A visual guide to managing sideloaded Android apps and their updates. (Illustrative AI-generated image).
- Manually updating sideloaded Android apps is time-consuming and often overlooked.
- Many useful apps, like privacy tools and emulators, are not available on the Google Play Store.
- Obtainium is an open-source app that automates the tracking and installation of updates for sideloaded apps.
- The setup involves sideloading Obtainium and then adding the sources for your other sideloaded apps.
- Users should be cautious about app sources and consider manual installation of updates for security.
- Obtainium can also be used on other Android-based devices like Fire TV, simplifying their update process.
The Sideloading Update Problem
You found a great app on GitHub, installed it, and then… nothing. No updates. No notifications. Just an old version sitting on your phone.
That’s the dirty secret of sideloading Android apps. Installing them is easy. But keeping them updated? That’s a total pain.
I’ve been there. You download an awesome app that isn’t on the Google Play Store. Maybe it’s a privacy-focused browser, a custom launcher, or an emulator for classic games. You install it, it works great, and you move on.
Weeks later, you notice a bug or a new feature is out. But your app is still the old version. You have to go back to the website, find the download link, and install it again. Every single time.
If you have more than a few sideloaded apps, this becomes a real chore. I’ve got about 15 apps that I installed from outside the Play Store. Checking each one manually every week is not fun.
The problem is simple: the Play Store handles updates automatically for apps it hosts. But sideloaded apps don’t have that luxury. They’re on their own. And so are you.
Some developers include a built-in update checker, but many don’t. Others use third-party services that break over time. It’s a mess.
I tried different methods. I bookmarked all the download pages, set reminders to check for updates, and even tried using a file manager with version comparison. Nothing worked well.
Then I found Obtainium. It’s a free, open-source app that automates the whole process, and it’s simpler than you might think.
Why the Play Store Isn’t Enough for App Updates
The Google Play Store is huge, with millions of apps, but it doesn’t have everything.
Some of the best Android apps are missing from the Play Store for several reasons:
- Developers might not want to pay the $25 registration fee.
- Some developers don’t want to follow Google’s strict rules.
- Certain apps are banned for policy violations or are region-locked.
- Google may not allow apps like ad blockers, torrent clients, or screen recorders that break specific rules.
- Some apps are too niche or experimental for the Play Store.
Popular apps that often need sideloading include browsers like Kiwi Browser or Firefox Nightly, privacy tools like NewPipe for YouTube, emulators for retro games, and custom launchers like Lawnchair.
You can find these apps on alternative app stores like F-Droid, code repositories like GitHub, or directly from the developer’s website. But once you install them, you’re responsible for updates. The Play Store won’t help you.
This is a big deal for security. Apps get updates to fix bugs and patch vulnerabilities. If you don’t update, you’re leaving your phone exposed. Sideloaded apps are especially risky because they don’t go through Google’s security checks.
So you need a way to keep them updated without going crazy. That’s where Obtainium comes in.
How Obtainium Automates Sideloaded App Updates
Obtainium is a third-party app that tracks updates for sideloaded apps. You have to sideload it too, but once installed, it makes everything easier.
Here’s the basic idea: you tell Obtainium where an app comes from (e.g., a GitHub release page, an F-Droid repository, or a direct download link). Obtainium checks that source regularly. When a new version appears, it downloads it and lets you install it.
It’s like having a personal assistant for your sideloaded apps. No more manual checking. No more forgotten updates.
Obtainium can handle many different sources, including GitHub, GitLab, SourceForge, F-Droid, and plain download pages. It also supports apps that use update APIs like OpenSource or APKMirror.
The app is open-source, which means anyone can look at the code, offering transparency. However, it also means you need to trust the developer.
Compared to other update tools, Obtainium is one of the most flexible. Some alternatives only work with specific sources, while others require you to manually add each app. Obtainium tries to automate as much as possible.
