't have market access. Any FREE app you can find online in .apk form is yours. Please note you DO NOT need ROOT ACCESS to follow these steps, but I recommend it anyways, so use that nifty search bar and try it out.
Note: This is a method only for installing FREE APPS that are already free. Some people complain of not having the market app, others have market crash issues. This method is only to be used as an alternate to the Market if you do not have market access.
What you'll need:
Method of data transfer between phone and computer (USB Cord, MicroSD adapter, etc)
ASTRO File Manager- Found in the Android Market for free.
Level of Difficulty: 2/10
Procedure:
Step 1: Download ASTRO File Manager
This is self-explanatory. Go into your market and search for: ASTRO
Look for the result that reads: ASTRO File Manager
Download the app, it's free.
Step 2: Connect phone/SD to computer
Either plug in your phone and select mount, or plug your MicroSD into an adapter. Once your computer recognizes the SD card, move to step 3.
Step 3: Create free apps folder
Create a new file folder on your SD card in the top directory (meaning on the SD card and not in any other file folder). Name it Free Apps or similar.
Step 4: Download your .apk files
Search the internet for your desired applications. XDA forums and iPmart are great places to start. Once you find your application, download it and drag it to your Free Apps folder on your SD card.
Step 5: Unmount phone
This doesn't need explaining.
Step 6: Run ASTRO
Once your phone is unmounted and ready, run ASTRO File Manager. Once the application loads, it will list all the folders on your SD card. Navigate to your Free Apps folder, and select it. Once open, find your application you wish to install. It may list it twice, one with the logo and the other with a little settings logo, click the one that has the actual application logo.
Step 7: Installation
A menu will popup with two choices: Explore or App Manager. Select App Manager. It will come up with a new window, and beneath the application logo will be a button that says install. It will bring up the familiar installing are you sure screen, click yes and install it. Once it finishes, click done. Now you can install more or run your application.
That's it, enjoy your apps.

Hmm... I don't see any piracy. There are a lot of "Free" apps online. Android is Open Source. Now if he was talking about downloading paid apps for free... then we have a problem.
This is just a thread showing how to install free apps... which there are billion of online.

jUgGsY said:
If you actually went to the website listed.. Its a website that offers FREE PAID android apps.. Is that not piracy?
EDIT : Besides... Why would you use this method of installing free apps? The market offers free apps..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First site is this one and the other one, I didn't see any paid apps offered for free....looks like a china site from what I could see.....
The market isn't the only place to get free apps. Most of the ones I have were gotten right here....

chfields said:
First site is this one and the other one, I didn't see any paid apps offered for free....looks like a china site from what I could see.....
The market isn't the only place to get free apps. Most of the ones I have were gotten right here....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously dude you need to stop...one of the sites he mentioned has warez in it. For instance here are a few PAID apps...
Solo v1.21
Advanced Task Killer PRO v1.7.6
SetCPU for Root Users v1.5.3a
Should I go on or should I let you continue making yourself look foolish??

MyDroidHax said:
We dont support wares here kid. So please GTFO these forums with your ****ING ****! people work hard to make these apps so people like us can enjoy them. And they spent hours on making the apps and your here to rip them off really?
Now If you would kindly like to support the free apps for being free and the paid apps for being PAID!!!
Then you shall do this for the "goodies" aka Free apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to watch your language. This is your first and last warning.
As far as "piracy" is involved... I don't see any here. Just because the guy says there's a way for you to go throw yourself off a cliff, doesn't mean you're gonna go do it, right ?
He's offering a solution on how to install freely available .apk's. How you get them and If YOU choose to go download them, that's your problem.
Now let's play nice...

VinceOB, MyDroidHax, and Juggsy, you all really need to calm down. I may not have worded it correctly, but I fixed it. The reason I posted this was because a ROM I installed for whatever reason didn't have the market app, so I had no market access. There are a wide array of free apps on both sites, yes there are a few paid on iPmart, but iPmart is still one of the best overall sources for free apps as well. Seriously, i didn't plan on awaking to controversy.

