You are here

CB » Help, How-To & Tips » How to put Android apps onto your BlackBerry 10 phone (Windows Guide)
BlackBerry Z10 running Android apps
Must Watch Video: BlackBerry Messenger w/ Video Chat and Screen Sharing in action! Previous
BlackBerry 10 supports video files with AC3 audio unofficiallyNext
117 Comments

How to put Android apps onto your BlackBerry 10 phone (Windows Guide)

Sideloading Android apps onto your BlackBerry Z10 or BlackBerry Q10 from a Windows computer is easy with this CrackBerry guide!

By Simon Sage on 1 Feb 2013 03:24 pm
41
loading...
230
loading...
239
loading...

BlackBerry 10 is finally here! Personally, I've been pretty impressed with the app selection available already, but for those that just can't stand to wait for their favorite Android apps to make the sensible leap to BB10, we've got some instructions on how to cram them onto your phone on your own. 

This is done through a repackaging process similar to what BlackBerry has been offering developers directly for some time. Those that have tried doing this on the BlackBerry PlayBook will already be familiar with the tools and workflow.

If you're not a fan of this method, you can always fire up Google Chrome and sideload to your device as well.

Though developers and the more technically minded can do this with signing keys and original .APKs, this guide is for the more casual tinkerer, and will help you get Android apps onto your BlackBerry Z10 or other BB10 device. It has very little technical jargon and only requires that you have a Windows or Mac internet-connected computer, a BlackBerry 10 device, a USB cable, and some patience. The instructions in this tutorial are for a Windows-based computers. If you're on a Mac, please visit our Mac guide to sideloading Android apps onto BlackBerry 10.

Alright, let's get into it.

Getting Started

This tutorial uses the DDPB installer - however you can also try vnBB10 which is a more recent utility for BB10 and Playbook

Assuming you read some of the prerequisites for this guide, you should now have the latest version of BlackBerry 10 installed, up and running. You're going to need to download some stuff to your computer before being able to load in Android apps:

  • Download and install the Java Runtime Environment suited for your PC. - Link
  • Download and install the DDPB installer - Link
  • Download any .BAR / .ZIP files already converted - Link

Preparing Your BlackBerry 10 phone

First, you need to set up your BlackBerry 10 device for developer interactions, otherwise known as Developer Mode. In order to gain access to these settings, you can go to Settings > Security and Privacy > Development Mode.

Once Development Mode has been tapped and you enter into the settings for it -- you will need to enable it. Just tap the on / off button where you will be presented with a screen either asking you enter your password or if you do not currently have one set, it will ask you to create one. Remember this password, it is important. Now you can continue on with the rest of the process 

Installing Android Apps

With that out of the way, you can now move on to connecting your BlackBerry Z10, Q10 or other BlackBerry 10 device to your computer. When connecting it, if you have BlackBerry Link installed, it may pop up and start running (you can just close it). You can also dismiss the window on your BlackBerry 10 device letting you know you've connected to your PC.

Next up, you're going to want to open up the DDPB PC program you downloaded and installed previously. Once up and running, put in your BlackBerry's IP address where it says "IP Development Mode" (or click Scan). It will be the same for your password which you previously assigned or created on the device when enabling Development Mode. 

From there you can begin installing the previously converted files you downloaded. Clicking on the "Add" button will bring up the DDPB file picker window. Simply browse to where you stored your downloaded .BAR files and add them to the list. Once added, you can then go ahead and put a check mark in each you wish to install. When done, you can click on install and watch the magic happen.

If you see this screen, good work! Now take a look at your BlackBerry 10 device. You should find all the apps you checked off now sitting in your icon tray. If not, check your USB connection, password, and IP address. You can always check out the CrackBerry Forums for more trouble shooting steps and see what has or has not worked for others. 

Enjoy Android Apps on your BlackBerry 10 Device!

If you installed some cool apps on your BlackBerry Z10 or other BlackBerry 10 device, go check them out and share your experiences with others. If you installed a cool launcher, then by all means, fire it up; you may end up with your BlackBerry looking like it is running Honeycomb or Ice Cream Sandwich. Either way, have fun with it but most importantly remember it is a developer build. Things may not work right at all points of time.

Need More Help? Get it in the CrackBerry Forums

If you're stuck on any of this are looking to discover the best Android apps to sideload onto your BlackBerry Z10 phone, be sure to jump into our Android Apps Sideloading forum. The CrackBerry community will get you hooked up! 

