In the realm of Android applications, sideloading has become a popular method for users seeking alternatives to the Google Play Store. While this approach opens the door to a plethora of unique apps, it also introduces the challenge of keeping these applications updated. For those who have ventured into the world of sideloaded apps, the process of checking for updates can often feel tedious and time-consuming. Enter Obtainium, a free and open-source sideload manager that promises to streamline this experience.
Obtainium makes updating sideloaded apps on Android effortless
Obtainium simplifies the updating process significantly. Users typically face a cumbersome routine when updating apps sourced from various platforms, such as GitHub or alternative app stores. The traditional method involves manually checking each app for updates, navigating multiple websites, and downloading new APK files individually. This can quickly become overwhelming, especially for those with numerous sideloaded applications.
With Obtainium, the burden of manual updates is lifted. After a straightforward one-time setup, users can add their sideloaded apps to Obtainium’s tracking list. The app then operates in the background, diligently monitoring these sources for any new versions. When an update is detected, Obtainium promptly sends a notification, allowing users to install the latest version with minimal effort. For certain apps, the platform even supports auto-updating, seamlessly installing updates without user intervention.
Currently, Obtainium supports a diverse array of sources, including:
- GitHub
- GitLab
- F-Droid
- APKMirror
- Uptodown
- And many more
How to set up and use Obtainium
Setting up Obtainium is a breeze. Users simply need to visit the Obtainium website, download the latest APK, and install it. Once installed, adding apps to track for updates is straightforward:
- Open a browser and navigate to the webpage where the app was downloaded.
- Copy the URL from the address bar.
- Open Obtainium and go to the Add app tab.
- Paste the URL into the App source URL field and tap Add.
It’s crucial to ensure that the correct source is used for each app to avoid update issues. For instance, if an app was installed via F-Droid, the F-Droid link must be used for updates, as different sources may have distinct digital signatures.
For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, Obtainium offers a community-driven feature that provides pre-configured settings for various apps. This can save time and effort, especially for apps that require complex configurations.
Once apps are added, Obtainium checks for updates every six hours, although this interval can be customized. If an update is available, it will either download and install automatically or notify the user, depending on the settings chosen.
Obtainium is fantastic, but it’s not perfect
While Obtainium significantly enhances the experience of managing sideloaded apps, it does come with some limitations. For instance, it relies on HTML scraping for websites that lack an API for version checking, which can lead to issues if the website’s structure changes. Additionally, users with numerous GitHub apps may encounter API rate limits, although this can be mitigated by using a GitHub Personal Access Token.
Furthermore, Obtainium may have read-only access to certain sites, such as APKMirror, meaning it can track updates but cannot download them directly. In such cases, users will receive notifications to manually update their apps.
