Install apk onto Moto G first generation using apk file

[shinnen]

I have this phone, and some apps in the form of apks, that I would like to install on it, but there seems to be no why, that I can see, of doing it; there is no file manager. I seem to be able to transfer the apks to the phone, but they don't show up in the downloads folder, or anywhere else.
Any help is appreciated.
...... john

 

[Laura Knotek]

How did you download the files? Were they downloaded from Chrome or another browser?

 

[B. Diddy]

You mentioned transferring the files -- how did you transfer them? A file manager app should allow you to specify which directory on the phone that you want to move a file to, so which directory did you choose?

 

[shinnen]

How did you download the files? Were they downloaded from Chrome or another browser?

Hi Laura,
I'm no really sure what browser I used. I've had them for a long time; but no, not chrome.
..... john

 

[shinnen]

You mentioned transferring the files -- how did you transfer them? A file manager app should allow you to specify which directory on the phone that you want to move a file to, so which directory did you choose?

Hi B. Diddy,
Well, that's basically the problem; there is no file manager, as such, on this phone. I was able to transfer the apk of es flle explorer to the downloads folders on the phone (from Windows 7); but when I open the phone to see the apk, it's not visible; even thought it is visible when I view the phone's Downloads folder on Windows 7. It's very odd.
I can download pictures, I take on the phone, to Windows 7. My guess is that the phone is unable to see apk files.
..... john

 

[B. Diddy]

Hi B. Diddy,
Well, that's basically the problem; there is no file manager, as such, on this phone. I was able to transfer the apk of es flle explorer to the downloads folders on the phone (from Windows 7); but when I open the phone to see the apk, it's not visible; even thought it is visible when I view the phone's Downloads folder on Windows 7. It's very odd.
I can download pictures, I take on the phone, to Windows 7. My guess is that the phone is unable to see apk files.
..... john

What if you initiate the transfer using Windows File Explorer on the PC, rather than the phone? You should be able to find directories on the phone like /Downloads using Windows File Explorer.

 

[shinnen]

Hi,
That's basically what I did. I transferred the apk file from Windows explorer to the downloads file on the phone; but it didn't show up in the phone's downloads folder, when I went to find it in the phone; but when I checked the phone's downloads folder from Windows explorer, there it was. I think the phone just doesn't recognize apk files. I can't see any other explanation.
..... john

 

[B. Diddy]

Does the phone have an SD card? If so, did you check the /Downloads directory in both locations (Internal Storage and SD card)?

Also, when you say "Moto G 1st gen," are you referring to the very first one from 2013?

 

[shinnen]

Does the phone have an SD card? If so, did you check the /Downloads directory in both locations (Internal Storage and SD card)?

Also, when you say "Moto G 1st gen," are you referring to the very first one from 2013?

Hi,
No, I'm afraid not. It's ancient, no SD card slot.
Thanks for your help.
..... john