Thursday, January 17, 2013

How to Install Adobe Flash Player on your Android 4.1 Devices

So.  You got that brand new tablet for Christmas.  You were running Android 4.0, and you recently just got an update to 4.1.1.  The world is looking up for you...THEN...you have to do a factory reset.  What happened to being able to watch videos in the browser window?  Where's my Flash Player?  What do I do?!?!?!

Have no fear.  All may not be lost yet.  In the updated version of Android 4.1+, I have read that they no longer include Flash Player.  And, if you some how found a link that would open Flash player in the Play Store, you probably saw a nice little note where the Install button should be stating, "This App is not compatible with your device.", or something along those lines.  It may still be possible to install Flash Player directly from Adobe's website, and it only takes a few minutes (Really.  Look at the screenshots.  They start at 11:18 and end at 11:22, and that's counting the extra part at the end about how to switch over to desktop browsing).  There is no risk involved and you don't even have to be technically inclined.  C'mon!  Let's do this.  I do have a video showing the entire process which I'll include below.  If you want to prep yourself, read the article then follow along with the video, or vice-versa.  Whatever works better for you.  Good luck!

The link used in the video and the picture below is:Adobe Flash Player Archive





Step 1.

You need to open your settings.  I have an icon on my homescreen, but it can also be opened by clicking the time and then settings at the bottom right corner, or by clicking the App Drawer (the dots/squares) and choosing settings from there.

Step 2.


Once you've opened your settings, scroll down the left hand side and choose "Security".  Look for the "Device Administration" area on the right.  There will be a block area that reads, "Unknown Sources".  Make sure the checkbox to the right of that is checked.  All this does is allow you to install an app that isn't from the marketplace.  This is usually only risky if you are NOT downloading directly from a reliable source. The app you will be installing is directly from the companies website, not a 3rd party location.  It's safe.

Step 3.



 The next thing you need to do is open your browser.  I used the stock browser because I know that everyone has that one.  Go to Google and search for, "Adobe Flash Player Archive" and find the link that matches the picture above. It will bring you to the page below, just scroll down until you find the sections that I have noted in the picture.

Step 4.


Depending on your operating system choose the appropriate link.  For Android 2.x and 3.x users click the first link under that section.  For Android 4.x users, click the first link under your section.  A small black box will appear at the bottom of your screen that reads, "Starting Download...".  A few second/minutes will pass depending upon your internet speed.  A small arrow will appear beside your time when it is done downloading.

Step 5.


Click the area near your time/the little arrow and a box will appear that is similar to the one above.  Click on the section that looks like the one highlighted above.  From there you will be presented with an installation screen like most other apps.  Just click on the "Install" and the "Done" buttons as the are presented to you and POOF! you magically have Flash Player back on your device.


As an extra side tip, most mobile devices are automatically directed to mobile sites.  When you have a fairly large 10 inch tablet, you can normally handle the same display as a desktop machine, which tends to be better quality.  It is also very handy when watching video sites.  For those of you over 18, it will also stop directing you to verify your age with a credit card at adult video sites because it looks like you are viewing from a desktop and not a mobile device.  This can be done simply by opening your browser and clicking on the settings area (the 3 dots/dashes) at the top right.  A dropdown box will appear, just click on the  "Request Desktop Site" option and refresh the page.  If for any reason you need to access the mobile version of a website, repeat the same steps to return to mobile browsing.

These screenshots, video, and complete process were done using a Toshiba Excite 10.  At the time of this article this process works and has been known to work on many other devices.  Just keep in mind that it MAY NOT work on yours.  Some steps may be a little different, but most people will understand what they need to do differently.

I hope this helps someone out.  

Remember, you're not the only person on the planet.  Do something nice for someone other than yourself.  Pay It Forward.

2 comments:

  1. Hey Bill! Thanks a lot! I needed the flash player for my college courses, so you 've really helped me out! Kudos to you!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're quite welcome. I'm glad to find out someone got good use from this information. Thank you for your kind words and best of luck with your schooling.

      Delete

Please play nice, young folks may read this. If you have criticism, please make it constructive. Thanks!