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Download apps from sources other than Google Play Store It isn't illegal, but it's also not the safest way to download apps, since it puts your system and your phone at risk; the official store, on the other hand, ensures a good level of security. Apps are often verified before being accepted into the Play Store, and the Play Protect Run a scan on the app to check for any issues.
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Of course, there are other ways to download apps, such as the APKMirror or the Aptoide, but if you need to use an alternative app store, be sure to learn more about it before downloading an app.
Check the installation permissions:
Take a few minutes of your time to check the permissions required by the app before installing it, whether from Google Play or another app store. The most important thing is to identify which permissions are excessive for a given app.
Permissions such as access to the camera or the Internet, access to your exact location, and access to your contacts and email are common in messaging apps, for example. Keep in mind that if an app can send emails or text messages, it will have access to your contacts or messages. Therefore, make sure these permissions are necessary, as your data will be at risk here.
Be wary of games that request access to your camera for no apparent reason. Do not download apps that have not been rated, have few reviews, or have low user engagement.
How to download an APK:
This is very common among more experienced users, but you need to be very careful not to download a virus when you choose this method. The tip here is to avoid downloading files that require you to open random web pages, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, such as dozens of paid apps for free.
Use Android's standard security mechanism. On devices running the latest versions of the OS, go to Settings and follow these steps to disable access to the system from unknown sources: Security > Unknown Sources. This way, you'll be prompted whenever an app from an unknown source requests installation.
Be sure to enable the "Verify Apps" option, as this will alert you before installing apps that could damage your device. The steps are the same: Settings > Security > Google Play Protect > Check.
Always use antivirus software:
Many of these apps are free and offer additional features, such as locating the device and erasing data if it is lost.
See also: How to Remove Viruses from My Android or How to Remove Viruses from My Android Device Using PSafe Total.
Source: NextPIT
