Install apps manually on Windows Phone (Deploying XAP Files)

Windows Phone is seen growing in the Mobile Market nowadays. And so are the apps in the Microsoft App Store. But there are some apps which are paid and as we all know, Windows Phone is not like Android. The security measures are too high and we can't install any app using a file manager or something. So today I am gonna tell you how to install apps on Windows Phone.

Things you need to know and have before installing any app on Windows Phone :

1. You need a developer unlocked ID & device :- You can developer unlock your ID by visiting the Microsoft Visual App Studio website and signing up there. This will make your ID Developer Unlocked. Then you need to download Windows Phone SDK to unlock and register your device. If you have Windows 8 and above, you can download this Windows Phone SDK 8.0 and install it.
   
   If you have Windows 7 you can follow this link where the tutorial is given of how to install Windows Phone SDK Lite on Windows 7.
2. Windows Phone Apps file format :- Windows Phone 7/8 currently support XAP file format. Beginning with Windows Phone 8.1, XAP will be replaced by APPX as the file format used to install apps on the Windows Phone platform, a move which was done by Microsoft in order to unify the app development platforms for Windows Store apps and Windows Phone apps. There are many sources where you can find Windows Phone apps, but I would recommend you to use this website for getting proper Windows Phone apps without any harm or virus. 
   Website:- http://windowsphonehub.in/
3. XAP Deployer Software :- This is the software that will install the XAP/APPX file on your Developer Unlocked Windows Phone. I am using the software XAP Deployer 2.0. Of course, there are many other softwares which can be found on the web, but according to me, this is the best.
4. Download XAP Deployer 2.0 :- Mediafire or Google Drive

Ok, so lets start with the above steps, which will allow you to install apps manually to your Windows Phone.

1. Developer unlocking your ID and Device :-  

First visit the Microsoft Windows App Studio website and sign up there to Developer Unlock your ID.

Click the Sign in button, enter your details and then this windows will appear.

Then click on the "Yes" button and your ID is Developer Unlocked.

2. Developer Unlocking your device using Windows Phone SDK :-

You need to register your device in order to Developer Unlock it. Using the Windows Phone SDK, you can register your device.

How to register:- 

Turn on your phone and unlock the phone screen.

On your phone, ensure that the date and time are correct.

Connect your phone to your computer by using the USB cable that came with your phone.

On your computer’s Start screen, switch to All apps view.

Under Windows Phone SDK 8.0, click Windows Phone Developer Registration. The app starts, as shown in the following image.

Verify that the Status message displays Identified Windows Phone 8 device. Click the Register button to unlock the phone.

If your phone is already registered, the Status message indicates this and you see an Unregister button.

Click Register.

In the Sign In dialog box for your Microsoft account (formerly known as a Windows Live ID), enter the email address and password for your Microsoft account. Click Sign In.If you’re a registered developer, be sure to use the Microsoft account associated with your developer account.

After your phone is successfully registered, the Status message displays Congratulations! You have successfully unlocked your Windows Phone.

The ones using Windows 7 can see the link of the software which I mentioned above.

Your phone is now registered. You can now deploy apps to the phone.

Deploying Apps is not a very tough task. Once your Phone is Developer Unlocked, all you need to do is connect it to the PC, and follow the steps below. Remember that while Deploying apps, your phone screen must always be on. If the screen locks, the deploying process may not take place and the XAP might get stored in your temporary files which might not get cleared.

Deploying Apps to Windows Phone :-

1. Open the XAP Deployer Tool after downloading from the above links.
2. Select the Application Deployment tab in the Tool, and click on Add XAP Files
3. Browse the XAP files and add them. The files you add will be shown below.
4. Check the bottom right corner of the tool, there must be a option Target which will have a dropdown list. In that list, select Device.
5. Next, uncheck the box "Force uninstall installed applications"
6. Atlast, click Deploy. The deploying process usually takes some time, so wait. Once the deploying is done. When deployed, the Tool will give a popup saying that the application is deployed.

See this video for better understanding. This video is in no way, owned or created by me. This video is made by windowsphonehub.in. 

Done ! Now check your Phone and you must find the app installed in it. If there is any problem, or you are stuck somewhere, feel free in asking on my Facebook Page or in the comments. I will surely help you.