Re: Alternate method to installing Free Apps with Root Access for N00bs
VinceOB, MyDroidHax, and Juggsy, you all really need to calm down. I may not have worded it correctly, but I fixed it. The reason I posted this was because a ROM I installed for whatever reason didn't have the market app, so I had no market access. There are a wide array of free apps on both sites, yes there are a few paid on iPmart, but iPmart is still one of the best overall sources for free apps as well. Seriously, i didn't plan on awaking to controversy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries man. I was just trying to save you the trouble of getting your thread deleted. The way it was worded before, seemed to ME like a method to install PAID apps from alternate sources.
I apologize, and thanks for your contribution.
-------------------------------------
Sent from my HERO200

MyDroidHax said:
Na bro. Not uncalled for at all. He can -Blam- off.
See what I did thar?
And I have no respect for some one that comes in here and tells me what to do right off. He could have came in here and said something like, "please dont be cussing, it is against the forum rules(which its not) and blah blah blah" BUT he didn't so ALL my respect that could have gone toward that guy is all gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you asked for it. Telling a moderator to *** off is definitely uncalled for, even if I use "Windows Mobil"
p.s. Don't forget that XDA is still 90% windows mobile. It's where its roots are. You should respect that.

oh snap eng any chance you jumping to android

Did MyDroidHax get banned? If so, that warrants a big EL OH EL.
Edit: Oh, and LONG LIVE ANDROID!!!

NRGZ28 said:
Well, you asked for it. Telling a moderator to *** off is definitely uncalled for, even if I use "Windows Mobil"
p.s. Don't forget that XDA is still 90% windows mobile. It's where its roots are. You should respect that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't see him drop the f bomb on u. He might have meant it that way but that would be putting words in his mouth.
Sometimes I wonder what the qualifications are to become a mod are. So far I believe the first three qualifications are ego, power hungry, and favoritizm.
Care to elaborate on the extensive and rigorous interviews and testing that took place to acquired ur higher status.
BTW win Mobil is only around cause its backed by Microsoft. Doesn't mean it's a great OS. Just that the backers have deep pockets and wont let it die.

ok, I don't like or condone the way this thread has gone. Instead of discussing the topic of free apps, its all about calling people names and slagging each other off.
@cbarlan - The f word was never mentioned by either MyDroidHax or
NRGZ28. One used "-Blam-" the other "***". It was actually you which first referred to the f-word.
But none of this matters. What matters is your respect for fellow xda users as per rule #2 below.....which by they way does mention no cursing which MyDroidHax blatantly flaunted.
2. Be polite and respect your fellow xda-dev user.
There is no need for cursing, flaming, racism or personal attacks. There are a lot of different nationalities on this forum all with different cultures, this means that no matter what you're like, you'll have to adjust to people that are most definitely not like you. For this reason we'd like to ask you to refrain from discussions about religion or politics, we do not wish to limit your right to free speech, but we have noticed these topics tend to get heated and might be best discussed in a different environment. It will gain you a lot of respect if you help to keep the peace. It's disrespectful and therefore not permitted to create Alias Member names in an attempt to deceive others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can I remind all to be respectful. Consider this first and last warning
p.s. I have cleaned thread up a bit as well, so hopefully it will stay on topic

Fallen Spartan said:
ok, I don't like or condone the way this thread has gone. Instead of discussing the topic of free apps, its all about calling people names and slagging each other off.
@cbarlan - The f word was never mentioned by either MyDroidHax or
NRGZ28. One used "-Blam-" the other "***". It was actually you which first referred to the f-word.
But none of this matters. What matters is your respect for fellow xda users as per rule #2 below.....which by they way does mention no cursing which MyDroidHax blatantly flaunted.
So can I remind all to be respectful. Consider this first and last warning
p.s. I have cleaned thread up a bit as well, so hopefully it will stay on topic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please remind nrgz28 who is a moderator of the rule u posted. I believe he was very rude in emplementing his harsh warnings instead of being polite and respectful. U can be stern and respectful at same time. And for future reference when someone uses stars inplace of a word it is usually vulgar. Also no need to threaten with this is ur first and last warning. Remember rule u referenced and be polite as well. I'd be willing to write up a wiki on how to use ur manners and be respectful as I've had to reach my six year old. Kinda the same thing

