Review the page and download prompt
Start from a page you recognise and inspect the address before requesting a file. A secure connection protects data in transit; it does not establish what an Android package contains.
Check the file type, name and completion status in your browser. A file ending in .apk should be an Android installation package, not an archive that requires a password.
Read the app identity in the installer
Android displays information about the application being installed. Review the app name and any information available through the installer or App info.
For an update, the application package and signing identity must be compatible with the existing installation. A similar file name alone does not establish that compatibility.
Understand file checksums
A SHA-256 checksum is a fingerprint of a particular file. Compare it with a value from a trusted release source for that exact file. A matching checksum shows that the compared bytes match.
A checksum does not, by itself, prove that a package is safe or that it belongs to a particular publisher. Use it together with the source, release information and Android’s checks.
Read permissions and warnings
Consider whether each requested permission is needed for the feature you are using. Keep Android and device protection up to date.
If the installer reports an unexpected application, a damaged package or a security warning, stop and check the source and exact message before attempting installation again.
Ready to open the app?
Start the download, then follow the steps on your Android device.