Install the APK file
One file from GitHub. Zen updates itself afterwards.
Download for Android arm64-v8a: fits almost every phone-
Download the file
Tap the button above on your phone. If the browser asks whether to keep the file, choose Download anyway.
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Open it and allow once
Open the downloaded file. If the phone asks, allow your browser to install apps (Allow from this source), then go back.
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Install
Tap Install. If Play Protect warns about an unknown app, choose More details → Install anyway. Then open Zen.
If something goes wrong
“App not installed” or “not compatible”
The phone says the developer is not verified
Google asks this from 2027. Do it once: Settings → About phone, tap Build number 7 times; then Developer options → Apps from unverified developers, confirm, restart, wait 24 hours and choose permanently. Names differ a little by phone.
Play Protect blocks the install
This is normal outside a store. Choose More details → Install anyway.
Is the file really from the Zen project?
Every release is signed with the same key, so Android never installs a copy with another key over Zen. Signing certificate (SHA-256):
Other ways
Zen is installed. What now?
Add your first friend and learn the basics.
How to use Zen