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Daniel Nylander edited this page Aug 13, 2026 · 5 revisions

Installing on Android

Updated for v1.1.126. The APK is produced by the release workflow and is attached only when the Android build succeeds.

OpenCaptive is not on Google Play. You install it by sideloading the APK file directly.

Download

Download OpenCaptive-android.apk from GitHub Releases.

Install

Enable sideloading

Android blocks APK installations from unknown sources by default. You need to allow it for the app you use to open the APK (usually your browser or file manager):

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Special app access > Install unknown apps (on older Android: Settings > Security > Unknown sources)
  2. Enable the toggle for your browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) or file manager

Install the APK

  1. Download OpenCaptive-android.apk on your device
  2. Open the downloaded file (tap the notification, or find it in your file manager under Downloads/)
  3. Tap Install
  4. If prompted by Play Protect: tap More details > Install anyway

Google Play Protect warning

Google Play Protect may warn about the APK because it is not distributed via Google Play. The APK is built via GitHub Actions from source and is safe to install. To proceed:

  1. Tap More details
  2. Tap Install anyway

If Play Protect blocks the install entirely:

  1. Open the Play Store app
  2. Tap your profile icon > Play Protect > Settings (gear icon)
  3. Temporarily disable Scan apps with Play Protect
  4. Install the APK
  5. Re-enable Play Protect

Game data

Place your original game files on your device's storage:

/sdcard/OpenCaptive/
  CAPTIVE.ZIP
  LIBERATION.ISO

You can transfer files via:

  • USB cable: connect to a computer, copy files to OpenCaptive/ in internal storage
  • File manager: create the folder and copy files from Downloads
  • ADB: adb push CAPTIVE.ZIP /sdcard/OpenCaptive/

Files are identified by SHA-256 content hash, not filename. ZIP archives, ADF disk images, and ISO tracks are scanned automatically.

Alternative installation methods

ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

From a computer with ADB installed:

adb install OpenCaptive-android.apk

Enable USB debugging first: Settings > Developer options > USB debugging.

F-Droid (future)

OpenCaptive is not yet on F-Droid but may be added in the future since it is MIT-licensed open source.

Updating

Android does not auto-update sideloaded apps. To update:

  1. Download the new APK from GitHub Releases
  2. Install it over the existing version (your data is preserved)

Or use an update-checker app like Obtainium that monitors GitHub Releases and notifies you of new versions.

Obtainium setup

Obtainium can track OpenCaptive releases automatically:

  1. Install Obtainium from its GitHub or F-Droid
  2. Add app with URL: https://github.com/yeager/OpenCaptive
  3. Obtainium will check for new releases and offer to install updates

Supported architectures

The APK includes native libraries for:

  • arm64-v8a (64-bit ARM, most modern devices)
  • armeabi-v7a (32-bit ARM, older devices)

Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
"App not installed" Enable unknown sources for the app you're installing from
Play Protect blocks install Temporarily disable Play Protect scanning
"Parse error" APK may be corrupted; re-download
No sound Check volume; ensure game data is in the correct folder
Black screen Game data not found; check /sdcard/OpenCaptive/

System requirements

  • Android 7.0 (API 24) or later
  • ARM device (arm64-v8a or armeabi-v7a)
  • Original game data files (not included)

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