How to Download Apps on the Samsung Galaxy S3

Last Updated: September 6, 2019

Downloading apps to your Samsung Galaxy S3 can enhance the features and functionality of your device, and allow you to play games, read books and news, and more. You can download apps to your Galaxy S3 from Google Play Store, or install .apk files from third-party sources outside of Play Store.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Downloading Apps From Google Play Store

1
Tap on “Play Store” from the Home screen or app tray on your Galaxy S3.
2
Review the Google Play Terms of Service, then tap “Accept.” A list of app categories and featured apps will display on-screen.

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3
Tap on various app categories to browse apps available from Play Store. You can browse Games, Movies, Music, and Books, or browse featured apps displayed below the category list.
4
Tap on any application to view its description, price, and reviews posted by other users.
5
Tap on the purchase price or “Install” to download the application to your Galaxy S3.
6
Review the list of app permissions, if applicable, then tap on “Accept.” Some applications may require access to certain features of your device. For example, the Instagram app will require access to your phone's camera, storage, phone number, and several other features.
- If purchasing a paid app, select your preferred method of payment, tap on “I agree,” then tap “Accept and buy.” Google Play Store will process your payment information.
7
Wait for the application to download to your Galaxy S3. The download status will display in the notification tray at the top of your screen. When the download is complete, the app will display on the Home screen.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Downloading APK Files

1
Press the Menu key and select “Settings.”
2
Tap on “Security,” then place a checkmark next to “Unknown sources.” This option allows you to download and install apps from outside of Google Play Store.
3
Navigate to the website featuring the .apk file you want downloaded to your Galaxy S3. You can either go directly to the app developer's website, or browse one or more app repository websites, such as Samsung Apps, Apps APK, or Android APK Cracked.
4
Select the option to download the .apk file for the app you want installed to your Galaxy S3. The download status will display in the notification tray at the top of your screen.
5
Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification tray, and tap on the .apk file you downloaded.
6
Tap on “Install.” The application will take a few moments to install itself on your device, and display a notification when complete. The application will now be displayed on the Home screen of your Galaxy S3.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Troubleshooting App Installation

1
Restart your Galaxy S3 if the app installation process gets stuck or takes a relatively long time to complete. This can help resolve problems with Internet connectivity or system glitches on the S3.
2
Clear the cache for your Android's web browser and Google Play Store if app downloads fail to complete on your device. In some cases, a full cache can consume the memory and storage space needed to install certain applications.
3
Try force-closing all open apps on your device if you are unable to download new apps to your Galaxy S3. Some apps running in the background may interfere with your ability to install new applications.
- Tap on Menu and select “Settings.”
- Tap on “Applications,” then tap on “Manage Applications.”
- Tap on the “All” tab, then tap on an open app running in the background.
- Tap on “Force Close,” then repeat the process for each open application.
4
Perform a factory reset on your Galaxy S3 if the installation of an .apk file or Google Play Store app causes problems with your device. A factory reset will restore your device back to the original factory settings, and may correct any software problems caused by installing third-party apps.^{[3]
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Community Q&A

Question

I am having trouble downloading my Galaxy S3 apps. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try making sure that your internet connection is good. Some apps are large and take a WiFi connection to load them. If this doesn't work try turning your phone off and then back on again and then try to download the app. Lastly, if nothing works, contact the company that you bought the phone from.
Question

How do I download an app to my Samsung Galaxy S3 when I don't have WiFi? I tried doing it at McDonald's, but it never loaded. I tried turning on mobile data, no dice (cell reception is awful here).

Jarod Smith

Community Answer

Your best best would be to download an .APK to an SD card, then use whatever APK manager your phone comes with to install it that way. Has a little higher risk, since viruses can be hidden in APKs.

Warnings

Android and Google do not support apps downloaded from outside of Google Play Store. Download .apk files at your own risk, and keep in mind that installing .apk files may increase your risk for the installation of malware and viruses on your device.

Thanks!
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