Tools like Aurora Store or Droid-ify focus on F-Droid or the Play Store, but Obtainium is designed for any source, which is its main strength.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Obtainium for App Updates
Ready to try it? Here’s how to set up Obtainium on your Android phone.
Step 1: Download and Install Obtainium
First, you need to get Obtainium itself. Since it’s not on the Play Store, you have to sideload it. Go to the Obtainium GitHub page, find the latest release, download the APK file, and then install it on your phone. You’ll need to enable “Install from unknown sources” for your browser or file manager.
Step 2: Open Obtainium and Grant Permissions
Once installed, open the app. It will ask for permission to install apps, which is needed so it can update apps automatically. Grant this permission.
Step 3: Add Your First App
Tap the plus button in the bottom right corner. You’ll see a screen where you can enter an app’s source. For apps from GitHub, paste the repository URL (e.g., https://github.com/TeamNewPipe/NewPipe). Obtainium will detect the releases automatically. For F-Droid apps, paste the F-Droid page URL. For direct downloads, paste the download link.
Step 4: Configure App Settings
Obtainium will try to figure out the app’s name and version. You can adjust settings like update frequency; checking daily or weekly is recommended. You can also choose to automatically download updates or just be notified. It’s often best to automatically download but manually install, allowing you to review the update before applying it.
Step 5: Save and Let It Work
Tap save. The app will appear in your list, and Obtainium will check for updates based on your schedule. When an update is found, you’ll get a notification. Tap it to download and install the new version.
Step 6: Add More Apps
Repeat the process for all your sideloaded apps. It takes a few minutes to set up, but after that, Obtainium handles the rest. I have about 15 apps in my list, and it takes me less than 5 minutes to add them all. Then, I only think about updates when a notification pops up.
Common Pitfalls and Tips for Using Obtainium
Obtainium is great, but it’s not perfect. Here are some things to watch out for:
- App sources can change: If a developer moves their releases to a new URL, Obtainium might not find updates. You’ll need to update the source in the app.
- Multiple app versions: Some developers offer stable and beta versions. Ensure you’re tracking the correct one. Obtainium usually detects both, but you can choose which to follow.
- Automatic updates can be risky: It’s recommended not to enable fully automatic installs. Always review the update before installing, as a bad update could break your app or worse.
- Obtainium notifications: The app uses its own notification channel. Make sure notifications are enabled in your phone’s settings so you don’t miss update alerts.
- Battery drain is minimal: The app only checks sources when scheduled, and daily checks use very little battery.
- Storage space: Each downloaded APK takes up space. You can delete old versions from the app’s settings to free up room.
- Security risks: Obtainium downloads apps from external sources and doesn’t scan them for malware. You are trusting the source you added. Only add apps from reputable developers. Obtainium itself requires permission to install apps, so download it only from the official GitHub page.
- Backup your app list: Obtainium has an export feature. Use it to save your list in case you switch phones.
One more tip: check for updates to Obtainium itself. You can add Obtainium’s own GitHub page to the app so it updates itself, fixing bugs and adding features.
Sideloading Updates on Other Platforms: Fire TV and Android Auto
Sideloading isn’t just for phones; people also sideload apps on Fire TV, Android Auto, and other devices, which come with their own update problems.
Fire TV Updates
Fire TV has been cracking down on sideloading, with some users seeing an “Unauthorized APK Installation Detected” message. According to AFTVnews, this message doesn’t actually block installations but is a misleading warning from Amazon. Obtainium works on Android TV devices too; just sideload it onto your Fire TV stick and add your apps the same way.
Android Auto Updates
Sideloading apps for Android Auto is possible but not straightforward, as Google restricts which apps can appear on the car screen. However, a hidden setting can unlock more app compatibility, as reported by Tom’s Guide. For Android Auto updates, you are mostly stuck with the Play Store. Sideloaded apps for Android Auto are rare, and if you have one, you’ll need to update it manually.
