APK download — side-load safety notes

Third-party APK mirrors are websites that re-host Android installer files outside the Google Play Store. The risk is not theoretical: legitimate apps are routinely repackaged with injected ad SDKs, modified bonus screens, or — in the worst cases — credential-harvesting code. Even when the wrapper is benign, the version they ship may be weeks behind the official release.

For users on a device without Google services, the side-load path is sometimes the only option. The desk does not link to any specific APK mirror — we document the verification steps so readers can confirm the source themselves.

Before installing a side-loaded APK, confirm three things: the file's SHA-256 hash matches what the official brand publishes (where available), the install prompt lists the permissions you would expect from a fantasy sports app (no SMS access, no accessibility services, no device-admin), and the app's network traffic goes to the brand's official domain only. If any of those checks fail, do not install.

If you have installed an APK from outside the Play Store and want to clean up, the process is: uninstall the side-loaded build, install the official Play Store build (sign-in will be the same), then change your account password and review active sessions. For account-closure steps, see the delete account page.