Go to Settings > Security and toggle on Unknown Sources . This allows you to install apps from outside the official store.
Google dropped support because active KitKat devices now account for less than 1% of the global user base . Maintaining security for such an old platform prevents Google from implementing modern encryption and performance improvements in newer systems.
Because modern versions of the Play Store require Android 7.0 or higher, you must download a specific "legacy" variant.
If your built-in Play Store is crashing or won't open, follow these steps to "sideload" a working version:
Open your device's Downloads folder, tap the downloaded APK, and select Install .
