# Installing Bubbles Browser for Android ## Requirements - Android 10 or newer - Android System WebView enabled and updated - The official Bubbles Browser APK from the project release page ## Install On Your Phone 1. On the Android device, open the [Bubbles Browser Android releases page](https://github.com/KernFerm/Bubbles-Browser-Android/releases). 2. Open the newest release and download `Bubbles-Browser-Android-v1.0.10.apk`. 3. Open the download from the browser notification or the Android **Files** app. 4. If Android blocks the installation, select **Settings** on the warning and enable **Allow from this source** for the browser or file manager you used. 5. Return to the installer and select **Install**. 6. Select **Open**, or launch **Bubbles Browser** from the app drawer. Only allow APK installation for an app you trust. You can turn **Allow from this source** off again after installation. Do not disable Google Play Protect. ## Set Bubbles As The Default Browser 1. Open Bubbles Browser and select **Settings**. 2. Under **Browsing**, tap **Set as default browser**. 3. Android opens its official browser chooser. Select **Bubbles Browser**. Afterward, supported `http://` and `https://` links opened from other apps will load in Bubbles Browser. Use **Manage default browser** in the same Settings section whenever you want to review or change the choice. ## Optional: If Advanced Protection Blocks The APK Use these steps only when Android specifically says Advanced Protection is preventing installation: 1. Open the phone's **Settings** app. 2. Search for **Advanced Protection**, or open **Security & privacy > Advanced Protection**. 3. Under **Advanced Protection**, turn off **Device protection**. 4. Confirm with your PIN or biometrics. Restart the phone if Android requests it. 5. Install the verified Bubbles Browser APK. 6. Return to **Advanced Protection** and turn **Device protection** back on. Restart again if requested. Temporarily disabling Device protection reduces some Android security restrictions. Verify that the APK came from the official repository before proceeding, re-enable Device protection after installation, and keep Google Play Protect enabled. ## Updating From 0.6.80 Or Newer Version 1.0.10 updates the current Bubbles Browser installation when it was installed from a compatible official APK. Install the new APK over the existing app so Android can retain profiles, settings, passwords, history, and other local app data. If the older app is detected, Bubbles Browser offers **Remove old app**. This opens Android's official uninstall confirmation. Export anything needed from the older app before approving removal because Android permanently deletes that app's local data. ## First Launch Permissions Bubbles Browser works for normal browsing without granting every optional permission. - **Notifications:** allows download-completion and failure alerts. - **Music and audio:** allows the music player to load audio already stored on the device. - **Location:** allows a secure website to request location for nearby restaurants, stores, and local results. The app does not request background location. - **Camera and microphone:** requested only when a secure website needs calls, recording, or media capture. Choose **While using the app** or the closest available option when you want a feature to work. Deny permissions that you do not need. ## Verify The Download The expected SHA-256 checksum for version 1.0.10 build 40 is: ```text F6C6A31E7E657AC416C622725F0212DDFA8E1431409002869372BDED125B2645 ``` On Windows PowerShell, verify a downloaded copy with: ```powershell Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 ".\Bubbles-Browser-Android-v1.0.10.apk" ``` The displayed hash must match the value above exactly. ## Install From A Windows Computer With USB This method is optional and requires Android SDK Platform Tools plus USB debugging. 1. Enable **Developer options** and **USB debugging** on the Android device. 2. Connect the phone by USB and approve the computer on the phone. 3. Open PowerShell in the folder containing the APK. 4. Confirm the phone is detected: ```powershell adb devices ``` 5. Install or update the application: ```powershell adb install -r ".\Bubbles-Browser-Android-v1.0.10.apk" ``` When `adb` is not on PATH, use the full path to `platform-tools\adb.exe`. ## Updating Download the newer official APK and install it over the current compatible release. Android will retain its local app data during a normal update. Export important profile data before updating as an extra precaution. ## Troubleshooting ### Android Says The App Cannot Be Installed - Confirm the device runs Android 10 or newer. - Download the APK again in case the file is incomplete. - Make sure the app opening the APK has **Allow from this source** enabled. - If Android specifically reports that Advanced Protection blocked the installation, follow the optional Device protection steps above and re-enable it immediately afterward. - If Android reports a signature conflict, the installed copy was signed differently. Export any needed data, uninstall that copy, and install the official release APK. ### Android Warns About An Unknown App This warning is normal for an APK installed outside Google Play. Confirm that the APK came from the official repository and verify its SHA-256 checksum before continuing. ### The App Opens But Websites Do Not Load - Confirm Wi-Fi or mobile data works. - Update Android System WebView through Google Play. - Reload the page or try an `https://` address. - Temporarily turn off ad and tracker blocking to test whether a site requires a compatibility exception. ### A Permission Was Denied Open **Android Settings > Apps > Bubbles Browser > Permissions**, select the permission, and change its access. Android menu wording varies by manufacturer and Android version. ## Support Email **support.bubblesthedev.webbrowser@gmail.com** with the app version, Android version, and steps that reproduce the problem. Remove names, account details, website history, credentials, tokens, location details, and other private information from screenshots and logs.