[Bla1ze]

With OS 10.2.1 BlackBerry will be bringing the ability to install Android APK files right on the device from the Browser or File Manager. Unlike previous OS versions where you had a lengthy process of converting the APK to a readable BAR file, then sideloading using any number of methods, you now are just a few taps away from getting a plethora of Android apps on your device quickly and easily. Keep in mind that this is only for OS 10.2.1 and higher, so if you're running anything less than this simply will not work.

Grab an APK from the CrackBerry forums

Many members have already posted up some threads like this one with working APK files. All you need to do is download the APK to your device memory or media card, then tap it to install. You'll also find several posts like the one above in Android APK forums


Use the APK Downloader

​For access to more specific APK files that you may want you can use the APK Downloader here. You'll just need the Google Play URL of whatever app you're looking to grab. Download it, tap to install and you're good to go.


Install a third-party app store

Perhaps the easiest way to find Android apps is with the use of a third-party app store like Amazon or 1Mobile. Just head to the respective link, install the app store APK and browse away. These app stores have loads of popular free apps and making finding what you want a breeze. The preferred method by many though is to download SNAP. A Native BlacBerry 10 client that provides a front-end for Google Play on your device.


How to Install

If downloading a file from your device, when it's complete just tap the file in the downloads view and then tap install to begin. If you're transferring the APK files to your device, use the File Manager to locate the APK then tap it to open and tap Install to begin.

[Icarus3000]

One issue I am unclear on is whether we will be able to purchase apps from an app store e.g. amazon, direct from bb10 devices. Or is this only good for free apps?

Posted via CB10

[eddy_berry]

If you create an account with Amazon you should be able to log in and buy paid apps. As it is you have to create an account to get the APK of the Amazon Store on your device (although the APK is posted in another thread).

Just so you know not all apps work on BB10 (yet anyway). I find that most that do are not made for Q square screens and many of them read the sensors 90 degrees off or not at all. It is fun to try them though. If you are thinking of getting 10.2.1.1055 just for this ability then remember that it isn't fully developed yet. The OS has quite a few other goodies that make it worthwhile.

[johnnyuk]

Getting an .apk file, converting it to a .bar and sideloading it isn't a lengthy process, it can be done in a few minutes.

It's a techie nerdy geeky process but not a lengthy one.

Can't wait to be able to download and install .apk files from my Z10 though I must admit, I hope the same comes for .bar files too.


Posted via CB10

[BadGoliath42]

Getting an .apk file, converting it to a .bar and sideloading it isn't a lengthy process, it can be done in a few minutes.

It's a techie nerdy geeky process but not a lengthy one.

Can't wait to be able to download and install .apk files from my Z10 though I must admit, I hope the same comes for .bar files too.


Posted via CB10

As you said, it's a short process once all your apps are set up, and not very technical. Installing apps to all work properly is more nerdy!

Still glad we will be able to download stuff on the go, without a computer. Just need the 10.2.1 SDK so we can have it all!

Posted via CB10 on my Z30

[scook94]

Is there a correct way to uninstall an apk? Or is just long pressing on the apps icon and deleting that way good enough?

Sent from my Z30 using Tapatalk

[Craig Brumfield]

I don't yet own one of the new BB Z* devices (still using BB Bold), but do have a PlayBook with the software that allows me to run Android apps--I certainly hope the support in BB OS 10.2 is better than the software on the PlayBook. Not only did you need to convert the APK files, but the app then ran in some compatibility shell, so it looked and behaved differently than native BB apps--these apps also run very slowly in this shell.

Is this the same with the new Android support on OS 10.2, or is it a much more seamless and better performing integration?

Thanks,
Craig

[dakidnel]

i havent been able to install not even one app since i download the 10.2.1.1055 leak sucks :/

[cw0974]

Getting an .apk file, converting it to a .bar and sideloading it isn't a lengthy process, it can be done in a few minutes.

It's a techie nerdy geeky process but not a lengthy one.

Can't wait to be able to download and install .apk files from my Z10 though I must admit, I hope the same comes for .bar files too.


Posted via CB10

Do .bar files run better than .apk files?

[shellnsean]

i havent been able to install not even one app since i download the 10.2.1.1055 leak sucks :/

I haven't either, not because I couldn't do it but just because I haven't thought about doing it until today.

Why haven't you been able to?

Posted via CB10

[H_O_Boomaye]

Jus upgraded to 10.2.1.1055 and I must say it's pretty darn cool. I do however miss my squircle tho.

To those having trouble with OTA apk downloads try simply restarting the phone.

I kept getting the progress spinning circle, thought the leak was a bust for me. Once I restarted phone- worked perfectly. Snapchat, vine, and IG within a few minutes, no USB cord needed.