Other Devices
Chromebooks or tablets also benefit from Obtainium, as the app works on any Android device. Simply sideload it and add your apps. For example, the game Red Dead Redemption on Android has been reported by Retro Handhelds to have issues requiring fixes, a perfect scenario for a tool like Obtainium to manage updates.
The Future of Sideloading and App Updates on Android
Android is constantly evolving, with new versions bringing new features and restrictions. Android 16 and 17 do not seem to directly address the sideloading update problem.
Google has been tightening sideloading in recent years. Android 14 made it harder to install apps from outside the Play Store, and Android 15 added more warnings. The trend is toward more restrictions.
However, sideloading is a core Android feature and isn’t going away. Google aims to ensure users understand the risks involved.
For update tools like Obtainium, the future is uncertain. Google could potentially block the permission that allows automatic installs or make sideloading too cumbersome for such tools to be effective. Nevertheless, the open-source community is resilient and will likely find workarounds.
One hope is that Google improves the Play Store by allowing third-party app stores to update apps automatically or creating an official API for sideloaded app updates, though there’s no current indication of this. Another possibility is that more developers will implement auto-update systems within their apps, as some already do.
For now, Obtainium remains the best solution found for managing sideloaded app updates. It’s not perfect, but it’s significantly better than manual updates. If you sideload apps, give it a try. It takes a few minutes to set up and can save you hours of frustration.
The bottom line: sideloading is great for accessing apps not available on the Play Store. Don’t let the update burden ruin the experience. Use a tool like Obtainium to automate the tedious part. Your phone will be safer, you’ll always have the latest features, and you won’t have to remember to check for updates every week. That’s a win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sideloading Android apps?
Sideloading Android apps means installing applications from sources other than the official Google Play Store. This is often done by downloading an APK file directly from a developer's website or a third-party repository.
Why is updating sideloaded apps difficult?
Unlike apps from the Play Store, sideloaded apps do not have an automatic update mechanism. Users must manually check for new versions, download the APK, and install it each time, which is inconvenient for multiple apps.
What is Obtainium and how does it help?
Obtainium is a free, open-source Android app designed to automate the update process for sideloaded applications. It monitors specified sources for new versions and notifies you or downloads them for installation.
Where can I download Obtainium?
Obtainium is not available on the Google Play Store. You need to download its APK file from its official GitHub repository and sideload it onto your device.
Is Obtainium safe to use?
Obtainium itself is open-source, allowing for code transparency. However, it relies on the security of the app sources you add. Always download Obtainium from the official GitHub page and only add apps from reputable developers to minimize security risks.
Can Obtainium update apps on Fire TV or Android Auto?
Yes, Obtainium can be sideloaded onto Android TV devices, including Fire TV, to manage app updates. For Android Auto, sideloaded apps are less common, and updates typically still rely on the Play Store or manual processes.
What are the risks of sideloading apps?
Sideloaded apps bypass Google's security checks, potentially exposing your device to malware or vulnerabilities. Keeping these apps updated is crucial for security, which is why tools like Obtainium are helpful.
References
- Sideloading Android apps is great — until you have to update them. Here’s my fix – Original report (Android Authority)
- Android 17: Confirmed features, codename, leaks, release date, and everything else we know so far – Android Authority – Provides an overview of upcoming Android 17 features and release timeline, relevant for context on future OS updates.
- ‘Unauthorized APK Installation Detected’ message blocks all sideloading on Fire TVs, but it’s not what you think – AFTVnews – Explains a misleading error message on Fire TV that blocks sideloading, clarifying the actual cause.
- This hidden setting changed the way I use Android Auto — and I'm never going back – Tom's Guide – Highlights a hidden setting in Android Auto that significantly improves the user experience, relevant to sideloading customization.
- Android 16: Confirmed features, codename, leaks, release date, and everything else we know so far – Android Authority – Provides details on Android 16 features and release, offering context for the evolving Android ecosystem.
- Red Dead Redemption on Android is Weird, Here’s How to Fix It – Retro Handhelds – Describes a fix for a specific sideloaded game on Android, illustrating the broader update challenge.
