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zoran

macrumors 601
Original poster
Jun 30, 2005
4,806
133
Im trying to install apk files to an Android phone, manually using a mac without having internet connection or a google account. I have downloaded the apk files to the sd card but i have no idea whats next to do! :confused:
 

Stooby Mcdoobie

macrumors 6502a
Jun 26, 2012
834
45
Well, I was going to suggest using a file browser but you probably don't have one if you aren't logged into a Google account on that device.

Only other way I can think of is to use ADB via terminal.

Code:
$ adb install [path to file]
 

Lloydbm41

Suspended
Oct 17, 2013
4,019
1,456
Central California
Well, I was going to suggest using a file browser but you probably don't have one if you aren't logged into a Google account on that device.

Only other way I can think of is to use ADB via terminal.

Code:
$ adb install [path to file]

Does Mac require the adb drivers in order to recognize devices?

>adb devices

?? If it does, I doubt the Mac will see the device, even when plugged in. I don't use a Mac for my Android stuff, so not sure.
 

Stooby Mcdoobie

macrumors 6502a
Jun 26, 2012
834
45
Does Mac require the adb drivers in order to recognize devices?

>adb devices

?? If it does, I doubt the Mac will see the device, even when plugged in. I don't use a Mac for my Android stuff, so not sure.

Yes, you'll either need the SDK platform tools (ADB, fastboot, etc) in the same directory you're executing the command in, or they will need to be added to $PATH.

I use a Mac for all of my Android stuff.

a8TV48O.png
 

zoran

macrumors 601
Original poster
Jun 30, 2005
4,806
133
Yes, you'll either need the SDK platform tools (ADB, fastboot, etc) in the same directory you're executing the command in, or they will need to be added to $PATH.
can you help me more here cause i got no clue what you are saying, nor do i know where i can get those files from, or if they are inside the sd card! :eek:
 

Lloydbm41

Suspended
Oct 17, 2013
4,019
1,456
Central California
Yes, you'll either need the SDK platform tools (ADB, fastboot, etc) in the same directory you're executing the command in, or they will need to be added to $PATH.

I use a Mac for all of my Android stuff.

Image

Okay, it is identical to WIndows. DL SDK platform tools, command prompt, then fastboot and adb commands. I always use this for my Nexus devices. So simple to plug in and fastboot oem unlock - fastboot reboot >flash-all.bat
 

Stooby Mcdoobie

macrumors 6502a
Jun 26, 2012
834
45
can you help me more here cause i got no clue what you are saying, nor do i know where i can get those files from, or if they are inside the sd card! :eek:

The files come from the Android SDK (software development kit), though you can download just the fastboot and ADB binaries here instead of having to download the whole SDK -- which is quite large.

After you download that, extract to your desktop. Open up a terminal window and type in these commands:

Code:
$ cd desktop/platform-tools
$ sudo mv adb fastboot /usr/bin

The second command will ask you for your password. The purpose of these commands is to move the ADB and fastboot binaries to a place where you can execute them from any directory; the directory I chose was /usr/bin as it is already in $PATH. Otherwise you'd have to be inside the platform-tools directory to execute any ADB commands.

Next you will want to make sure ADB debugging is enabled on your phone. Go to settings -> about phone -> tap "Build number" until it says that developer options are enabled. Then back out to the main settings menu again and you should see Developer options. Go here and check the USB debugging box.

Bo7oiFn.png
e4JWGtA.png


Now plug in your phone and go to the terminal window and type in this command:

Code:
$ adb devices

Output should be similar to this

zCzlFuc.png


And you will get a message like this on your phone.

ZTJU1pD.png


Check the box and click OK.

Run the command in terminal again and you should get an output like I posted in my previous post to Llyodbm, with unathorized changing to device.

If you see that, ADB has been set up correctly and you can run the install command. Make sure the apk is on your desktop and run this in terminal:

Code:
$ cd desktop
$ adb install nameofapk.apk

Replacing 'nameofapk' with the actual name of the file.

I'm sure some of this will need more clarification, so let me know if you get stuck and I'll try to help simplify as best I can.
 
Last edited:

Lloydbm41

Suspended
Oct 17, 2013
4,019
1,456
Central California
can you help me more here cause i got no clue what you are saying, nor do i know where i can get those files from, or if they are inside the sd card! :eek:

You need to go here first and download this: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
or follow the directions above.

OR

Get a Google account. Use WiFi and make your life simple by simply downloading what you want from the Play Store.
 

Stooby Mcdoobie

macrumors 6502a
Jun 26, 2012
834
45
Okay, it is identical to WIndows. DL SDK platform tools, command prompt, then fastboot and adb commands. I always use this for my Nexus devices. So simple to plug in and fastboot oem unlock - fastboot reboot >flash-all.bat

Essentially, yes. It definitely saves time if you can be bothered to set it up.
 

Vegastouch

macrumors 603
Jul 12, 2008
6,185
992
Las Vegas, NV
I dont know what kind APK files your trying to install. What i mean is , is it from a webiste that a link is posted for it or what? If you can do it with your phone, it is much easier.
Go to where the file is w/ your phone and download it. Open it and click to install it. Some browsers work better for this. Opera is one of them.
 

zoran

macrumors 601
Original poster
Jun 30, 2005
4,806
133
Im facing an issue and the only way to solve it is to run some apps without the google account active. So i reset the sd card and now i must first install a file manager app and then install the other apps i need to, in order to face the issue!
 

andy2141

macrumors 6502a
May 29, 2010
503
686
UK
Could you not also use Airdroid to do this over local wifi?

Still have to get Airdroid installed first mind.
 

sentinelsx

macrumors 68010
Feb 28, 2011
2,004
0
Some built in file managers on android phones can install apk files directly. Check if this is the case.
 

Sincci

macrumors 6502
Aug 17, 2011
285
65
Finland
Pretty much any file manager (for example the default one that comes with every phone) can install your .apk files as long as they are either in your internal storage or the sd card. No need to use ADB for this. You'll just need to enable the "Unknown sources" option from Settings/Security menu.
 
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