Good luck

Posted via CB10

[scottdpreece]

Have 10.2.1.1055 Installed on Z10 STL100-3 TMO USA when I scan Amazon or 1Mobile it downloads to my device when I click to install in both cases I am getting this message: Installer has staled. Cancel installation? Cancel or OK. After installing the LEAK I did a restore because I need my passwords from password keeper. Please advise.

[bbmtna]

Does anyone know the target download location that the Amazon App Store uses when we purchase an app through them.

Am i wrong to think that the downloaded APK file is sitting on our device even thought the install file is elsewhere or does the app store essentially clear the cache so to speak?

I'd like to be able to move the download apk files to my SD Card after the install.
Thanks

[Boight]

Good question bbmtna. I'm searching hi and low on my device looking for the .apk for 3dmark that I downloaded and installed yesterday. And no it doesn't run correctly and crashes.
I also had the same error as Scott, I just went OK and the found the icon on the first screen appearing to have installed.

[bbmtna]

i did some searching myself and i found the following:

When using 1mobile. You can find the downloaded APKs using the stock file manager. They are located in 'device/misc/android/onemobile_download'
I've been moving or deleting all of the downloaded APKs thus far to prevent unneeded wasted space. I have noticed that i have four APK files that i can't be moved from my device, but i'm not overly concerned about that.

I've found that the target download location for SNAP (kudos to that dev for his app, i like it!) can also be found via the stock file manager. 'device/downloads'

I'll bust out my 'file and folders' app and see what i can find for the amazon store. Though i welcome the ability to install APKs directly on the phone, i want to also be able to maximize the device storage capacity.

[jugghead62]

I have the z30 and have followed everything just as listed.
Still can't get android apps to work.
Again, I have tried everything in this thread, using google chrome as well.
Nothing works.
I really need just a few android apps such as Alarm.com.

Frustrated.
Ideas, thoughts.
This really is the best phone out right now, just missing a few apps.
BB OD 10 is the most efficient system.
Thanks

[jugghead62]

I'm in the same boat. Can't get it to work no matter what I do.
Follow the directions and nothing.

[garrett1972]

I'm in the same boat. Can't get it to work no matter what I do.
Follow the directions and nothing.

What OS version are you running? If 10.2.1.1925 did you go to settings and allow applications from 3rd party sources to be installed?



Posted via CB10

[Brandon Glasser]

I tried downloading the amazon app store, hit install and just get "processing" forever...I went into the app manager and set it to allow third party apps but still no luck, any ideas?

[Azrae49]

I tried downloading the amazon app store, hit install and just get "processing" forever...I went into the app manager and set it to allow third party apps but still no luck, any ideas?

Try restarting your device, it sounds simple, but it has fixed many unexplained problems for me.

Also as an alternative, check out our aptoide repository: http://forums.crackberry.com/android...ptoide-892140/
It's a sub-store within the aptoide store that contains only apps and games that we have tested that are WORKING on bb10.

This way you don't have to worry about the trial and error of some apps not working. It also automatically downloads the obb data for you and places it in the correct folders for the apps that require it. It's quickly growing in size and most of the best apps are already on there.

If you don't see the app you're looking for, just request it and one of us will upload it to bb10store in no time.

Posted via CB10

[Jim Banks2]

You have to go into
Settings
App Manager
Installing Apps
and turn on "allow apps from other sources to be installed"
before it will work.

[grafix53402]

I'm having the same issue...get yours running

[Rirruto]

What version of Android is BlackBerry 10.2.1 equivalent to? Since some Android apps require different minimum versions of Android (i.e. 2.3, 4.0, 4.1, 4.4, etc.), what would BlackBerry 10.2.1 equate to on Android?

[slovenec]

What version of Android is BlackBerry 10.2.1 equivalent to? Since some Android apps require different minimum versions of Android (i.e. 2.3, 4.0, 4.1, 4.4, etc.), what would BlackBerry 10.2.1 equate to on Android?

As I recall, the latest runtime in BB10 is for Android 4.2.X.
Before 10.2.1.537 (1925) it was Android 2.3.6.

[dj_pavo]

Good day. I'm hoping someone can assist me. I have a blackberry Z10 running Os10.2.1.537 and up until yesterday I had no issues installing apks. My battery completely died overnight and when I was able to restart my device after charging it the next morning I noticed my candy crush app would not open. All I saw was a blue status bar at the bottom of the screen. I decided to delete the app and reinstall it as I had the apk file saved. Till now (2 days later) I have been unsuccessful in doing so. I have even tried re downloading the apks in order to reinstall with no luck. When clicking on the downloaded file, the installer opens but does not go past the initializing phase even after a full hour. I have tried a few apks with no luck. What could the issue be as it was working fine before. Please assist.

Regards.