The unpublished download is the process of locally moving files and programs from one device to another. This usually means connecting your computer to your smartphone or tablet. For most people, sideloading is not something they will ever need, but knowing how to do it can be a useful skill.
But what is sideloading? However, there are some important things you need to know before doing this, as this can involve potential security risks and, in some cases, may void your device’s warranty.
What is sideloading and how does it work?
For most of our devices, we obtain files and software by downloading them from the Internet. This is usually done using software provided by the manufacturer of our device. For computers, this will be a browser or a software store. Android and iOS use the Play Store and App Store respectively.
Unpublished download avoids these methods by hosting the software directly on your device. This usually happens in one of the following ways:
- Optional USB Boot — Move files and software between devices using a USB cable
- Advanced Bluetooth Download — Use a Bluetooth connection to move data between devices.
- Upload Unpublished External Storage – Use a USB drive or microSD card to transfer between devices.
Most programs contain instructions for the operating system on how to install them. Whether you get the software from an official source or download it unpublished, your device usually doesn’t show any difference on your hard drive.
Why do you want to upload Sideload?
While most of the apps you need are available from the official app store, there are exceptions. Perhaps the most prominent example is the mobile version of Fortnite At the time of release, the popular game Battle Royal was not available on the Google Play store and required users to download the game to their smartphones.
Epic Games aren’t the only developers who are careful not to publish their apps to Google or Apple’s official stores. Sites like APK Mirror and vShare Download host thousands of downloadable apps for Android and iOS devices.
Another common reason for downloading unpublished applications is to gain access to an older version of the application, or a version that is no longer available through normal methods. This is especially handy for smart home apps, which are particularly error prone after a forced update.
Finally, in some areas, smart devices cannot access the Internet. Downloading applications from a shared computer gives people the freedom to use software typically intended for those who access the App or Play Store directly.
Is sideloading safe?
While downloading unpublished apps is not illegal, there are a few things to consider before getting started. Downloadable unpublished applications do not have the same security guarantees as official downloads. This is not a problem if you trust the source of the application, but you can install malware spyware without realizing it.
Until recently, downloading unpublished apps on iOS required a phone jailbreak. Hacking is the process of bypassing Apple’s official system to add files and software to iOS devices. Unfortunately, this will also void your phone’s warranty and may even cause official Apple suppliers to refuse to repair your device.
While sideloading no longer requires jailbreak, Apple hasn’t made it clear if sideloading would violate a user’s warranty.
How to sideload on Android devices
As shown in the video above, software like Racoon can make finding and transferring apps easier. However, in most cases, you can transfer any downloaded APK file to your smart device via USB or Bluetooth without any additional software. You may need to change your security settings to use this method.
For Android Nougat users:
- Open Settings.
- Select “Security” (sometimes called “Screen Lock & Security”).
- Enable Unknown Sources in Device Administration.
For Android Oreo users:
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps & Notifications.
- Allow the installation of unknown applications (sometimes called Install Other Applications).
When you open an APK file on an Android device, it will be installed and it will appear in the menu like any other application.
How to Sideload on iOS Devices
For iOS users, downloading unpublished apps has been a difficult process, including jailbreaking your device. This is much easier nowadays. Software like Altstore allows you to directly install IPA files via USB cable.
It’s still a bit more complicated than downloading unpublished Android apps, but the guide above will walk you through all the steps required to get set up.
Sideloading on Android TV
Android TV users can also download apps unpublished, and as shown in the video above, there are several ways to achieve this. This is especially useful if you want to use a VPN to watch region-specific TV shows.
Sideloading on Oculus Quest
Oculus Quest lets you play games without being tied to a computer. While this gives you much more freedom than traditional VR headsets, you’re limited to the apps available in the Oculus Store.
The unpublished download provides access to other games and software as well as the Steam Link and Remote Desktop software. Keep in mind that if you have an Oculus Quest, you can also unleash the full power of full VR gaming with Oculus Link.
Lateral Loading: A Useful Skill
Downloading unpublished apps gives you more options to manage apps on your smart devices. This is also important when developing applications, and programming languages ??that specialize in developing applications are in high demand.
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