If you downloaded an APK from a website check your file manager in the Downloads folder for the APK of the app that you downloaded. If the app tells you it cannot install unknown apps, click the Settings button and allow it 😀
Discussion
Also make sure to consult the usage guide:
Your app choices are up to you. Some use the normal play store apps via Sandboxed Google Play while others do not. I can't make choices for you of course, it's up to your preference.
Thank you. Will check. How do I get the Sandboxed Google Play?
Apps app has the Google Play services there 😃
Ok
Found it. LOL 😂
it says (mirror).
I also have no idea what sandboxed means but assuming the (mirror) Google play store is what I am needing here.
"Mirror" is there as GrapheneOS is hosting the Google apps for you to download, so you aren't going on a sketchy web site to download it. Also updates them for you! Make sure to get all the play services if you plan to use the Play Store, all three are important.
Sandboxing is a security mechanism for apps, it means that an app is isolated from each other and from most of the OS to minimize damage or malicious behaviour. Every user installed app is sandboxed on Android, that's why you need to allow an app to have permission to do something like use your camera, see your files and whatnot. Google Play is privileged and inbuilt into the OS in stock Android, but on GrapheneOS it is sandboxed like all the other apps are.
Cool stuff! thank you, for explaining. Now I have a bit of an expanded perception why grapheneos is more secure I guess 😅
The GrapheneOS features page goes into security and privacy improvements in depth:
https://grapheneos.org/features
It's very comprehensive and may help, I'd suggest giving the site a close read.
I will leave the checking for tomorrow. I seem to need to do these techy maneuvers in small bite sizes.
I have no idea what APK means. But I was able to find the download in the browser downloads menu.
Also, never heard of Vanadium, but is this basically the GrapheneOS browser?
In a very simple description, an APK (Android Package) is basically an Android app as a file.
Vanadium is the inbuilt browser, it is a Chromium-based browser with some security and privacy improvements: