How to Download Apps on Android: 6 Steps

It’s never been easier to download apps on Android

Did you know there’s an app for almost anything, and that you can download it? From home and car insurance policies to games, there are plenty of apps out there on the Google Play Store that you can get on your phone. This wikiHow article teaches you how to install apps from the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet.

1. 

   1

   Open the Google Play Store

   

   . Tap the icon that looks like a multicolored sideways triangle in your app list. This app is usually called “Play Store,” but may just be called “Google Play” on some Android phones and tablets.

   • If it’s your first time opening the Play Store, you’ll have to enter your Google account information and payment details. Follow the on-screen instructions when prompted.

2. 

   2

   Type an app name or keyword into the search box. It’s at the top of the screen.

   • For example, you can type wikihow to search for the wikiHow app, or photos to browse various photo apps.
   • If you’re just browsing, skip the search—instead, scroll down and peruse the Play Store’s categories, charts, and suggestions.^[1]

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3. 

   3

   Tap

   

   . It’s the Search key that looks like a magnifying glass at the keyboard’s bottom right corner.

4. 

   4

   Select an app from the search results. This brings you to the details page, where you can read the app’s description, check out user reviews, and view screenshots.

   • Many apps have similar names, so your search may return several results. Apps in the search result appear on their own “tiles,” each displaying the app’s icon, developer, star rating, and price.

5. 

   5

   Tap INSTALL. It’s a green button just beneath the name of the app. If the app is not free, the green button will say the app’s price instead of “INSTALL” (e.g. “$2.49”).^[2]

   • When downloading an app that costs money, you may have to confirm your Google account password.

6. 

   6

   Tap OPEN. When the installation is complete, the “INSTALL” (or price) button will change to an “OPEN” button. Tapping it will launch your new app for the first time.

   • To open the new app in the future, tap the Apps icon on your home screen, then tap the new app’s icon.

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