Thank you to the mods for the cleanup work. MyDroidHax initially used F***ING, and then edited it. I read the post almost immediately.
Anyways, I updated the post, and I wrote it at 1AM here today, so I was tired. Sorry for misconceptions guys. Like I said, I had market issues, so I found this way to help me and felt I'd share.
Yes you can get paid apps, but it doesn't mean you should or are going to. This is just a workaround to a normal situation, use it how you will.
Also, you guys really shouldn't rip on the mods. The rules clearly stated that you can't do what MyDroidHax did, and so he was told he can't. So? That's how it works, he won't do it again if he doesn't want to get banned.
On a related note, this can also be used to install apps that are not in the market but are available online, such as betas hosted online, custom apps, etc. If you're rooted, you should have "install non-market apps" checked, but if it's not it will take you to the screen where you check it during this process.

I am 98% sure this doesn't require root access. The file manager I know doesn't, and on the Hero (since we have not been neutered like ATT phones) we can install apps from outside sources. So that option is freely available.
What here requries root access?
Not giving you heck, just trying to make the post more informational.

Kcarpenter said:
I am 98% sure this doesn't require root access. The file manager I know doesn't, and on the Hero (since we have not been neutered like ATT phones) we can install apps from outside sources. So that option is freely available.
What here requries root access?
Not giving you heck, just trying to make the post more informational.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually wasn't sure, decided to play it safe. Thanks for the update. I'll fix the post.
UPDATE: Post is fixed.

OtisFeelgood said:
Did MyDroidHax get banned? If so, that warrants a big EL OH EL.
Edit: Oh, and LONG LIVE ANDROID!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahaha, agreed. that was an awesome thread to read

App geo-restrictions how to circumvent

I can't really find an appropriate forum for this question, so I'll leave it here, hoping that moderators will move it to a more appropriate place if it does exists.
When I log on to Google Play some applications will not be available to me due to geographical restrictions. But in my world electrons knows no national borders. I have tried logging on through VPN (and I do find more apps that way) but Google obviously have my devices pegged down to my current country. I have even reset my device to factory, established VPN and created a new Google account through the VPN connection, in the fervent hope of getting access to some apps that I desire. Still no dice.
Is there any method that will enable me to get hold of those apps? Is there a mirrored site? Anyone that has any kind of suggestion is welcome with input, because I'm at my wits end.

Kumabjorn said:
I can't really find an appropriate forum for this question, so I'll leave it here, hoping that moderators will move it to a more appropriate place if it does exists.
When I log on to Google Play some applications will not be available to me due to geographical restrictions. But in my world electrons knows no national borders. I have tried logging on through VPN (and I do find more apps that way) but Google obviously have my devices pegged down to my current country. I have even reset my device to factory, established VPN and created a new Google account through the VPN connection, in the fervent hope of getting access to some apps that I desire. Still no dice.
Is there any method that will enable me to get hold of those apps? Is there a mirrored site? Anyone that has any kind of suggestion is welcome with input, because I'm at my wits end.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you appear to be from a horribly dangerous country, so I am not sure if I should help you.... I don't know of a way to get around that type of block, but if you can get the .apk file downloaded then you can install it by tapping it in ES explorer if you have the "unknown applications" option checked in your security settings for most ICS roms.

I think Market Access or Market Enabler will do the trick.

