How to Install Android Apps on Your Phone from a Computer
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You can use Google Play in a computer’s browser to send an app installation to a compatible Android phone or tablet. The app installs on the selected Android device, not on the computer used to place the request.
What you need
- A compatible Android phone or tablet associated with your Google Account.
- A computer with an internet-connected browser.
- The same Google Account signed in on the computer and Android device.
- An internet connection and enough free storage on the receiving device.
Availability depends on the app, device, country and account. Not every app listed on Google Play can be installed on every phone.
How to send the installation from your computer
- Open Google Play in the computer’s browser.
- Sign in with the Google Account used on the Android device.
- Search for the app and open its listing. Check the developer, app details and compatibility rather than choosing only by the icon.
- Select Install, Installed or Enable, depending on the option shown for that app. For a paid item, follow the purchase prompts.
- Choose the phone or tablet where you want the app installed. If you have several devices, check the selected name carefully.
- Select Install and complete any confirmation requested by Google Play.
- Keep the receiving device connected to the internet and allow time for the installation to complete.
Do not expect the phone to light up or finish within a fixed number of seconds. A submitted request does not guarantee an immediate installation.
Original illustration
The screenshot below comes from the earlier version of this guide. The current interface may look different; follow the labels shown on your account.
If the device or app is not available
- Check that the computer and phone are using the same Google Account.
- Use the device selector on Google Play to check compatibility.
- Confirm that the phone is online and has sufficient storage.
- If you bought the app before but are asked to buy it again, check that you are using the account that made the purchase.
Google says purchased apps can be used on eligible Android devices signed in to the same account without buying the app again. Subscriptions and in-app items can have their own conditions.
Tip: This method is for installing on your Android device remotely. It is not a method for turning a Windows or Mac computer into an Android phone, and it does not require downloading an APK from an unknown website.
