Sharing and installing Android apps outside of the Google Play Store can be a hassle, especially if you're pushing test builds, collecting early feedback, or providing internal versions for your team or clients.
APK files (short for Android Package Kits) are the standard format for distributing Android apps, but getting them onto devices usually involves manual steps, sideloading, or permissions that slow things down.
That’s where AppsOnAir comes into play.
It’s one of the most reliable platforms for installing APK files directly on Android devices through the cloud.
With AppsOnAir, you no longer need to deal with physical cables, developer settings, or uploading your app to the Play Store. You just upload your APK, and it gives you a direct install link you can share instantly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install APK files over-the-air using an online APK installer, no Play Store required.
What is an Online APK Installer?
An online APK installer allows you to upload your Android app and generate a link that others can use to download and install it directly on their phones or tablets.
It’s a simple and efficient solution for:
- Distributing early versions of your app to testers
- Sharing in-progress builds with clients
- Rolling out internal apps to your team
Unlike more traditional methods that rely on email attachments, USB transfers, or third-party tools with logins and configuration, AppsOnAir streamlines everything.
No sign-ups for testers, no approval processes, no file juggling.
Once the link is generated, users just open it on their Android device and follow the installation instructions.
Why Choose AppsOnAir for APK Delivery?
1) Skip the Play Store
Not every build is meant to go live. With AppsOnAir, you can send test versions or client previews without worrying about the lengthy Play Store review process.
2) Instant, Shareable Links
As soon as you upload an APK, a unique install link is created. Send it to anyone, testers, teammates, or stakeholders, for quick installation.
3) Add Password Protection
If you're working on a private or confidential app, you can protect the install link with a password. Only users with the password will be able to access and install the APK.
4) Keep Everyone Notified
AppsOnAir can be integrated with tools like Google Chat, so your team gets alerts when a new version is ready, no need to chase people down.
5) Set Expiry Timers
Control how long your links stay live. If you only want a version accessible for a short time, just set an expiration date, and it’ll disable the link automatically.
If you're looking for a secure, hassle-free way to manage APK distribution for Android apps, AppsOnAir might be just what you need.
Step-by-Step Guide to Use AppsOnAir as an APK Installe
If you are comfortable with video, below is the step-by-step walkthrough of AppsOnAir.
Step 1: Complete the sign-up and verification Process
Step 2: Enter your name to set up your AppsOnAir account
Step 3: Enter Workspace name
Step 4: Now it's time to add the name of the mobile application and upload the APK file you want to share. Add a note in the “Notes” section if you have something important to mention, like what bug you have fixed, etc.
Step 5: If you have more people in your team, you can invite them and add them to your workspace. On the other hand, if you are a single-person team, you can skip this step as well.
Step 6: After the above step, you will be redirected to the dashboard, where you will see all the apps that have been added.
Step 7: Click on the app you want to share, and you will see the dashboard below. There, you will see the share button.
Step 8: When you press the “Share” button, you will see the following pop-up. There, you can set the password as well as the expiry of the link.
Step 9: Then click on “Generate Link”. It will generate a shareable link to install an APK file on your Android mobile. You can share this link via any method, be it email, SMS, WhatsApp, Google Chat, Slack, etc.
It's that simple!
Now, we can hope that you have a complete idea of how to use AppsOnAir to upload, install, and test APK files for evaluating Android apps on your actual Android devices.
If you found AppsOnAir easy and smooth, you can use it for APK sharing purposes.
Wrapping Up
AppsOnAir is a powerful online APK installer that makes Android app distribution very simple for developers, testers, and product teams.
Instead of relying on traditional methods like USB transfers or Firebase App Distribution, AppsOnAir lets you upload APK files and instantly generate secure links for over-the-air installation.
You can use AppsOnAir to share Android app builds with internal teams for testing or with clients to showcase a demo, no Play Store upload required.