WiredPirate said:
I think Market Access or Market Enabler will do the trick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.....
My suspicion is that the VPN your using is based somewhere that still has restrictions in place, therefore you may well be seeing more apps yet some are still missing... maybe...
Try the suggestions above though, much less hassle....
And by the way, this is Off Topic, your question is very much on topic. You couldn't have picked a worse place to post if you had tried.
Unless your trolling us... In which case, good job. :highfive:

I couldn't find a sub-forum that dealt specific with Google Play. Can I assume that Market Enabler is available through Google Play?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

http://code.google.com/p/market-enabler/

I've not tried this myself, but it looks like it should do the trick...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1563894

Archer said:
I've not tried this myself, but it looks like it should do the trick...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1563894
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That did look like the real deal, unfortunately it wouldn't let me download.
After several tries it did download.
Yes, it has potential, but there are still restrictions activated. Unless you can spoof deviceID and SON I doubt that you can access apps set up with restrictions (and I'm not talking about paid apps here), just restricted to carrier or country.

You can lead a horse to water.... :shakehead.jpg

85gallon said:
You can lead a horse to water.... :shakehead.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but they prefer if you take the water to them...
Sent From My Fingers To Your Face.....

I'm just not tech savvy enough to do things like spoof deviceID or find the right SON for a certain carrier.
That is why I'm dependent on the good will of technical geniuses like you guys.

Is there an app that does?

I want to create a form that has fill able fields and a place to sigh by a customer. I would like it to be modifiable when necessary and able to attach pics . I also need to be able to email it and print it. Who makes a good app to do this?
I have done searches and found a few. but their web sites suck as to showing what it will do. they just describe it, no examples. they don't even give prices. I also do not want to keep the forms in the cloud and I don't want to pay a monthly subscription to use them.
Here's an example of one for the Apple. http://www.formconnections.com/

flooddry said:
I want to create a form that has fill able fields and a place to sigh by a customer. I would like it to be modifiable when necessary and able to attach pics . I also need to be able to email it and print it. Who makes a good app to do this?
I have done searches and found a few. but their web sites suck as to showing what it will do. they just describe it, no examples. they don't even give prices. I also do not want to keep the forms in the cloud and I don't want to pay a monthly subscription to use them.
Here's an example of one for the Apple. http://www.formconnections.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only I seen that mimics what you are looking for is this. I used it for photography. I am sure you can alter the documents or release type and it also lets you arttach pics and will email a pdf to you and a client. I searched it up online and used a pirated copy and bought the app immediately after trying it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sImNvbS5hcHBsaWNhdGlvbmdhcC5lYXN5cmVsZWFzZSJd\
PS I head that documents to go may have this feature

flooddry said:
I want to create a form that has fill able fields and a place to sigh by a customer. I would like it to be modifiable when necessary and able to attach pics . I also need to be able to email it and print it. Who makes a good app to do this?
I have done searches and found a few. but their web sites suck as to showing what it will do. they just describe it, no examples. they don't even give prices. I also do not want to keep the forms in the cloud and I don't want to pay a monthly subscription to use them.
Here's an example of one for the Apple. http://www.formconnections.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fill and sign pdf
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sMSwxLDEsImJpei5iaW5hcnlzb2x1dGlvbnMuZmFzcCJd

Google docs?
I use it often for client invoices and payment receipts

Samsung apps do have what you need. It is called SignDoc Mobile. Hope it works for you.

fethi2 said:
Samsung apps do have what you need. It is called SignDoc Mobile. Hope it works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful. Those apps will only be available on Sammy devices.

fethi2 said:
Samsung apps do have what you need. It is called SignDoc Mobile. Hope it works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Play store says that this app at least is compatible with all my devices - Toshiba tablet, HTC phone and Samsung tablets.

bluzman said:
Play store says that this app at least is compatible with all my devices - Toshiba tablet, HTC phone and Samsung tablets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. It's only if it's purchased from Sammy's store that the issues come in. Other devices won't know you own it and you can only get updates when Sammy gives them to you. Learned the hard way about app stores other than Google's.

