Install Fol on Android

Five steps, once. Android makes this deliberately awkward for apps like Fol — here is why, and exactly what to tap.

Download Fol for Android

Why Android argues with you about this. Fol needs the accessibility service — that is how it puts your words into the app you are typing in. It is also the permission that malware wants most, so Android blocks apps installed outside the Play Store from using it until you explicitly allow it. The warnings you are about to see are Android being careful about the category, not about Fol.

1 · Remove any older copy first

If you already have Fol installed from before, uninstall it. Builds signed with a different key cannot update each other, and Android will refuse the install with no useful explanation.

If your history is set to stay on your phone, it will go with it. Turn syncing on in Fol first if you want to keep those lines.

2 · Open the file and allow the install

Tap the downloaded file. Android will say your browser is not allowed to install apps — choose Settings and turn on Allow from this source, then go back.

3 · Get past the Play Protect warning

Play Protect will say “App blocked to protect your device”. Choose More details and then Install anyway.

4 · Allow restricted settings — the step everyone misses

This is the one that makes Fol look broken. Without it, Fol's switch in the Accessibility list is visible but greyed out, and nothing tells you why.

5 · Turn Fol on

Open Fol and follow the setup. It will ask for the microphone, notifications, the accessibility service, and permission to draw over other apps. It takes you to each screen and brings you back on its own.

Then

Tap any text field in any app. The Fol button appears beside your keyboard. Tap it, talk, and tap the tick.

Fol never stores your recordings, and what you dictate stays on your phone unless you turn syncing on yourself. Read the privacy policy.