If you’ve got a shiny new phone or tablet running Android 14, it’s true that you can’t download and install these older apps on your device itself.

If you want to know how to sideload apps on your Android phone, here's a handy guide. We'll also explain some safety tips.

Does the Google Play Store not offer the app you want? We explain how to install apps/APK files from outside the Play Store.

However, there are other methods to install user apps as system apps without paying fees. Check out this guide for methods of installing ordinary user apps as system apps.

In general, you should install apps outside of your phone's app store only if you have a very good reason to.