Free Remote Android Support App

Zikk is unique mobile to mobile remote support app.
So what's so special about Zikk?
It is designed for consumers and not for IT depatments and operators,
therefore it is extremely simple and user friendly.
It provides full privacy protection - no screen sharing, and no access to SMS, email, etc.
It doesn't require constant internet access, and doesn't prevent the recipient from using his
phone for other purposes during the process.
It supports all Android devices (2.2 and above).
In addition to remote support, Zikk contains a local settings menu which uses Zikk's simple
and friendly interface.
When people have a hard time setting up their smartphones, they ask help from their friends
and family - Zikk enables users to help each other.
APK attached. Also available on Google-Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zikk.alpha)
where you will also find a short and helpful demo video. You van also find the video on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsP9-Lpfwpk).

So both people need Zikk installed, I presume? Does the person you are helping get prompted to download it?

cabbieBot said:
So both people need Zikk installed, I presume? Does the person you are helping get prompted to download it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. If the selected contact does not have the app, the user will be asked to allow sending
an automatic SMS with a link to the download page. There is also a share option where you can
send this message (via SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.) to one or more people.

zikkapp said:
It supports all Android devices (2.2 and above).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This really does sound great; however, does it support wifi-only tablets? Is the phone number just to receive verification code? If so, will any mobile phone number work?

ritchea said:
This really does sound great; however, does it support wifi-only tablets? Is the phone number just to receive verification code? If so, will any mobile phone number work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The current version is designed for Android phones does not support WiFi-only tablets or
large screen tablets, however in a few weeks I will publish the tablet version, which will
include UI adjustments, tablet related features and a different registration process.

Sounds AMAZING! I'd really like to use this to help my friends and family. I live in India though
No worries, I'll wait

fantastic idea!!! this will surely take off!! kudos to the OP!!

how far this app will go ? I mean can I help someone from anywhere ?

What about phone types? What if my phone is a Nexus and the other device is a HTC?

zikkapp said:
Zikk is unique mobile to mobile remote support app.
APK attached. Also available on Google-Play (com.zikk.alpha)[/URL] where you can also find
a short and helpful demo video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fix the link.... & Also it'd be nice to add a promo pictured visual (Banner, slide show,ect) above to ease all the questions asked below.
Nicely done though. Props.

SystemErrorOne said:
Fix the link.... & Also it'd be nice to add a promo pictured visual (Banner, slide show,ect) above to ease all the questions asked below.
Nicely done though. Props.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, updated - since I'm a new member I can't post links so
I posted the app's package name and the title of the demo video
on YouTube. I will replace it with actual links as soon as I can.

Cool
----------------------------------
Sent from my Note 2 with Tapatalk

Cool, like the concept of it. But really wish it could do the updates of apps. And PRL updated. The many things my mother and sister never do.

BroadcastJunkie said:
Cool, like the concept of it. But really wish it could do the updates of apps. And PRL updated. The many things my mother and sister never do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great ideas for the next version - thank you very much!

I like the app a lot, but what make it one of the best is if I could move, install, & uninstall system apps, and a root file manager so that we can help rooted users also

uninstalled this app from my Galaxy Note i717 and now the home screen is gone and I cant get back into recovery?

oh cool its like remote assistance for android!

Vintage144 said:
uninstalled this app from my Galaxy Note i717 and now the home screen is gone and I cant get back into recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you be little more accurate.. what rom you are using? What launcher? Does the launcher FC?

shadie21 said:
I like the app a lot, but what make it one of the best is if I could move, install, & uninstall system apps, and a root file manager so that we can help rooted users also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually a version for rooted users is an interesting idea. Not sure how common "less tech savvy"
rooted users are though. If you have more ideas for features for rooted users I would love to hear them.

