In this tutorial, learn how to use F-Droid to install open source Android apps.
When most people think of Android apps, they think of the Google Play store, where they can download or buy them. The majority of the time, the programs you download are closed source and under the control of their creators. F-Droid is a marketplace where you can find all the FOSS Android apps if you have a passion for free and open-source software (FOSS).
Droid Ltd runs the F-Droid application. Ciaran E Gultnieks, a British computer programmer, started it in 2010. Since then, over 4000 free and open-source programs have been hosted on the app. The apps cover a wide range of topics, including health, education, and security. Let’s look at how to get F-Droid installed and how to utilize it to install free and open-source Android apps.
When it comes to Android apps, most people will think of the Google Play store where they download or purchase apps. Most of the time, those apps you download are closed source and controlled by developers. If you have a passion for free and open-source (FOSS) software, F-Droid is a marketplace for you to find all the FOSS Android apps.
F-Droid is an application run by Droid Ltd. It was founded by Ciaran E Gultnieks, a British computer programmer, back in 2010. Since then, the app has hosted over 4000 free and open-source applications. The applications come in a wide variety, including health, education, security, and more. Let us dive into how to install F-Droid and use it to install free and open-source Android apps.
How to Install F-Droid on Android devices
It should go without saying that a marketplace app like this will not be offered in the Google Play Store, as it is a direct competitor. To install F-Droid, go to f-droid.org and download the app, then sideload it to your phone.
Once you’ve arrived at the website, click the “download F-Droid” icon that appears.
Wait for the app to finish installing, which may take a few minutes. Open it once it’s been installed. It will take some time to refresh and update its repositories on the first run. Following that, apps will show on the website.
You’ll notice right away that it features a simple and easy-to-use layout. It is divided into four sections: Categories, Nearby, Updates, and Settings, which are all self-explanatory.
In this video, we are gonna show you how to install F-Droid on Android:
How to Download Apps on F-Droid
Now, look for the application you want to install in the Categories section.
Select the app. It will provide you with a description of the interface, screenshots of the interface, and the permissions that are required. It displays the type of license, the source code, and other known features, among other things.
Other versions of the app are still available in the app preface if you need them.
Tap on “Install” to start the download to install.
Why F-Droid
Security: HTTPS is used to manage all connections passed through F-Droid. As a result, the application becomes more secure. Tor is also included for added privacy and security.
Peer-to-Peer Exchange: Peer-to-peer exchange of APKs in the app is available when there is no Internet connection, such as Wi-Fi, if they have already been downloaded. The procedure includes the “Nearby” menu, which allows you to connect to another F-Droid user on the same network by clicking it.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, in particular, are offered as additional connection options that improve transmission efficiency.
Tracking: Tracking is included in the Anti-Feature section. Apps that track or record your activities without your knowledge are the focus of this feature. Without your knowledge, the program does not transmit crash reports or check for updates. Additionally, proprietary libraries are not available in the F-Droid source.
Customization: F-Droid provides outstanding app modification at no additional cost.
Drawbacks of F-Droid
Limited Applications: F-database Droid’s is modest in comparison to the Play Store, which offers over 2.5 million apps.
Automatic Updating: The majority of F-Droid applications cannot be updated automatically. You must instead make a request for an update.
No Rating: It doesn’t have a rating system because it’s just a simple app. You may need to do some searching to find the best apps.
A Secure Alternative to the Play Store
The subject of whether or not the F-Droid is safe may arise frequently. There is no such thing as a completely safe program. They provide detailed information about the software because it is an open-source project. There are no hidden charges or tracking services in any of the applications in the catalog, as claimed. Programmers can examine the code to see if this is true. When F-Droid detects applications that do not follow these guidelines, they are flagged instantly. As a result, you can be assured that using F-Droid is extremely safe and secure.
