How to Enable Unknown Sources on Android for APK Sideloading

Sideloading — installing apps from outside the Google Play Store — requires you to adjust a specific security setting on your Android device. This tutorial covers how to do it correctly across all major Android versions.

Why This Setting Exists

Google introduced the "Unknown Sources" restriction to protect users from accidentally installing malicious apps. When you enable it, you're telling your device that you understand the risk and take responsibility for what you install. This is perfectly normal and safe when you're installing from a verified, trustworthy source like an official Toto lottery operator.

Android Version Guide

Android 7.0 (Nougat) and Earlier

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Security.
  3. Find the "Unknown sources" toggle and switch it ON.
  4. Confirm by tapping OK on the warning dialog.

This setting applies globally — any app can install APKs while it's enabled. Remember to turn it off after you're done.

Android 8.0 – 8.1 (Oreo)

From Android 8.0 onwards, Google changed the system to be per-app rather than a global toggle. This is actually safer.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps & Notifications (or just "Apps").
  3. Tap Special App Access.
  4. Tap Install unknown apps.
  5. Select the app you're using to download the APK (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, or your file manager).
  6. Toggle "Allow from this source" to ON.

Android 9.0 (Pie) and Android 10

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Biometrics and Security (Samsung) or Privacy.
  3. Tap Install unknown apps.
  4. Choose the relevant app (your browser or file manager).
  5. Enable "Allow from this source".

Android 11, 12, 13, and 14

The per-app permission model continues. The quickest way:

  1. When you tap the downloaded APK file, Android will automatically prompt you to grant install permission to the current app.
  2. Tap Settings on the prompt.
  3. Toggle "Allow from this source".
  4. Press the Back button — the installation will resume automatically.

How to Find the Setting on Popular Phone Brands

BrandPath to Setting
Samsung (One UI)Settings > Biometrics and Security > Install Unknown Apps
Xiaomi (MIUI)Settings > Privacy > Special App Access > Install Unknown Apps
OnePlus (OxygenOS)Settings > Security > Install Unknown Apps
Oppo / RealmeSettings > Additional Settings > Privacy > Unknown Sources
Stock Android / PixelSettings > Apps > Special App Access > Install Unknown Apps

After Installation: Revoke the Permission

Once your Toto APK is installed, it's good practice to revoke the sideload permission:

  1. Return to Install Unknown Apps in Settings.
  2. Find the app you granted permission to.
  3. Toggle "Allow from this source" back to OFF.

This reduces your exposure to accidental installs from untrusted sources in the future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving "Unknown Sources" permanently enabled — this makes your device more vulnerable.
  • Granting permission to a sketchy downloader app — only use your main browser or a trusted file manager.
  • Ignoring Android's Play Protect warnings — read them carefully before bypassing.