Although Google and Apple’s respective online app stores make it easy for smartphone and tablet users to find exciting games, tricky puzzles, and productive task-managers, country restrictions can be of extreme annoyance.
If you have an Android, it wouldn’t be outlandish of you to presume your device hones the ability do run any app gracing the Play Store. Not so; because as well as issues with compatibility – some apps are only compatible with Ice Cream Sandwich, or Gingerbread – there comes a time for nearly every Droid user where, in trying to install an app, you’ll find it just won’t happen if you don’t live in a supported country.
Let’s not beat around the bush, this issue will seldom arise for those residing in the United States – if at all. But there are many apps out there that, as a rule, will not work for those outside of an allotted area – even if there is no restriction to the app itself.
Whenever there’s an issue to be solved – at least from an Android perspective – the talented brains gracing the XDA Developers forums are usually on hand with the antidote. On this occasion, it comes in the form of Senior Member Deeco7, who’s put together a modified Google Play Store .APK, rendering those annoying country restrictions as a thing of the past. Once installed, you’ll be able to download whatever you want from Google’s recently-renamed mobile app hub – providing, of course, that your device is compatible.
We’ve put together a little step by step tutorial if you feel like trying out the modded .APK files.
DISCLAIMER: Proceed with caution and at your own risk. Redmond Pie is not to be held responsible for any loss of data or any damage to your phone as a result of you following this tutorial.
Step 1: Download the modded .APK file from the original thread over at XDA.
Step 2: Connect your device to your computer.
Step 3: Place the .APK on your device, but don’t use adb install; it won’t work since the Play Store file will already exist.
Step 4: Open the .APK with a file explorer of your choosing, and install. When prompted as to whether you wish to replace the current Play Store app, you’ll want to select "Yes".
Step 5: After a short install process, that’s it. Your new, modded unrestricted Play Store app will be in full flow.
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