How to download Darker Sky on Android

Dark Sky was the go-to weather app for many Android users. That is, until it was removed from the Google Store after Apple picked it up and made it a first party product. Several Android apps offer similar and super localized weather reports, but some of us just aren’t over the loss of Dark Sky. Fortunately, an anonymous developer released a Frankenstein and resurrected Dark Sky as “Darker Sky” on Android.

Darker Sky is the original Dark Sky Android app recreated as a separate app. It looks and functions almost the same as the dearly departed original, with a few exceptions.

You will not be able to use Dark Sky paid features such as extreme weather alert notifications or sending your own weather reports, even if they are listed in the Darker Sky app. The anonymous developer tells XDA Developers they don’t intend to make them work, so you’ll be stuck with the free forecasting features – which are some of the best out there, to be fair. The app displays temperature, wind and precipitation reports, along with other useful tools such as radar views and the “Time Machine” tool. The dark theme also works.

Another quick caveat: Reverse engineering and rebuilding an app is a bold move, but doing it with an Apple-owned app openly invites retribution, as most attempts to play God are often faced. . Chances are, Darker Sky’s lifespan will be short, so here’s how to download and install it while you can.

Darker Sky must be loaded on your device. You won’t find it on Google Play, for obvious reasons. Sideloading is easy, but installing unofficial .APK files can infect your Android phone with malware. Having said that, I am confident enough to recommend Darker Sky; I downloaded and tested the app without any issues, and the XDA developers report similar smooth, malware-free operation. It’s worth knowing the potential risks, but you’re probably fine this time around.

How to install Darker Sky on Android

1. Install the Telegram application if you don’t already have it (you need it to download the app file).
2. Open this link on your phone to view the official Telegram group of the Darker Sky app.
3. Press the “Download Darker Sky” chat history link. (You don’t have to join the group if you don’t want to.)
4. Tap the download banner or find and tap the Darker Sky APK in your device’s ‘Downloads’ folder to install it.
5. Allow Telegram to install apps if prompted.
6. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
7. Run Darker Sky from your device’s app launcher screen.

All future updates will be posted on the app’s official Telegram server while it is available. You will need to install these new versions if you want to use the new features added by the developers of Darker Sky.

If Darker Sky is affected by a takedown notice, it will likely stop working. If this happens, you will need to look for an alternative weather app to get your weather fix. Fortunately, you are spoiled for choice.