Downloading cracked Android apps from a shady website or untrustworthy third-party app store is how most Android devices get infected. Never mind the harm to app creators—downloading these cracked APKs is a great way to harm yourself.

Since you can sideload apps to your Android phone outside of Google Play, you might be tempted to download cracked apps to access Android apps for free. This is a bad idea because most Android malware arrives through these side channels.

Don't risk everything just to get hold of one app. These are why you should avoid cracked apps on your Android phone.

1. Cracked Apps Are One of the Biggest Sources of Malware and Viruses

Cyber Attack Warning After Downloading and Installing a Cracked App

In general, the cracked or modded apps work when a hacker grabs the source code of an app from Google Play and modifies it so that its premium features are unlocked. This point is crucial for understanding what we are about to say.

Now, the scary part is if the hacker can hack a well-reputed and well-protected app, he can most definitely hack your phone through his cracked version of it. The possibilities are endless here: he might be able to hack your accounts, your contacts, your passwords, or your whole phone.

According to Bitdefender, a reputable anti-virus for Windows, Mac, and Smartphones, pirated apps can steal your credit cards, bank details, address books, passwords, and other things related to your identity. Such apps are among the most prominent sources of malware and viruses in smartphones and desktops alike.

Related: Common Methods Hackers Use to Break Into Your Bank Accounts

There are ways you can scan APK files before installing them. However, when you sideload an app, the system asks you if you trust the developer and if you really want to install the app. In short, the onus is on you, and any adverse outcomes of installing that app are solely your responsibility.

So, from the security point of view, we highly recommend avoiding cracked apps at all costs. There is no point in risking your complete privacy for the sake of getting one premium app for free.

2. The Download Sources for Cracked Apps Are Often Malicious

Dodgy Website Stealing Your Credit Card Information

In continuation of the first point, not only are cracked apps a threat to your security, but the websites and third-party app stores that offer these apps are also dangerous to use. That's because most of them are malware-ridden.

When you visit such a source, you'll most likely be faced with tons of pop-up ads. There will be new tabs and windows opening everywhere with each click and tap. Each of these pop-ups is malicious in its own way.

If you get past the pop-ups, it might present a form for you to fill or make you do something dodgy like liking a Facebook page which is, in reality, another pop-up link, or downloading another app. These websites and app stores will offer a way to hack you at each step of downloading the cracked app.

Related: How to Spot and Remove Pop-Up Ads on Android

And these are just some of the ways you put yourself in danger by visiting such websites or app stores. You'll find plenty of other creative hacking methods being used on these websites.

3. There Is No Guarantee That the APK File Will Actually Work

Let's assume that you somehow go through the first two points and manage to download the APK file. There is still no guarantee that it will work. So, you might have taken all that risk for nothing.

You see, the websites offering cracked apps have another benefit to gain from your visit to their site. They clickbait you to visit their website to improve the site's traffic in the process.

Naturally, popular apps are hot trending topics. That is why website owners tempt you to visit their websites using catchy titles and false offerings related to such apps. This possibility, combined with the dangers mentioned in the first two points, should be enough to convince you to avoid getting cracked apps.

Getting Caught While Committing a Cyber Crime

While we are assuming, let's say you manage somehow to install a cracked version of a premium app. The first step is usually to log into the app. The minute you log in, you risk getting caught, getting your account banned, and facing legal issues.

These days, most app developers have an anti-cheat or piracy detection code embedded in their apps. Since most apps require an internet connection to work, as soon as you connect to the internet, that code communicates with the app's server and takes action against you.

Once they catch you, they can obviously ban your account. And in the worst-case scenario, the developers may also ban your IP address, so you can't even use another account to log in to the app.

5. You Are Discouraging Innovation by Denying the Developer an Income

Innovation written on a headstone on a grave

If we still haven't prevented you from installing a cracked app, here is another aspect for you to consider. App developers create apps to earn a living. It is what motivates them to innovate and sustain these great apps and ideas.

If you love an app and download its cracked version, you are potentially ruining the source of income of its developer. It is morally wrong as well. Naturally, you would want to encourage such developers to produce more awesome apps like the one you love.

Stay Safe and Avoid Cracked Apps Altogether

Now that you know how harmful cracked apps can be, hopefully, you will avoid them. The risks involved are too high, and you have everything to lose in the process.

What you can do instead is to look for free giveaways or special discounts, or cashback offered for the apps you like. In this way, you can get the app legally and safely while contributing your bit to support the developer.