How to Safety Install Unknown Source Applications on Your Phone?

For most phones, the developers design default configurations that prevent the installation of apps from any other source other than their official application stores. It’s an initiative to prevent users from downloading and installing apps that may harm their devices.

But let’s be honest; there are applications you might find useful, but unfortunately, they aren’t available in official stores. That’s why, if necessary, you must modify this option on your phone and install Unknown Sources apps without compromising your safety.

If you want to learn more about how to get around this process, this blog is for you. We’ll cover all you need to know about installing Unknown Sources apps on your iPhone and other devices, the risks involved, and how to navigate them.

Let’s dive in!

What are unknown sources?

Unknown Sources refer to any place you can download an APK app outside the Google Play or Apple Store. Both Apple and Google consider their official stores as the only trusted sources from which anyone using their devices can install apps.

Any app you download outside of these places is considered to be from an unknown source. However, if you want to download an app from any third-party place, there are settings you’ll need to enable on your device.

Unknown sources settings on iPhone and Android 

Your Android Phone is designed to allow you to download only apps that have been vetted and proven safe. Any downloads outside of the Google Play Store must first be approved.

This explains why your phone has an Android accessibility setting, allowing it to trust and install applications from developers or sources outside the Google Play store. 

Similarly, Apple ensures that you enable Unknown Sources settings on your iPhone if you want to download apps that aren’t available through the App Store. It’s a default security feature for your device, and once enabled, you can install apps from sources other than the App Store.

Unknown apps on iPhone: why Apple protects you from third-party app vendors

Apple has robust security and privacy measures put in place to protect its customers. They have a tight ship policy where their devices only download and install apps that have been vetted and labeled safe.

Apple claims that it only allows customers to download apps from the App Store to maintain quality. Every app on the official App Store is reviewed by Apple staff to ensure no malicious programs or security flaws. 

Nonetheless, you can still install third-party apps from unknown sources on your iPhone. However, you first need to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version and enable the Allow Apps from unknown sources setting in your device’s Settings menu. 

How to install unknown apps on iPhone

There isn’t a legitimate method available for installing apps on your iPhone other than through the App Store. But Apple will allow you to install unknown apps on your device by changing the settings to enable it to accept installation from Unknown Sources.

This is a simple process that only takes a few steps:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Security.
3. Scroll and click on Unknown Sources.
4. You’ll see a popup asking if you want to enable unknown sources.
5. Tap OK to continue.

Now, you can install apps from third-party app vendors other than the App Store. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to safely install Unknown Sources apps on your iPhone:

1. Go to settings

This is as easy as it gets for the first step. Look for the Settings app after unlocking your iPhone. It typically appears as a gear symbol; you’ll find it in the app drawer or on your home screen.

If the app is missing, it could be hidden from the home screen. There’s no need to panic as there are ways to find hidden apps on iPhone and get them back on the Home Screen for easy access.

1. Tap on General

After accessing and opening the Settings on your iPhone, follow through and navigate to the bottom. Select General and click on the option to proceed. You’ll be directed to the device management option.

1. Choose device management & profiles (or device management)

The next step is finding the Device Management or Profiles & Device Management on your iPhone. It appears in various ways, and it all depends on the iOS version you are using. Click on it to find Trust the Developer.

1. Trust the developer

This is where things get serious. When you click Trust the Developer, you’ll see a list of profiles linked to the various iPhone apps installed. Find the profile associated with the application from the Unknown source that you wish to allow. Tap on it and choose Trust.

1. Install app from unknown source

Go to your preferred browser and download any credible third-party app you want. You’ll find the installation file in your recent files list or downloads folder when it has finished downloading.

1. Installation prompt appearing

After activating this option, an installation prompt will appear the first time you open an installation file from an Unknown Source. To answer, simply click Trust once more. You’ll receive a confirmation the app was successfully installed. 

Advantages and disadvantages of allowing unknown sources Apps on an iPhone

Enabling Unknown Sources on our iPhones can be a thrilling and dangerous way to personalize and enhance your device experience. Installing apps from sources other than the App Store creates limitless customizability and innovative space.

