Choosing apps for your device

Official app store apps are usually safe

Because apps are reviewed by Google and Apple, it is usually safe to download an app from the Google Play store or Apple App Store onto your device. However, there are some extra steps you can take to help make it safer.

Potential problems with apps

While apps from official app stores will be free of viruses, there are some other potential issues with apps that you want to avoid:

• An app may not give you what you are expecting.
• The app may be a fake or inferior version of a more popular app.
• The app may not have good security and ask for too much personal information.
• Occasionally an app may be part of a scam.

eSafety tip

Because Google and Apple review all apps that are submitted for sale and download, it is unusual to encounter an app that is a scam. However, it’s good practice to be aware that such apps can exist and to follow the safety tips in this course.

Check the app’s maker

The maker of an app is called the Developer and their name is listed at the top of the app’s page on the Play store, and at the bottom on the App Store. You should check this is something you expect, especially when it comes to banking and government apps.

For example, the Medicare app is by Services Australia, which is expected. You can also tap the developer name to see other apps they have on the store.

Check user reviews

At the bottom of the app’s page on the Play store and the App Store, you can find reviews by other users of the app. These reviews might include details that can help you decide if you will be comfortable using the app.

User reviews are usually amateur and don’t give much information about how secure an app is or how safe it is to give your personal information.

Apps are rated out of five stars

A quick way to see if an app is any good is by its star rating. Reviews are out of five stars and the results are averaged out. While a low star rating doesn’t give much information, it can provide a quick sense that lots of people are unhappy with the app, and you might be better off avoiding it.

You can search the app store

There are tens of thousands of apps available, on almost any topic. If you have an interest, you can search for app categories, and then read the page of an app that interests you. There might also be a short video of how the app works or what it will look like on your device.

Search using terms that interest you

As an example of searching, you might be interested in plants you see on daily walks. Search for plant identification on your device’s app store and it will show a list of relevant apps. Tap any item in the list to see more details and reviews of the app.

Note that the top three results may be marked Sponsored or Ad. This means they have paid to appear at the top of searches, so and may not be the best apps.

Search online for the best apps

You can also use your device’s web browser, or the web browser on your computer, to search for independent reviews and app recommendations. For example, search for Best Aussie recipe apps to see a list.

When you decide on an app, type its name into the app store exactly, including matching capital letters. This should take you straight to the app’s page where you can check its credentials and download it.

Well done!

This is the end of the Choosing apps for your device activity. You’ve learned how to check an app is legitimate and right for you.

Next up is the Managing apps activity, which will show you how to close, delete, and update your apps.