I downloaded the desktop version, how can I put Android apps on it if there's no Play Store?
Installing Android Apps on Genymotion Desktop without Play Store
Genymotion Desktop does not come with the Google Play Store pre-installed, but you can quickly and safely install the **Open GApps** package with the built-in tool. Then, the Play Store will appear in the App Drawer, and you can download apps from there, or simply drag .apk files onto the virtual device.
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## 1️⃣ Installing Open GApps
| Platform | Steps |
|----------|---------|
| **Windows / macOS / Linux** | 1. Start Genymotion Desktop.
2. Find the **Open GApps** icon (Open GApps button) on the right side of the device screen.
3. Click on it, read the warning, and then **Accept**.
4. The installation will automatically download and flash the package.
5. After installation, **Restart** the virtual device.
6. The Play Store will appear in the App Drawer. |
| **SaaS/Cloud** | 1. Open the virtual device screen.
2. Right toolbar → **INSTALL GAPPS**.
3. On the modification panel, find the **DISCLAIMER** → **INSTALL GAPPS**.
4. Wait for the flash, then **RESTART DEVICE**.
5. Play Store is ready. |
| **PaaS** | Similar to SaaS, with the **Device Content → Packages → INSTALL** option. |
> **Note**
> The Open GApps package does not include Android 12 and later versions; the latest Genymotion versions (2025-09+) already include the corresponding GApps package for Android 13-15 versions.
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## 2️⃣ Installing Apps
| Method | Description |
|--------|--------|
| **Play Store** | After the Play Store is installed, simply search for the app and download it. |
| **APK file** | 1. Choose the **File → Install APK** option in the Genymotion window, or drag the .apk file directly onto the virtual device screen.
2. The APK will be installed automatically. |
> **Tips**
> - If the app is compiled for *arm64* architecture, it will not work on Windows/Intel Mac x86/x86_64-based machines. In this case:
- Use a **Mac M** machine (arm64) or
- Use **Genymotion SaaS** with an arm64 image.
- If you need a rooted image, choose a *non-rooted* Android image.
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## 3️⃣ Common Issues and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|----------|----------|
| *“Your device isn’t compatible with this version”* | Probably an ARM vs. X86 mismatch. Change the device to ARM64 or use SaaS. |
| *APK installation doesn’t work* | Check if the app you are trying to install supports x86/x86_64 architecture. |
| *Rooted image required* | Choose a *non-rooted* Android image in the Genymotion settings. |
| *Play Store is faulty* | Update Genymotion Desktop to the latest version (2025-09). |
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## Summary
1. **Install Open GApps** with the Genymotion Desktop built-in tool.
2. **Restart** the device to install the Play Store.
3. Use the Play Store or drag .apk files onto the virtual device.
If you have any further questions about the installation or compatibility, we are happy to help! 🚀
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**How can we help further?**
- Do you want to know which Android architectures are compatible with Genymotion Desktop?
- Is there a specific app you are having trouble installing?