Install WaveAA on Android: a step-by-step guide

1. Choose the official APK

Open the latest GitHub release and choose the SmartTube-AA-Music-…-arm64-v8a.apk asset. This is the recommended variant for listening on a phone and optionally with Android Auto. The Video-EXP APK is not required for music and is intended only for experimentation while parked.

2. Install on your phone

1. Download the Music APK from the official release.
2. Open the downloaded APK on your Android phone.
3. If Android asks, allow installing from that trusted source for this installation only, then review the system prompt.
4. Open WaveAA and confirm that phone playback works.

The currently published builds are for arm64-v8a devices. Installation behavior varies by Android version and device policy.

3. Installation blocked? Check Android Advanced Protection

On Android 16, Advanced Protection → Device protection may block APK installs from outside Google Play even when the file has not been identified as harmful. If the warning specifically relates to Advanced Protection:

1. Open Settings → Security & privacy → Advanced Protection (sometimes under “Other settings”). Alternatively: Settings → Google → All services → Advanced Protection.
2. Temporarily turn off Device protection and authenticate with PIN or biometrics.
3. Restart the phone if Android asks you to.
4. If prompted, allow Install unknown apps for the browser or file manager you used, then install the official APK.
5. Turn Device protection back on immediately after installation, and revoke the unneeded install-from-this-source permission.

Important: when Advanced Protection is re-enabled it may also block future APK updates outside the store. Additional restrictions may remain if your Google Account is enrolled in Account protection. Settings labels vary by phone manufacturer. Official Google instructions.

4. Play Protect and app protection: what should stay on?

Leave Google Play Protect enabled. It scans apps installed outside Google Play as well as apps from the store. You do not need to disable scanning or other generic app-protection settings. An APK obtained outside Google Play is not automatically malware, but this is not proof that the file is safe. Download only from the official WaveAA GitHub Releases. If Play Protect flags a specific threat or blocks a harmful app, do not ignore that warning; report it through GitHub Issues. How Play Protect works.

Note: the “Unknown sources” switch in Android Auto developer settings is separate from the Android permission to install downloaded APK files.

5. Optional: connect Android Auto audio

1. In WaveAA go to Settings → Android Auto → Open Android Auto settings.
2. In Android Auto settings, tap Version and permission info repeatedly (typically ten times) to enable developer settings.
3. Open Android Auto developer settings and allow Unknown sources for apps you trust.
4. Return to WaveAA and choose Add / check.
5. Disconnect and reconnect the phone to the car or restart Android Auto.

6. Troubleshooting

WaveAA does not appear in Android Auto

Check that you installed Music, not only Video EXP; revisit the protected Android Auto settings; reconnect the phone; and check whether the phone and vehicle permit third-party media apps. Android Auto may restrict unsupported configurations.

The download link opens GitHub instead of an APK

If GitHub's API is unavailable or rate-limited, WaveAA's website falls back to the latest release page. Choose the appropriate APK asset there.

Does this require a subscription or Google Play?

WaveAA itself is free, and the APKs are published through GitHub Releases. Install only from a source you trust and review requested permissions.

Video EXP: parked only

The optional experimental video variant is separate from Music. It must not be used for watching while driving; your vehicle may restrict or disable it. Use audio media controls responsibly while driving.