[Note: Even though we wrote up and did the pictures for this guide -- it could not have been done without the many folks in the BlackBerry PlayBook Apps and Games Forum. Without the collective efforts of the CrackBerry community, we'd stll be wondering how to install Android apps. So, kudos goes out to all of you who have helped!]

Topics: Android Apps BlackBerry 10 BlackBerry Z10 BlackBerry 10 Help BlackBerry Q10 Help, How-To & Tips

Must Watch Video: BlackBerry Messenger w/ Video Chat and Screen Sharing in action! Previous
BlackBerry 10 supports video files with AC3 audio unofficiallyNext
Simon Sage Simon Sage 177 (articles) 62 (forum posts)
117 comments

Abrante

Nice work!

birdman_38

Thank you very much for this piece CB. However, BlackBerry owners should not have to resort to this.

QuIcKsIlV3r

Awesome, so pretty much like the Playbook!!!

IqWaN

exactly.. similar to playbook

SDTRMG

That was pretty straight forward, and I like how I can run an android launcher lol. Other sites make it seem as if android apps don't run good but from what I've seen that's not the case.

QuIcKsIlV3r

A good website with a bunch of APK's converted to bar files is this http://goodereader.com/

Steppschuh

Also have a look at
http://bb10bars.net/

axllebeer

* BlackBerry by choice *
Excellent. Glad to see this is still possible. Well done CB.

koool1

I side loaded on my Playbook, some were ok, most ran like crap. I did it mainly because there weren't a lot of apps last year but with 70K, I think I will not bother anymore. I am convinced some of them can screw up the OS.

SEAWARRIOR

^^^yup!!!^^^ sideloading = ruining a perfectly good device,,, imo,,, security breaches, running after closed, junk left after deletion, laggy,,, yuk...

billsterjito

Good info. Just waiting for my phone now. Great work

Steppschuh

Here's a collection of .Bar files ready for sideloading (not all of them work, though)
http://bb10bars.net/

BerryWizard

thanks bud, this is an amazing site, i just download all the apps on it lol, i will load them all in my sexy white Z10 this tuesday and get and choose after witch ones work perfect on it, delete anything that does (its common and normal with bar files) you've been really helpful with this link, thanks again

sklotz2000

Woohoo!!!! I am so stoked! I can't wait to get mine from VZW... sometime in March :(

myckle

I'm curious, won't BlackBerry be sued by the developers of these Android apps since BlackBerry enables these apps to run on a different platform without their permission?

dodger_moore

Perhaps not everyone is that petty, and maybe the developers would appreciate a few more customers.

TESTAMENTU

No because BlackBerry does not provide the apps, just the ability to run those formats. That is not illegal since the formats are not owned by Android, they just use them.

cxn147

Only free apps are allowed to be sideloaded...that's my understanding, but I could be wrong.

ffejie

Is it going to be possible to port Google Maps and Google Voice? I believe these are native apps on Android, so it might be a bit different. Given how bad BlackBerry Maps, is, and the likelihood of Google developing for BlackBerry being about 0, these are two big ones.

Steppschuh

Not sure if they work, but feel free to try:
Voice: http://goo.gl/mYJ35
Maps: http://goo.gl/yGukE

scuebydue

I put both on my Playbook, they never worked right. As far as BlackBerry Maps...it's always been awesome for me when I travel. Navigated San Fran and NY without any issues.

Rootbrian

Don't know what your problem is, but blackberry maps works best for me.

Jerome Smith

can someone do one for instagram plz ?

megajo123

C'mon Wind! I dont wanna wait till late February/march :( I laughed a bit at this video because I though BlackBerry announced a while ago that they will eventually stop the support for android apps on the playbook, yet it has carried over all the way to BB10. Also, how well does the android launcher work? Could you use most APK's with it properly? And is it more stable on the Z10 then the playbook?

Steppschuh

The Android runtime is part of what keeps them alive. It's the same runtime as in the PB, not more or less stable. The launchers work pretty good, you can run most of the .apks that support the SDK from Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), but you need to convert and sideload them first.

greatwiseone

Android apps work WAY better on bb10 than on the PlayBook.

dannyd86

Ill use this for a few key apps that were missing.

EsJayDee

Wow, this is way easier than I thought. Awesome! Now I can put apps that aren't ready yet on my z10...whenever I finally get one lol.

scuebydue

So curious - Is it the same .bar file for the Playbook that is for the Z10?

leafs123

This is a good way to get apps but this Android option should not be the long term approach for BB10. It should be just a short-term stop gap for the lack of apps.

aloomis76

Will the Chrome extension "PlayBook App Manager" still work to sideload android apps onto the device or do I really have to do it this way? Has anyone tried to use this technique to sideload apps onto the Z10?

