updating app installed via old Aurora store

Cigurd

I installed an app 2 years ago via Aurora store and have basically not done anything manually to my phone since then in terms of installations/updates, and everything has been working fine for the last 2 years. However, recently, the app started giving me a pop-up message saying that I have to update it soon or it will stop working, and Aurora store seems to have changed the way it works in the meantime (I can't open a session there now). My question is what the best way to do this update is. As I understand it, there are basically 3 options:

Sign in to Google Play and try to update from the Play Store.
Download the apk from the website.
Get a newer version of Aurora store.

I have Google Play Services on my phone anyway because of Gboard, and it seems that Aurora now doesn't work anonymously like it used to, so I don't see an advantage in using Aurora. On the other hand, I don't know what box of tricks I might be opening up by signing in to Google Play.

I'm a little worried about data loss and/or screwing up my account by un-installing and re-installing the app, which seems like it might be required if I use Google Play or the apk to try updating.

What's recommended in this case?
Thanks.
(I am still using a Pixel 4a.)

[deleted]

Cigurd as a rule of thumb apkmirror, apkpure and such provide copies of Play Store apps so you shouldn't have a problem updating your app with newer version from one of those sources.

Ammako

Cigurd and it seems that Aurora now doesn't work anonymously like it used to, so I don't see an advantage in using Aurora

Update Aurora Store, lol

Cigurd

[deleted] That was interesting... APKMirror requires you to install their own installer app in order to open the apkm files they offer for download, and the APKMirror installer app is available from Google Play Store of course.

The app's website on a PC gives you the option of downloading the apk directly from the website. However, the app's website on a phone does not show that option and only directs you to Google Play Store.

What I just ended up doing was using my PC to go to the apk download page on the app's website and then manually typing the URL of that page into the Vanadium browser on my phone. That allowed me to download the apk onto my phone. I installed the app from the apk, and it updated okay without necessitating un-install and re-install.

[deleted]

Cigurd I use this:

https://www.ghisler.ch/board/viewtopic.php?t=77349

other8026

Seeing recommendations here, I feel like I need to point out that GrapheneOS's recommendation is to use Google Play if an app isn't available via Accrescent since it's the most secure way to install apps. Aurora store isn't as secure and doesn't do the same kinds of checks as Google Play. I don't know anything about Apkpure, but it sounds like if they have the same apks as Google Play, then they're another trusted party. As far as I can tell, downloads with Apkpure come from somewhere that's not Google Play, so I'm unsure how they get the apks. Considering that, Aurora is probably a better option for people who don't want to use Google Play.

Feel free to use whichever thing you want, of course, just pointing this out so anyone else who's reading this thread knows everything they need to to make their own decision.

Clark

other8026 what are your thoughts on installing Github apks through Obtainium?

other8026

Clark I do, but I am wary of using it, personally. One good thing about Obtainium is that it lets you check the apk's hash with AppVerifier before installing an app, so if the hash is in their database and everything checks out, I can be sure that I'm installing the legit app. Usually, if I can't verify the hash, I just use Google Play.