What you need

An Android phone or tablet running Android 8.0 or newer, and a Phene account. The app is downloaded directly from phene.net — no app store required.

Installation steps

  1. Go to the download page

    Open your phone's browser (Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet — any works) and visit phone.phene.net. You'll see the latest version with a big download button. Tap "Download Phene".

    You can also find the download in the Phene web app

  2. Allow your browser to install apps

    Android will show a prompt: "Your phone isn't allowed to install apps from this source." Tap Settings, then toggle on Allow from this source for your browser. This is a one-time setting.

    🔒
    For your security, your phone isn't allowed to install unknown apps from this source.
    Cancel Settings

  3. Google Play Protect scan

    After downloading, Google Play Protect may offer to scan the app. Tap Scan app (or it may scan automatically). This is normal for any app installed outside the Play Store — Phene will pass the scan.

    Scan app before installing?
    Play Protect hasn't seen this app before. Sending it for a scan can help protect your device.
    Scan app Don't scan
    Play Protect helps keep your device safe

  4. Install and open

    Tap Install when prompted. Once installed, open Phene and sign in with your account. Your library, watch progress, and preferences sync automatically.

Updating Phene: When a new version is available, the app will notify you. Go back to the Android downloads page and download the latest version — it installs over the previous one. Your data and sign-in are preserved.

Troubleshooting

"App not installed" error

This usually means a previous version was installed with a different signature (e.g. switching between debug and release builds). Uninstall the existing app first, then try again.

Play Protect warns "Unknown developer"

This is normal for apps not on the Play Store. Tap "Install anyway" — the app is safe. Play Protect may show this for any sideloaded app.

Browser doesn't show download option

Some browsers handle downloads differently. Try Chrome if your default browser has issues. You can also try long-pressing the Download button and choosing "Download link".

Can't find the downloaded file

Check your notification bar for the download notification, or open your Files app and look in the Downloads folder.