Superfly_FR

So far I know can't run google API powered android apps. But I might be wrong.
For maps, just enable the browser desktop mode on (settings/security) ... and jump to google maps website (tested ok w/ my DevAlpha).

naviwilliams

...curious, this doesn't void the warranty in any way, does it?

BSFA2008

This doesn't alter the OS on your phone or anything else. It just installs programs that aren't available in appworld.

In other words, no it shouldn't void your warranty.

BSFA2008

GOOD! I was wondering if we'd still be able to sideload. Good news.

jvictor77

Unless I'm getting confused, I've always done this wirelessly on my PB. Why is there a USB cable involved in this BB10 method?

urbuddee

Makes me want the Z10 EVEN MORE!!!

GO BLACKBERRY!! =D

ravenlyon

There is also a plug in for the google chrome browser for loading apps only thing use google chrome for.

salter0151

I used this fine with playbook in past, however it wont find my Z10, says error: Please ensure that your device is securely connected to your computer. Try again its plugged in fine, as blackberry desktop software tells me i cant run it yet because they stupidly dont support blackberry 10 device...

And if I manually place IP says failed to unreachable.

Rootbrian

Requires blackberry link.

varunsain

ANDROID LAUNCHER?????????????????? WAAAAAAAAAAAAT>> DO THE WIDGETS WORK?

BionicKris

Thanks Simon for the tutorial.. It looks easier than I thought it would be. I can't wait to get my Z10 here in the US Once I get my Z I may load some of the Android apps onto it. Thanks also to my fellow CB fans for their additional tips here and in the forums!

BionicKris

Thanks Simon for the tutorial.. It looks easier than I thought it would be. I can't wait to get my Z10 here in the US Once I get my Z I may load some of the Android apps onto it. Thanks also to my fellow CB fans for their additional tips here and in the forums!

romulusiulian

Same as PlayBook. But you can also use PlayBook App Manager extension for Chrome browser and a wifi conection. Works great, fast and easy.

randall2580

As I said on the Mac side I will ask the question here though I did get the answer on the PlayBook forum and it seemed to back this up.

The moment you sideload a .bar file you did not convert yourself on your own computer, you devalue your device's security to that of an Android phone as you have no idea what the converted file actually contains.

My understanding is that any BES Admin who has knowledge of this would disengage the abiltiy to do this prior to deployment of the phones for just this reason?

irwindersra

+100000!!

I will never side load an app because of this. Pretty much someone can post a converted bar file of say instagram having added code for a key logger application to run without you knowing, and then when you install it on your phone, it runs the key logger in the background, which records all your username and passwords, then sends them wirelessly to a server where the information can be used to F u up lol. stay safe and just download from backberry world, or risk your security, your choice!

SEAWARRIOR

^^^yup x2!!!^^^ lots of ppl have brought up the causes of memory leaks because this too,,, when they look into it, it's always android crap running in the background...

kingb71

where do you find your BB10 device's IP address?

tichsta

That's awesome i can't wait to get a z10 and try this!

ssaid93

WOWWW YOURE A LIFE SAVER

Rootbrian

I'll stick to what's on blaackberry world unless I can't find anything that I want. Thanks for the great guide! :)

bertcella

I keep getting " Please ensure that your device is securely connected to your computer." Everything is connected. Someone please help!

VWIN

and now black berry has over 600000 games and apps...

kuffs06

HELP! So when I click on the link for Java Runtime Enviromental, I get to the Java page. How do I know what to donload? There are all kinds of options there. Im running XP on one computer and Windows 7 on another one.

gng11

Depends on what Windows version you have, either 32 bit or 64 bit. 32 is x86 and 64 is x64.

Scarneck Menhem

i need help im trying to put the password after the ip address and it gives me erroe and i have the same password as the development mode password why isnt it working i dont know i just need that step and ill be able to download the apps sooo frustrating

Scarneck Menhem

its saying[ error: Unable to access jarfile C:\users\admin0001002\appdata\local\temp\bar\bardeploy.jar]

breakyoself

Hey i was wonder which JAVA i have to download for my pc.

Please advise.

Thanks in advance!

