The simplest method is one that should already be quite familiar to you if you're an avid follower of AndroidPIT: just install the Play Store APK manually. An APK is the Android version of a .exe program on your computer.
Instead of downloading an app from the Play Store, you simply install it yourself without the Play Store's help . This is, of course, extra useful when it is the Play Store itself you want to install.
Currently, the latest version is 5.4.11, which brings with it some UI changes, new Material Design elements, and a whole host of minor bug fixes.
There are two ways to get the Google Play APK installed on your device: directly on your phone or with your computer. We'll do the easy option first.
Install Google Play (phone method)
Enable ''Unknown Sources'' by going to Settings > Security, then ticking the box next to Unknown sources. Don't be alarmed, unknown sources are simply locations outside of the Play Store, which is critical if it's the Play Store itself that you're after.
Using the browser on your device, go to XDA Developers forum or APK Mirror to download the APK for the latest version of the Play Store.
You may get a message warning that 'this type of file can harm your device.' Ignore it (trust us) and tap OK.
Open the APK (you can tap the completed download in your notifications menu), read the new permissions (if any) that the new Play Store version requests, then tap Install.
Before you can install APKs, you need to enable Unknown Sources in your settings.
Install Google Play (computer method)
If you don't have a data or Wi-Fi connection on your device, you can download the APK to your computer instead.The same process applies:
Enable 'Unknown sources' on your device.
Using the browser on your computer, go to XDA Developers forum or APK Mirror to download the APK for the latest version of the Play Store.
Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable and copy the APK over to your Android.
Launch it the APK, accept permissions and tap Install.
Sideloading from your PC with a USB cable can sometimes avoid install problems with APKs.
Google Play Store troubleshooting
Google Services Framework is a crucial service that lets the Play Store communicate with apps on your device - allowing for automatic updates and so on. If these functions stop working, or you experience other problems, then there may be a problem with the service, and you should clear the cache on Google Play Store and 'Google Play services.' To do this:
Go to Settings > Apps
Scroll down to Google Play Store, tap it, then tap 'Clear cache'.
Do the same for Google Play services
That should fix most problems you'll experience with the Play Store
Note: depending on what type of device you have, you may need to be rooted to manually install the Play Store, but that's a tutorial for another day.
Do you prefer to stay ahead of the curve by downloading app APKs manually, or do you like to play it safe and wait for the official rollouts? Let us know.
