# Publish your Android app without Google Play

> Learn how to distribute your Android app outside of Google Play by exporting the APK file for sideloading, and discover the benefits and necessary steps to enable installations from unknown sources.

https://docs.pandasuite.com/essentials/mobile-publishing/android/publish-your-android-app-without-google-play/

**If you don't want to release your app on a marketplace such as Google Play, you can make it available for direct download to your users (sideloading). Export the APK file of your application and provide users with the download link. Users must [opt-in for installing unknown apps](https://docs.pandasuite.com/essentials/mobile-publishing/android/install-app-from-unknown-sources-on-android-device/).**

The advantage of sideloading is that you can distribute your application more quickly and without going through the review process of the Play Store. This is especially useful when your application is intended for a limited group of users. On the other hand, users must opt-in for [installing unknown apps from their device](https://docs.pandasuite.com/essentials/mobile-publishing/android/install-app-from-unknown-sources-on-android-device/) which is a little more complex than just downloading the app from the Play Store.

## Export the apk file (unknown source)

Before exporting the APK file, you must specify in the form that your application will be distributed outside the Play Store.

To export the APK file, follow these steps: [Export APK file](https://docs.pandasuite.com/essentials/mobile-publishing/android/export-an-apk-or-aab-file/).

In the **Android Distribution Mode** section, choose **Distribute outside the Play Store (sideloading)**.

Confirm.

[Image: Android Distribution Mode section of the export form, with Distribute outside the Play Store (sideloading) selected and framed]

The APK file of your application is available from your dashboard.

## Send the download link to users

The APK file is automatically hosted on PandaSuite servers and a download link is directly created.

Copy and paste this link and send it to your users.

[Image: Platforms section of an app: on the Mobile card, the hosting link of the mobile files is framed]

[Image: Page opened by the link on an Android phone: app icon and name, the framed Download button, and I already have the app]

> **Info**
>
> Don't hesitate to send clear and precise instructions to your users on how to
> install apps from unknown sources. Learn more: [Install apps from unknown
> sources](https://docs.pandasuite.com/essentials/mobile-publishing/android/install-app-from-unknown-sources-on-android-device/)