> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.essal.dz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Android App Installation

> How to download, configure, and install the native Android application (APK) for the Essal Student Portal.

In addition to the PWA version, Essal Institute distributes a native Android application package (`.apk`) built with Capacitor. This application includes native performance optimizations and integration with Android's built-in push notification system.

## Application Details

* **Package Name:** `dz.essal.institute`
* **App Name:** Essal Mobile
* **Prerequisites:** Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher.

***

## Installation Steps (APK)

Since the app is distributed directly by the Institute's IT division, you must perform a manual installation (side-loading) of the APK file:

### Step 1: Download the APK

1. Log in to the [Student Portal](https://app.essal.institute) on your mobile browser.
2. Navigate to **Technical Setup & Downloads**.
3. Tap **Download Essal Android App (APK)** to download the latest release build.

### Step 2: Enable Installation from Unknown Sources

To secure your Android device, installations from outside the Google Play Store are disabled by default. You must temporarily enable this for your browser or file manager:

1. Open the downloaded APK file.
2. If a warning prompt appears saying *"For security, your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source"*, tap **Settings**.
3. Toggle the option **Allow from this source** to ON.
4. Tap the Back button.

### Step 3: Install the App

1. Tap **Install** on the installation prompt.
2. Wait for the packaging installation to complete.
3. Once installed, tap **Open** to launch Essal Mobile.

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## Enabling Push Notifications

To receive real-time notifications for schedule updates, exam schedules, and attendance alerts:

1. Upon the first launch, the app will request permission: *"Allow Essal Mobile to send you notifications?"*.
2. Tap **Allow**.
3. If you accidentally denied permission, go to your phone's **Settings → Apps → Essal Mobile → Notifications** and toggle **Show Notifications** to ON.

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## Technical Configuration (For Admin/IT)

If you are an administrator preparing an Android build update:

* Google Play Console deployments require the signed Android App Bundle (`.aab`) located in `android/app/release/app-release.aab`.
* The Firebase backend configuration must register the app ID `dz.essal.institute` and maintain the `FIREBASE_SERVICE_ACCOUNT` credentials on the web server to dispatch notifications successfully via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM).