Can you download apps from Google Play on your computer & then transfer them to your smartphone?

[N YFB]

The reason I ask is that I am wondering if I can avoid data usage by my smartphone by using my home computer and internet to download the apps and then transfer them to the phone via USB. Is there a way to do this or no? Thanks

 

[anon(238680)]

Re: Can you download apps from Google Play on your computer & then transfer them to your smartphone?

Indirectly, but not from Google Play. You can download apk files and sideload them, but you don't know what you're getting in most cases. That would also be illegal for paid apps. I'm assuming you don't have wifi? Wifi doesn't use your data plan.

 

[smvim]

Re: Can you download apps from Google Play on your computer & then transfer them to your smartphone?

You can install apps onto your phone remotely using a computer as long as you're logged into the same Google account that you have on your phone. Temporarily disable Mobile Data on your phone and just use WiFi connectivity so the apps install without affecting your data usage.
Yes you can install apps using their corresponding apk but that's not a recommended practice as you must always be very judicious about where you download the apk files. Also since you're intentionally bypassing the Play Store, as far as those manually installed apps they will always need to be done manually.