You can download no-charge and paid apps from Google Play on your Android phone or tablet. We recommend that you get apps from Google Play, but you can also get them from other sources.
Your Android device has a security setting (Google Play Protect) that checks for potentially harmful apps, warns you, and removes apps if necessary. Learn how to help protect against harmful apps.
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 8.0 and up. Click here to learn how to check your Android version.
Download apps from Google Play
- Open Google Play.
- On your device, use the Play Store app.
- On your computer, go to play.google.com.
- On your device, use the Play Store app.
- Find an app you want.
- To check that the app is reliable, find out what other people say about it.
- Under the app’s title, check the star ratings and the number of downloads.
- To read individual reviews, scroll to the “Ratings and reviews” section.
- When you pick an app, tap Install (for no-charge apps) or the app’s price.
Report bad Google Play apps to Google
If you find an app that you think is harmful, report it to us. Click here to learn how to report bad apps.
Download apps from other sources
If you download apps from unknown sources, your device and personal information can be at risk.
- Your device could get damaged or lose data.
- Your personal information could be harmed or hacked.