I want to install an unsigned apk file on my mobile. what to do?

Question

I have built an app. I exported it through Eclipse APK.

I have the APK file. I want to send it to my dad (in another country, so wont be able to do a lot of technical stuff) so that he can install it and see my progress?

How do I do that without getting a dev account on playstore?

Solution 1

You cannot install an unsigned application on a phone. Check out this link to see how to sign the application: unsigned APK can not be installed

Edit: This is from Google's website: http://developer.android.com/tools/publishing/app-signing.html

All applications must be signed. The system will not install an application on an emulator or a device if it is not signed.

Solution 2

You have to enable the install of unsigned application in the settings:

Settings -> Application -> Unknown sources (Allow installation of non-Market applications)

So you need to send him the file by mail or what ever and he needs to make the settings modification and install the file.

There is no need to sign the app in order to install it on a phone. if you ever ran this app in the emulator and .apk file will automatically created in the \bin folder of you project folder. just copy this file/ send it by mail for him to install.