How to Download Android Apps: The Complete Beginner's Guide

It's never been easier to download apps on Android

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: March 1, 2024 Fact Checked

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.

Things You Should Know

Open the Google Play Store and tap "Install" on an app that you want to download.
You can search for the app you want to install by tapping the search bar.
Alternatively, browse the available apps and categories.

Steps

Download Article

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
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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Tap
. It’s the Search key that looks like a magnifying glass at the keyboard’s bottom right corner.
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
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]
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- When downloading an app that costs money, you may have to confirm your Google account password.
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.

Community Q&A

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Question

Why is my phone telling me to update the time and date even though they're correct?

Community Answer

It could be some kind of technical glitch. I would recommend resetting your phone and adjusting the date/time again.

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Question

How can I get the internet on my laptop or mobile if I don't have a provider?

Community Answer

Use your mobile phones "Hot Spot" function and sign up for extra "Data" allowance with your Telco.

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Tips

Read some reviews before installing an app because you can learn a lot of valuable information, such as whether or not an app is full of ads, inappropriate for children, etc.

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The Play Store will improve your app recommendations as you continue to download apps. To see your recommendations, open the Play Store and scroll down to “Recommended for You.”

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Delete or uninstall apps by tapping and holding their icon and selecting Uninstall.

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