NeverTooManyBooks is distributed as a direct APK download — it is not available on the Google Play Store. Installing it takes only a few minutes and follows the standard Android sideloading process. Before you begin, check that your device meets the requirements below, then follow the steps to download, verify, and install the app.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/tfonteyn/NeverTooManyBooks/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
System Requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Android version | 8.0 (API 26) | 10+ |
| Tested up to | Android 16 (API 36) | — |
| Screen size | 4″ (cramped) | 5″+ |
| Internet connection | Required for metadata lookups | — |
Screen Size Notes
- 4″ phones — the app is fully functional but the UI will feel cramped.
- 5″ phones — the primary design target; everything fits comfortably.
- 7″ and 10″ tablets — fully supported with dedicated two-panel screen layouts that show the book list and book details simultaneously.
Download Options
Choose the source that suits your workflow:- GitHub Releases
- IzzyOnDroid (F-Droid)
GitHub Releases always hosts the latest stable build directly from the project maintainer.
- Visit github.com/tfonteyn/NeverTooManyBooks/releases on your device or a desktop browser.
- Expand the latest release (currently 7.16.1) and tap or click the
.apkasset to download it. - Transfer the file to your Android device if you downloaded it on a desktop.
Verifying the APK Signature
Before installing, you can confirm the APK was signed by the official developer:apksigner verify --print-certs <file.apk> on a desktop, or a tool such as APK Signature Verifier on Android, to check these values match before proceeding.
Installation Steps
Download the APK
Download the latest
.apk file from GitHub Releases or via IzzyOnDroid as described above. Note the folder where it is saved — typically Downloads.Enable Installation from Unknown Sources
Android blocks APKs from outside the Play Store by default. To allow installation:
- Android 8.0 – 8.1: Go to Settings → Security → Unknown sources and enable it.
- Android 9+: When you open the APK, Android will prompt you to allow your file manager or browser to install unknown apps. Tap Settings, enable the toggle, then go back and tap Install.
You can disable the “Install unknown apps” permission again after installation is complete — it is only needed during the install step.
Open and Install the APK
Navigate to the downloaded
.apk file using your file manager and tap it. Review the permissions summary Android presents, then tap Install. The installation takes only a few seconds.Grant Permissions on First Launch
On the first launch, NeverTooManyBooks will initialise its database and may request runtime permissions — most commonly camera access (for barcode scanning). Grant any permissions the app requests to ensure full functionality.See the Permissions guide for a complete list of permissions, what each one is used for, and which are optional.