Variochess — Android Installation Guide

Platform: Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later

1. Download the APK

You will receive the APK file from the game host via:

• A direct download link
• Email attachment
• File sharing (Google Drive, WhatsApp, etc.)

Download the file and note where it is saved (usually Downloads folder).

2. Allow Installation from Unknown Sources

Android blocks apps from outside the Play Store by default. You need to grant permission once for the app you are installing from (e.g. Chrome, Gmail, Files).

Android 8.0 and later (per-app permission)

1. When you tap the APK and Android shows "For your security, your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source", tap Settings
2. Toggle Allow from this source ON
3. Tap the back button — the install dialog will appear

Alternatively, go to Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps, find the app you used to download the APK, and enable it before installing.

Android 7 and earlier (global toggle)

1. Go to Settings → Security
2. Enable Unknown sources
3. Tap OK on the warning

3. Install the App

1. Open the downloaded variochess-v*.apk file (tap it in your notifications bar or open it from the Files / Downloads app)
2. Tap Install in the Android install screen
3. Wait for installation to complete
4. Tap Open to launch Variochess, or find it in your app drawer

4. First Launch

1. Open Variochess
2. Register a new account or Log in with your existing credentials
3. You will be taken to the game lobby

5. Updating the App

Variochess checks for updates automatically every time you enter the lobby.

Automatic update (recommended)

1. When a new version is available, an Update Available dialog appears
2. Tap Download & Install — a progress bar shows the download
3. When download completes, tap Install Now
4. The Android installer opens — tap Install
5. After installation, reopen the app (tap Open or find it in the app drawer)

If Android says "For your security…" again, follow step 2 above to allow the install — you only need to do this once per source app.

Manual update

1. Download the new APK from the host (same link or new link)
2. Tap the APK file and follow the install steps above
3. You do not need to uninstall the old version first — the new version installs over it and keeps your login session

6. Troubleshooting

7. Uninstalling

1. Long-press the Variochess icon in your app drawer
2. Tap Uninstall (or drag to the Uninstall area)
3. Confirm

Your account data is stored on the server and will be available if you reinstall.