Everything for Threads on Android phones, tablets and foldables: install it safely from Google Play (even from your computer), keep it updated, set up notifications and battery settings so you don't miss replies, and get going in your first ten minutes.
Allow Threads to send you notifications?
Tap the Play Store icon. Make sure you're signed in with your Google account.
Pick the result with the developer Meta Platforms, Inc. Ignore look-alike apps.
Use Wi-Fi if you can. The download usually takes under a minute.
Tap Open, then log in with your Instagram account (you can use the Instagram app already on your phone).
On Android 13 and newer, you'll be asked to allow notifications. Tap Allow so you see replies and messages.
Skip APK sites. Threads is free on Google Play, so there's no reason to sideload it. APK files from other sites can be outdated, modified or contain malware, and they won't update automatically. Keep Google Play Protect turned on.
Google Play on the web can send the app straight to your phone. Handy for setting up a parent's or a work phone.
Tick each step as you go - your progress stays on this page only.
🎉 You're all set. Next: find something to post.
Android menus differ by brand. Pick your phone and what you want to do to get the exact path.
Menu names change between Android versions and brand updates. If a step looks different, open Settings and search for "Threads".
Threads asks for permissions only when you use a feature. You can change them any time in Settings → Apps → Threads → Permissions.
Replies, mentions, follows and messages. Asked on first launch on Android 13+.
To attach media to posts and messages. You can allow only selected photos.
To take a photo or video inside Threads.
For recording video with sound.
To find people you know. Not needed to use Threads.
Only if you add a location to a post. Approximate is enough.
Updates waiting on "Pending"? Clear the Play Store's cache (Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear cache) and try again.
Pick the message or problem you see.
Update Android in Settings → System → Software update. If it still says this, your device is too old for current versions. Use threads.com in Chrome instead.
Check your connection and other downloads in the Play Store. Then clear the Play Store cache: Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear cache, and restart your phone.
Free up space in Settings → Storage. Delete large videos or unused apps; Threads plus updates needs a few hundred MB.
You're probably installing an APK. Delete it and install from Google Play, where the developer is Meta Platforms, Inc.
Your Google account country may not offer Threads, the device may not be Play certified, or parental controls (Family Link) may hide it. Try threads.com in Chrome.
Update the app, clear the cache (see the settings helper above), then restart. If it still fails, uninstall and reinstall - your posts are safe on your account.
Allow notifications for Threads, set battery to Unrestricted, and check Threads' own notification settings. Do Not Disturb can hide them too.
Turn off Data Saver for Threads (Settings → Apps → Threads → Mobile data) and check your connection.
More help: Threads install problems · Threads not working · Threads notifications · videos not playing