MrHomz

Just did it tonight, works like a charm...thanks for the post!!!

volvospeed23

lmao why does your BB10 look like it's running android OS? why don't you just dump that pos and get the galaxy s4? 8 core processing power, dual core is so 2010

MT56

I'm excited to get a Z10, so I thought I'd see how you go about sideloading (as I don't have a playbook and haven't done it before). I got stuck on the 3 getting started steps: 1)Download and install the Java Runtime Environment suited for your PC -- Question which JAVA?? 32 bit?? 64 bit? I have PC running Windows 7 2)Download and install the DDPB installer. -- Question: what?? when I opened link somehow the download symbol button didn't intall DDPB installer but rather a "Conduit.web search" that took me hours to clear out. Can you add a screen shot of what you supposed to select to get the DDPB installer. and 3) Download any .BAR / .ZIP files already converted -- what?? clicked link and it gives me an excel type file. What are you supposed to do from there? Appreciate help as I've never sideloaded before and want to be able to easily with I got a Z10. Thanks in advance for help and suggestions

mohammedaqeel09

hay guys whatsapp dosnt work properly in z10 i cannot create a message nor i can find a contact list is ther any option for that plz reply

degz

I'm a windows 7 user. I have tried different browsers trying to download from http://www.mediafire.com/?b3zwqcnxv3mtmcn. Is there any where else to get this installer? Are there any other alternatives? Let me know. Thanks.

BB_luva

Just tried Netflix. It works.

dbeir

The DDPB link in infected with a virus according to my webroot software.

Mr. Dbloo

Very helpful, thanks crackberry. Did need to reboot after installing the java before continuing otherwise recieved error messages. works great

Toronto_User

Hey guys ... my installation went well ...except I'm having problem with the GPS navigation. It doesn't work. Is anyone else having the same issue? Thanks

Grigoris Kampouridis

I have a Blackberry Z10 and I downloaded the DDPB on my PC. And the java as well. I enabled the Development Mode on my blackberry Z10 and I tried to connect it with the DDPB but for some reason is not connected and appears the error message "Error: Cannot connect: Connection to https://169.254.0.1 refused. You may have to reboot the target."

Hypnoboy

I'm getting this exact same thing. Weird.

filoinstyle

im getting this exact error too. I tried everything but i dont know why its not connecting.

rscaramelo#WP

What am I doing wrong? "Java is not recognized as an internal or external command"

I have tried this on 2 computers.

Help?

Flabz Stone

exactly d same tin is happening to me

rscaramelo#WP

Tried on a third pc....same results

D.Vader

I get the exact same error.

"Java is not recognized as an internal or external command"

I have tried 3 versions of JAVA. Including the one recommended by the guy that developed DDPB. Is it safe to assume this is broken?

Nate650

Same error here. Are you all running Windows 8?

irsan

Some of z10 will suddenly locked a coupe of hours after install apps via sideload. Beware

Hypnoboy

So what happens when you get "Error: Cannot connect: Connection to https://169.254.0.1 refused. You may have to reboot the target." I've re-booted both the phone AND the computer and still get the same error message.

D.Vader

Loaded Java rebooted DDPB still don't work. :P

filoinstyle

I have done all the required steps but when i connect my Z10 to the computer, it says "Please ensure that your device is securely connected to your computer. Please try again". I also manually entered the IP address and the correct password but it not connecting at all, im pretty sure that the device is connected because i can access it through the My Computer, does anybody have any idea what is going wrong with it? Thank you everyone.

Clinto

I'm getting the exact same error... Very frustrating.

mtdyson

I believe I have everything together, the proper java download and installed, DDPB downloaded and installed, development mode on my Z10 is on. But, When i goto connect the two ( DDPB and the Z10) DDPB says 'java' is not recognized as an internal or external command. Anyone have some advice?

AngelCorzo

Hi brothers! Is a god web for me now, i'm the new guy from Venezuela. Nice to meet you all.
My pc don't recognize Z10, i had to uninstall the Blackberry Link and re install again to get the device manager drivers to my phone, then my pc recognize the z10 but it shows me a message that said "No connect with proxy", i tried to connect to mi z10 using a playbook app manager and deelopment mode, it doesn't work either.

that's mean that even i can not upgrade my OS from 10.0.9.2372 to .648

heading4tomorrow

To those who complain about DDPB having a virus, etc.. Or if it does not work for you:
According to berry review article number /2013/03/14/new-to-sideloading-let-us-help-you-out/
You do not need DDPB. Just Chrome and App Manager.

crissa417

I can't get my BBz10 to connect to the playbook. It keeps telling me: "connection refused. You may have to reboot the target." I have rebooted both my laptop and my phone and still nothing. Any help?

seletok

Hello,

Is it possible to change the Development Mode password?

Where can I find the .bar app file? I don't able to download from play.google. I want an ING Bank app to sideload onZ10...

