Cannot download & install app APK from own webpage

Question

I'm trying to have my apps available for download on a website, however, when I upload the APK file, it cannot be found by the browser.

When zipping the APK, it is detected. However, not all phones can install from a ZIP - I have had mixed results.

Why can't I simply upload an APK and have a URL point to it for a download? Why am I getting a 404 and what can I do to avoid it?

Answer 1

Why can't I simply upload an APK and have a URL point to it for a download?

You can. Plenty of people do it. There are entire Web sites dedicated to doing it, albeit usually with pirated content.

Why am I getting a 404

Because the URL you are entering into the browser is not the URL where the file is at on the server. This is the cause of approximately 100% of 404 errors, across the Internet, regardless of circumstance.

what can I do to avoid it?

Use the proper URL. Also, be sure to set the server's MIME type configuration map to serve up your file as application/vnd.android.package-archive.

Answer 2

This is what i did in my asp.net application

My Application hosted under Window server 2008r2 having IIS 7

Step 1: In .aspx page add hyperlink set navigateurl as file path

 <asp:HyperLink ID="lnkdwnload" runat="server" NavigateUrl="~/Application_Android/MyAndroidAppAame.apk">Download MyApp</asp:HyperLink>

Step 2: Web.config add mimeMap element under staticContent

<system.webServer>
    <staticContent>
      <mimeMap fileExtension=".apk" mimeType="application/vnd.android.package-archive"/>
    </staticContent>

</system.webServer>