How to install Clubhouse on Android outside the US ahead of its global launch

On Sunday, Alpha Exploration Co. finally launched its exclusive social audio app Clubhouse for Android devices, a year after it was released on Apple’s App Store. However, the company has only made the app available to users in the United States on the Google Play Store, so if you live in India (or any other country) and want to join in on the action you may have to jump through an additional hoop or two to get started.

Previous coverage: As downloads take a nosedive, Clubhouse to launch Android app today

Google allows developers to upload their apps to the Play Store while restricting access to particular regions, just like Apple does with the App Store. However, while iOS users cannot install apps outside the App Store, Android users are able to ‘sideload’ an Android Application Package (or APK) which gives them access to such region-restricted apps. Here’s how you can quickly gain access to Clubhouse right away.

Step 1: To gain access to the latest release of Clubhouse for Android, you must make sure to download the APK from a reputed source, such as APK Mirror. This is one site that verifies the source and integrity of the APK files uploaded. Make sure to download the APK version and not the APKM version as installing the latter is not a straightforward process.

Step 2: Once you have downloaded the APK for Clubhouse (which is currently at version 0.1) you can tap it directly from your browser’s download section to begin the installation. If you have Android 7 or older, you will need to allow “Installation from unknown sources”, but if you have a modern Android device you will need to grant your browser permission to install applications. Here's how to enable these settings.

Step 3: After the app installation is completed, you can revoke the permission to install apps from unknown sources — or for your browser, from its App Info section. You will now be able to see the Clubhouse icon on your home screen, which you can start using like any other app from the Play Store.

Step 4: You can now sign up for an account on Clubhouse and verify your phone number – as long as you have an invite. If you do not have an invite from an existing member, you can still register your username in advance and wait for a friend or someone who has you in their contacts to eventually “admit” you to the service.