Thanks.

seletok

The Development password is deleted on Device Password.

ich3tech1

is not working for my t mobile blackberry z10

nickelodeon008

Does anyone know if Navionics- a fishing/mapping android app. can be sideloaded?? My best friend is an avid fisherman and he owns the Bold 9900 and the Playbook and says he will leave BB in future for one APP.- I couldn't believe he said that -- but I guess he loves fishing more than he loves BB. I'm hoping theres a solution. Thanks

dijen15

For everyone who was getting the error with Java Run-time, after countless installs and troubleshooting I installed Java 6 Update 25, it works. I'm running Windows 8, 64 bit and none of the 64 bit installs worked I guess 32 IS the magic number...haha.

corrieg

I need help finding out where I can download the Android app before loading it to my device.

keeganobadiah

When is BlackBerry finally going to drop its OS and go with Android? They could tweak the platform to make it secure, then they would have a device that would sell!

Michael Wells3

LOVE LOVE LOOOOOVE THIS! thank you sooo much I can now work my square on my z10!! Woot Woot you guys rock!

Vic_Franklyn

How do you get Android? Buy a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 and use it with your Playbook like I do. Face it guys Blackberry is never gonna get full Android so this is a perfect solution. Sideloading just ruins your Playbook.

baste07

it is not working. it keeps on stupidly looking for the java run time envirnment which i already installed

baste07

i am not getting the "connection refused. You may have to reboot the target."" error..... does this app even work

Enrico2828

I had lots of trouble using DDPB, would always say connection refused. With the hint from heading4tomorrow I could download the chrome plugin to load them via the browser. Worked like a charm.

aldrin cezar

hi,

anyone here know to reset the development mode password

thanks
Z10

barnto5

Ok, so I'm ready to sideload. Where do I get the APK/BAR files? I have PC and I don't do Chrome. where can I DL just the files?

sonic_reducer

Warning, the development password will become your screen lock password. Absolutely terrified me when my phone went to sleep and then when tried waking it up it needed as password, even though I did not set one. Phew, not a problem after though.

BlondelilSnafu

Ive been trying for hours just to connect my phone to ddpb and keep receiving an error message that the connection was refused and to try again. the Chrome extension gave me the problem :( Please any guidance would be appreciated.

mike khor

thanks for the guide!..but,
1-installed, used for awhile, notified to upgrade to 4.5 but then my phone just black out and became hot!.
2-deleted and reloaded the app, it works quite well for awhile then keeps saying " we chat app not responding'
what should i do? please help

bighrig01

I'm having a hard time understanding where the "previously converted files" come from when talking about adding the files to you phone. I've already downloaded the DDPB installer. where do I get these apps from?

rawlo11

I have done everything asked and now my BBWorld isn't opening, please help...

tkbdoll

When I attempt to login I am giving the error message that I need to update Instagram in the Play Store to log in. How can I get pass this?

clauvinnaliefisca

I can install it but whenever I tried to launch it, the app would freeze. what should i do?

Blake Moyer

I get a Microsoft .NET Framework error
“Unhandled exception has occurred in your application. If you click Continue, the application will ignore this error and attempt to continue. If you click Quit, the application will close immediately.
The path is not of a legal form.”
Can anyone help?

cellphonejunkey

heyhey.... will call control pro work if i side load to bb q10?

Truong8310

Hi, anyone try slideload Pulse news and the Viber, google map work great with my Z10

matthewmrl

Will this work for side loading BBM channels from the beta zone?.. HELP PLEASE!

Michael Warriner

do you leave the z10 in dev mode after install?

BCCaper

Update works SLIGHTLY better. Scrolling is a little more smooth and a few new filters are nice I guess. Since updating my device software to os 10.1 yesterday the "updated" keyboard makes it pretty much impossible to post comments. When I'm writing a photo comment the space bar doesn't work and joins all words together. Getting really sick of all these port in apps and having to sideload apps just to have a phone that functions the way I want. The lack of native apps has me considering selling my z10.

Koleana McGuire

HELP! I'm going through these steps found on http://m.crackberry.com/sideload-apps-your-blackberry-using-google-chrome
I've installed the playbook app manager, but I'm getting stuck in between steps 3 and 4. The webpage in chrome never takes me to step 4 to log into playbook, I keep getting the error that the webpage is not available. I've tried closing and opening the page again, still the same error. HELP PLEASE! Idk what Im doing wrong...

Jenaffer

I am getting an error message when I click connect on DDPB "error: host name may not be null" ???? can someone help???