# How to Sideload the PitchPlay App
PitchPlay is shared as a ZIP file containing the Android installation package (APK). Follow these steps to install it on your Android device.
## Requirements
- Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later
- The PitchPlay ZIP file (received via email, messaging app, or cloud storage)
## Step 1: Download the ZIP file
Open the email or message containing the PitchPlay ZIP file and download it to your device. Most Android devices save downloads to the **Downloads** folder.
## Step 2: Extract the APK
Depending on your device:
### If your device extracts automatically
Some Android devices (especially Samsung) will show the ZIP contents when you tap it. Look for a file ending in `.apk` (usually `PitchPlay-base.apk`).
### If you need to extract manually
1. Open the **Files** app (or **My Files** on Samsung)
2. Navigate to **Downloads**
3. Tap the ZIP file
4. Select **Extract** or **Extract all**
5. The APK file(s) will appear in the same folder or a new subfolder
## Step 3: Enable "Install unknown apps"
Android requires permission to install apps from sources other than the Play Store.
1. When you tap the APK, Android may prompt you to enable this setting — tap **Settings** in the prompt
2. Or manually: go to **Settings → Apps → Special access → Install unknown apps**
3. Find the app you're using to install (e.g., **Files**, **Gmail**, **Chrome**)
4. Toggle **Allow from this source** on
> **Note:** You can disable this setting after installing PitchPlay.
## Step 4: Install the APK
1. Open the **Files** app and navigate to the extracted APK
2. Tap `PitchPlay-base.apk`
3. Tap **Install**
4. Wait for installation to complete
5. Tap **Open** to launch PitchPlay, or **Done** to finish
## Troubleshooting
### "App not installed" error
- Make sure you have enough storage space
- If you previously had PitchPlay installed, uninstall it first and try again
- Check that the APK file downloaded completely (not corrupted)
### "Parse error" or "There was a problem parsing the package"
- The APK may be corrupted — ask the sender to share it again
- Make sure your Android version is 8.0 or later
### Multiple APK files in the ZIP
If the ZIP contains more than one APK file (e.g., `PitchPlay-base.apk` plus others), you need to install all of them. Use a split-APK installer app like **SAI (Split APKs Installer)** from the Play Store, or ask the sender for a single combined APK.
### Can't find the setting to allow unknown apps
The location varies by manufacturer:
- **Samsung:** Settings → Apps → Menu (⋮) → Special access → Install unknown apps
- **Pixel/Stock Android:** Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps
- **Other devices:** Search for "Install unknown" in Settings
## Security Note
Only install APKs from people you trust. Sideloaded apps bypass Play Store security checks. PitchPlay is a personal-use app for pitch-shifted music playback and does not collect personal data.
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Need more help? Contact the person who shared PitchPlay with you.