> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rocket.new/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Download and install APK
> Build and download an Android APK from your Rocket.new app in minutes. Follow this step-by-step guide to install and test on any Android device running v8.0 or higher. No Play Store needed.
export const LlmsDirective = () =>
For the complete documentation index, see llms.txt.
For a lightweight markdown version of this page, append .md to the URL.
;
Rocket builds your mobile app into an APK you can install on any Android device. Use this to get a full native testing experience before you [publish to Google Play](/build/launch-mobile/google-play). You need an Android device running version 8.0 or higher.
Downloading an APK requires a paid plan (Pro or above).
Not ready to build a native package? [Share your app as a web preview](/build/launch-mobile/share-as-web-preview) for instant testing in any browser without a build step.
## Build and download
From your task, click the **Launch** button in the top-right corner. A popup appears with the **Rocket hosted** tab selected by default.
Click the **APK** tab, then click **Build** to start generating your APK.
A progress bar shows the build status. If it takes more than a minute, Rocket emails you a download link when it is ready.
When the build finishes, click **Download** to save the `.apk` file to your computer. Click **Build new APK** to rebuild with your latest changes.
From your project screen, tap **More** in the header bar.
Tap **Launch on Android phone** from the menu.
Tap **Build APK** to start the build.
A progress indicator shows the build status. If it takes more than a minute, Rocket emails you a download link when it is ready.
When the build finishes, tap **Download** to save the `.apk` file to your device. Tap **Build new APK** to rebuild with your latest changes.
If a build fails, fix any code errors in your editor, make sure you have a stable internet connection, and click **Rebuild**. Common causes are dependency mismatches, invalid configurations, or unsupported packages. If it fails three times in a row, contact [support@rocket.new](mailto:support@rocket.new).
## Install on your Android device
If you downloaded it from a browser, check the **Downloads** folder. If you downloaded it on your computer, transfer it to your device via USB or cloud storage.
Open your device's **Files** or **Downloads** app and tap the APK file. A system prompt appears asking if you want to install the app.
If this is your first time installing an APK from this source, Android will block the install and show a warning.
1. Tap **Settings** in the popup.
2. Toggle on **Allow from this source**.
3. Tap the back arrow to return to the install screen.
You only need to do this once per app you use to open the APK (such as Chrome or Gmail).
Tap **Install** and wait a few seconds. Once done, tap **Open** to launch it or find it in your app drawer.
After installing, consider turning off **Allow from this source** to protect your device. Go to **Settings > Apps > Special app access > Install unknown apps**, select the app you used, then disable the permission.
## What's next?
Submit your tested app to the Google Play Store for public distribution.
Decide between web links, APK builds, and app store submissions.