How to Set Up Android APK Files on BB 10.2.1 Using Snap

Most users have already been able to download and install BlackBerry 10.2.1. This update also brings with it some major functionality including the ability to download and install Google Android APK files directly. As a result, users will have access to a large number of apps which otherwise may not be available because of the Android runtime included on BB 10.

Now you must be wondering where you can get the APK files.Actually you can go about this in very many ways, but to make life easier for most folks BlackBerry has created a native BB 10 application called Snap.

Snap is a bit like an extension of the Google Play Store and hence you can rest assured that APK files that you download from Snap are safe. These apps have already been through Google Play’s stringent approval process. So even if you are downloading them from Snap, it is really no different from downloading them directly from Google Play Store.

The problem with downloading the apps from Snap is that the method involved is a bit complicated. The app itself is a native BB 10 app and has to be sideloaded. On the bright side, once you set up Snap, you will not have to set up anything else. As long as the developer maintains the app, end users do not have to do anything on their own in order to be able to continue installing APK files on to their BB 10.2.1 phone.

Here is a short guide that will show you how you can sideload Snap. The guide will also show you how you can install APK files on to your BB 10 smartphone directly.

How to sideload Snap?

Download Google Chrome and install it.

After installing Google Chrome and running it, install the BB 10 Playbook app manager extension for Chrome on your PC.

The next step is to download the most recent version of the Snap .BAR file. Save it on your computer.

Now activate ‘development mode’ on your BlackBerry device. Go to ‘Settings’. Tap ‘Security and Privacy’ and then tap ‘Development Mode’.

Toggle the switch to ON. Note down the IP address which is normally set to 169.254.0.1. If you note that the IP address is different, you should note it down. You might be asked to create a password. In that case, create one and note it down.

Plug a micro-USB cable into your device and then plug your BB 10 phone into your PC.

Now open Chrome and visit the URL: https://169.254.0.1/. If you noticed another IP address during set up, replace this IP address with that.

You might see an SSL error page, but don’t worry. That won’t cause any problems. Just accept and go ahead. If you find an error message like ‘The page cannot be found’, you should consider reconnecting your BB device. Or try another USB port.

When the page loads, enter the password you created to get access. Now click on ‘Install Apps’. This will open the file explorer window. Browse to find out where you saved that Snap .Bar and select it.

This process will begin the installation of the Snap file. When it is finished you will see a ‘result::success’ message.

Now disconnect your BB device from your PC.

Setting up Snap

Now that you have properly sideloaded Snap, everything else is quite easy. Launch the app and you will be asked to enter your Google login. Enter the details and proceed.