HOW do I install a downloaded app as an .apk file? It won't let me.

edporch

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Hi Everybody,
My device is a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 running Android Version 4.2.2.

I downloaded Maps 6.14.4.apk because I HATE Maps 7.x which is TRASH and totally unusable for my needs.

When I try to install it from the Downloads folder, it refuses to install it.

I have it set to allow apps from unknown sources and turned off verify apps
 

dezymond

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Did you try to uninstall the current Maps app first?
 
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edporch

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Did you try to uninstall the current Maps app first?

I went into the app manager, selected it, and don't see how to uninstall it.
It just gives me the option to force stop, and to disable it.
Which I did and re-booted, and still don't see how to uninstall it.
 

dezymond

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Is there an option to uninstall updates? If so, hit that and it should revert back to 6.x.

I do have an s4, but not on me right now.
 
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edporch

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Is there an option to uninstall updates? If so, hit that and it should revert back to 6.x.

I do have an s4, but not on me right now.

I did that before.
The problem is, a week or so ago it did some type of system update, and now when I attempt an uninstall update, it only reverts back to 7.0.2.
 

mountainbikermark

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What you are trying to do cannot be done without root privileges. Maps is embedded in the firmware on your device, aka Google bloatware. With 4.0 and older you could install some apps beside bloatware that were the same thing but Google "remedied that bug" with Jelly Bean

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edporch

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What you are trying to do cannot be done without root privileges. Maps is embedded in the firmware on your device, aka Google bloatware. With 4.0 and older you could install some apps beside bloatware that were the same thing but Google "remedied that bug" with Jelly Bean

Support Our Troops!!!
<><
I'm an "s pen aholic" Noteate

So then I infer I need to "root" this phone, just to get a usable Maps version?
If I could be SURE to get good instructions on how to root a VERIZON galaxy S4, i would do it.
Any suggestions of a good proven source with instructions on how to do this?
 

smalltowngirl13

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Have you attempted to disable, install the APK you want and then re-enable to see if it accepts the APK you installed as default.

If you are able to install the older version, you might want to doublecheck your Play Store settings to be sure your apps are not set to "auto-update" :)...good luck!
 
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edporch

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Have you attempted to disable, install the APK you want and then re-enable to see if it accepts the APK you installed as default.

If you are able to install the older version, you might want to doublecheck your Play Store settings to be sure your apps are not set to "auto-update" :)...good luck!

Yes. I disabled it, then restarted with it disabled, and it still won't let me install it.
The .apk file is in the download folder.
 
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edporch

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You will need to root your phone. Maps is a system app.

I've come to that conclusion, and am now researching to find the correct way to do this.

What really gets me is how they can call this new version 7.x an "improvement".
Without the mode where it simply gives me a big blue arrow, with an ALWAYS ON SCREEN, that simply shows my location and the traffic density, this version 7.x is WORTHLESS and unusable.
 
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