Forget the Play Store: I built a self-hosted app updater on Android

The Google Play Store was once a trusted source for app downloads, but recent issues with counterfeit software have made users question its safety. Enter Obtanium, a self-hosted app updater for Android devices that offers greater control and timely updates. Developed by power users, Obtanium operates as a background server with shell access, allowing it to install apps, grant permissions, and modify protected settings.

Unlike the Play Store, which rolls out updates randomly and may delay important patches, Obtanium ensures hands-free updates without interruptions. To set up Obtanium, users need to install two separate apps: Shizuku, available on the Play Store, and Obtainium, which must be downloaded from GitHub or F-Droid. Once installed, users must enable Developer options on their Android devices, specifically Wireless debugging, to connect their phone to the ADB service without a cable.

After pairing Shizuku and Obtainium, users can manually add apps by pasting their GitHub release links into Obtainium. The app then checks for updates in the background and installs them automatically, while also protecting against fake updates by saving each app's signing certificate. Although Shizuku stops when the phone restarts, users can simply start it again to resume self-hosted updates.