"Please install from Google Play" - installing from apk

[Android Central Question]

I am attempting to install an APK of an app on the Play store. I found the app I use just introduced advertising, so thought I'd install the previous version of the app - I downloaded an older apk and installed the package.

When I try and open the package, the apk fails to open, suggesting it is handled with Google Play instead.

The message "Please install from Google play" is displayed.

I'm Interested how Google Play is preventing an APK that is a couple of versions old from running - does anyone have any ideas?

 

[Mooncatt]

I haven't seen that error before. The only thing I can suggest is look at your Google Play settings and see if Play Protect is turned on. That scans your phone from time to time to look for malware apps, but may be catching this as well.