Some of the key benefits include:

• Access to unavailable apps: You can install apps unavailable in the official app stores by getting them from Unknown Sources. This is especially helpful in cases where an app is restricted to a given area or intended use.
• Personalization and modding: Most apps from Unknown Sources allow you to alter or customize them. The official app shops do not allow for this degree of personalization.
• No App Store restrictions: By sideloading, you can get around the stringent regulations, guidelines, and policies that official app stores enforce.
• Privacy: You have more control over your privacy when you sideload apps because you can check and authorize their permissions before installing them. 

Similarly, by looking outside of Apple’s offerings, you can take advantage of unique features created by independent developers.  However, these advantages carry a risk that could endanger your device’s security and privacy. For example:

1. Most apps from unknown sources aren’t built with the same level of care and attention to detail as those on the official app stores.
2. Some of these apps are yet to be adequately tested for security vulnerabilities. They may be laced with adware, malware, and other viruses.
3. You also face the risk of legal consequences when using apps from unknown sources that the governing agencies do not approve.

Installing apps from unknown sources is safer if you take basic safety precautions and adhere to recommended practices. Here are a few actions you can take to reduce the dangers associated with unknown sources apps:

1. Check the reference: Download apps only from reliable websites or vendors. Avoid file-sharing services, torrents, and odd websites when downloading apps.
2. Verify app authenticity: Ensure the application you download from the Unknown Source is the developer’s original, unmodified version. 
3. Install security software: You may secure your device from possible attacks by scanning it with a reliable mobile security application. The software will also help you detect malicious apps you install from unknown sources.
4. Review and remove unwanted apps regularly: Get rid of any sideloaded apps that are no longer necessary. Apps can be a security issue even if they were secure at first.

Best practices when installing apps on your phone

There are overall best practices you need to adhere to when downloading and installing apps on your phone. These standard practices protect the security and privacy of your devices and data while keeping you always safe. Let’s take a look:

1. If possible, stick to the official App Stores

Installing apps through approved and official app stores is the most dependable method that keeps you safe. Apps are screened and approved by these platforms using strict security protocols before being made available for distribution. 

Doing so significantly lowers your chance of installing harmful or unreliable apps on your device. It also protects you from malware on your Phone and other related cybersecurity concerns.

1. Always check the app permissions

Examining app permissions and user reviews is crucial when installing apps from any source. Take note of the permissions the app asks for and ensure they match the features it intends to offer. If an app asks for too many permissions, consider installing it.

Too many permissions may grant an app access to private user data and allow it to perform potentially dangerous actions. Many apps, whether installed from official stores or Unknown Sources, request permissions to access information not required for the app to function.

How to turn on iPhone app permissions

Use the Settings app on your iPhone to allow app permissions. You can then choose the app you want to grant permission for—a list of permissions the application requires to operate efficiently will appear. 

To enable each permission, tap on it and choose Allow. The app should be able to access the data it requires to function correctly after you have granted it all the required permissions. You should also grant specific rights within the application itself. 

1. Don’t overly rely on third-party app vendors and unknown sources

It is best to avoid sideloading apps from unidentified sources or third-party shops whenever feasible. These sources are more prone to hosting harmful apps because they do not follow legitimate shops’ strict app review procedures. 

The likelihood of downloading hacked apps can be reduced by limiting the installation of apps to reliable sources.

1. Turn on security features and automatic updates

Utilize the security measures that the operating system of your smartphone and security apps have built in. It helps you identify and diminish potential threats using features like Apple’s layered approach to app security in the App Store and Google Play Protect for Android. 

Regularly update your smartphone’s operating system (iOS) and security software to utilize the most recent security. This practice guarantees that you receive any necessary security patches on time.

Final thoughts

Downloading apps on our smartphones, whether Android or iPhone, is a fun experience we all engage in. The increased convenience and ease of access mean you can download an app from anywhere without thinking once.

While Google Play Store and App Store are the official places to get an app, your phone is also designed to allow the installation of apps from other Unknown Sources. This will enable you to access apps you’ll never find in the official stores.

However, you must be mindful of all the major security concerns before downloading any Unknown Sources app. Some are not genuine, so employ the best practices and prioritize your security while downloading an Unknown Sources app.