It’s amazing that both the Apple App Store and Google Play allow you to return digital purchases when they do not work with your devices. However, in today’s hectic world, you sometimes forget the return window period and end up paying for an app that doesn’t work on your phone.
Is there a workaround for this? What if you can download a free version, test its compatibility with your device, and then pay for it later on?
Luckily, you can find fully-functioning free versions of iOS and Android Apps.
Look Around General Smartphone Stores
There are tens of thousands of free-to-download applications in both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The best way to find them? Find the category that says “free.”
In the Apple App Store, here are the steps to find free apps:
- Open the Apple App Store
- Head to “Top Free”
- See a list of free games to download
- Any app with a “get” button is free to download
In Google Play, here are the steps to do it:
- Launch Google Play
- Click the categories that say “Top Free Games” and “Top Free Apps.” You also have options to see top grossing free games and apps
- Any app with an “Install” button is free to download
Be warned that some of these free apps may be completely free to use, but their premium features may be locked behind a paywall. This means that if you like a certain premium feature, you’ll have to pay to unlock it or subscribe to it regularly.
Other Sources for Free Apps
Here are a few other places where you can find more free apps:
- iOSnoops
iOSnoops is a website exclusive only to Apple iPhone users.
Its main difference from the Apple App Store is it can show paid yet discounted apps and formerly paid apps that are now free to use. You will not need iTunes or the App Store to download and install it, too. Now, you won’t need to switch to a different device to buy the apps that you need.
- Subreddits
Reddit is a great place to find the newest apps from independent developers. Listings in r/Apphookup or r/GooglePlayDeals show you discounted paid applications in the top grossing sections of iOS and Android app stores.
While you won’t find any categorization in Reddit, using the Search sidebar may help you find a discounted or even free version of the app you want.
- Search engine queries
You can find free iOS and Android apps with a few quick search engine queries. However, it is possible some results will lead you to piracy and torrent websites.
Be warned: when downloading from these sources, even from peer-sourced torrents, the apps might include viruses. These may also lead you to a third-party site that maliciously gains access to your information, leading to possible data theft. Use this step with extreme caution even if you find free versions of your favorite paid apps.
In case of problems, you can check online or go to stores that sell tablet or cellphone units to seek for help.