I actually have a friend who is just getting into root use who calls for advice when he needs it. Let's be honest we were all beginners once and maybe could have used a little hand. He moved recently so there is distance involved now. This looks like a great idea.
I would love to have access to the settings menus, root file explorer and perhaps apps he already has installed such as set CPU or apps of that nature.
Beginners in root use are just as confused by root abilities as beginners in android are of it's stock features at times.
It would be really great to be able to start a log cat app and have your friend do something that normally causes a crash for example if they are not advanced enough to run one themselves. A current issue I have on hand. Trying to explain how to run one and sending videos to watch.
Hope this keeps going :thumbup:
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

[Q] Requesting help with the acquisition of an insidious application.

Good afternoon dear forum dwellers,
I find my self facing a very steep obstacle related to an application. My agricultural family requires the application in order to conduct normal work. The issue i am faced with is two fold. I am unable to download/install the application due to either region restriction or phone restriction.
The notorious application is this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yara.checkit
So i request the aid and wisdom of those of you that possess far greater abilities than i, in solving this perhaps simple conundrum. My request is the following: Would it be possible for someone to download that application and sub sequentially sent me the .APK file of it so that i may install it manually. Alternatively i am open to any and all suggestions regarding the resolution of the above issue.
Thank you for your time, and i apologies if this post is not in the correct section of the forum,
Humbly yours,
Shallowmist
(PS: I have contacted the application developer regarding the same resolution i have suggested, unfortunetly the support was.... How should i put this? The support leaves a'lot to be desired.)

Shallowmist said:
Good afternoon dear forum dwellers,
I find my self facing a very steep obstacle related to an application. My agricultural family requires the application in order to conduct normal work. The issue i am faced with is two fold. I am unable to download/install the application due to either region restriction or phone restriction.
The notorious application is this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yara.checkit
So i request the aid and wisdom of those of you that possess far greater abilities than i, in solving this perhaps simple conundrum. My request is the following: Would it be possible for someone to download that application and sub sequentially sent me the .APK file of it so that i may install it manually. Alternatively i am open to any and all suggestions regarding the resolution of the above issue.
Thank you for your time, and i apologies if this post is not in the correct section of the forum,
Humbly yours,
Shallowmist
(PS: I have contacted the application developer regarding the same resolution i have suggested, unfortunetly the support was.... How should i put this? The support leaves a'lot to be desired.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could most likely use 4shared to get the apk since its free.

Trozzul said:
you could most likely use 4shared to get the apk since its free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4shared but that's assuming that the application has already been uploaded to 4shared correct ?

Shallowmist said:
4shared but that's assuming that the application has already been uploaded to 4shared correct ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i might be, other users upload it, if theres lots be careful what you get because people are bums and they could load it up with Ads or a survey you must do to unlock the app. so you said you talked to the app developer? why not ask him for a apk file?

Trozzul said:
i might be, other users upload it, if theres lots be careful what you get because people are bums and they could load it up with Ads or a survey you must do to unlock the app. so you said you talked to the app developer? why not ask him for a apk file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did ask them for the apk file they had no idea wtf i was talking about. I got 2 women one on the regular support line one on the "computer service desk" they seemed very surprised anyone was calling them at all, and neither wanted to help. So i don't think the support is going to be the way to go for this.

Shallowmist said:
I did ask them for the apk file they had no idea wtf i was talking about. I got 2 women one on the regular support line one on the "computer service desk" they seemed very surprised anyone was calling them at all, and neither wanted to help. So i don't think the support is going to be the way to go for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh i see where you went, im sure someone else made the app for them. at this point this is my last thought of what you can do http://forums.crackberry.com/bb10-a...w-download-apk-file-google-play-store-820107/
im sure its the only way to get the apk.

Trozzul said:
oh i see where you went, im sure someone else made the app for them. at this point this is my last thought of what you can do http://forums.crackberry.com/bb10-a...w-download-apk-file-google-play-store-820107/
im sure its the only way to get the apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you kindly for the tip, i shall try it out.