How to install non-Store applications

The easiest and definitely most convenient way to install applications for Nokia N9 is obviously visiting the Nokia Store and pressing Buy or Download on particular application screen.

There are, however, some applications that did not make it to the Nokia Store, i.e. such that are in early development stage or involve potentially risky modifications to the phone's system and thus aren't widely available to the public. Installing the software may then require a completely different procedure.


Before you start, you must allow the phone to accept non-Store packages (Settings -> Applications -> Installations).

Let's have a look at a few methods of installing non-Store applications on Nokia N9.

1. Installing apps directly from the phone's web browser

This is arguably the easiest way to install non-Store apps on Nokia N9. The phone allows you to download .deb installation packages and install programs directly from a website where such link is available.

Example: Navigate your N9 web browser to FasterN9 modification thread on talk.maemo.org and click on the fastern9_1.0.0_armel.deb link at the bottom of the page (see screen below). The phone will display the usual warning screen where you press I agree to proceed with the installation.

2. Bluetooth

You can basically do the same thing with bluetooth, sending the file directly from your desktop computer to Nokia N9 via Bluetooth. Before you start, make sure the phone's Bluetooth is on, the device is paired with your PC and ready.

Once you have downloaded the desired .deb package (e.g. the abovementioned fastern9_1.0.0_armel.deb) to your computer, right click on the file and "Send to Blooetooth" to your Nokia N9. Alternatively, when "Send to bluetooth" is not available in your Windows context menu, you can copy the file to Nokia N9, displayed in My Computer. The file should appear in the root directory of N9 (technically speaking /home/user/MyDocs).

Onve you've sent the file, transfers screen should appear on N9, allowing you to click the file to run it, see screen below. The phone will display the usual warning screen where you press I agree to proceed with the installation.

3. USB

The installation procedure is similar to Bluotooth. Copy the file to root directory of N9 (technically speaking /home/user/MyDocs, that's the one you see when you connect the phone via USB).

Next, you will need a Nokia N9 file manager to navigate to the file on the phone, e.g. FileBox or similar (File Manager). Once you find the .deb file, run it. The phone will display the usual warning screen where you press I agree to proceed with the installation.

4. Terminal

Using Nokia N9's Terminal for installing apps is only for those who don't mind a bit of typing. If you've ever used DOS commands, you will know what I mean. First, installation of Terminal is required. To do that, go to Settings -> Security -> Developer Mode and switch it on. You don't have to install anything else, e.g. Debugging, Networking etc.

The installation is similar to Bluetooth and USB installation. First, copy the .deb file to root directory of N9 (technically speaking /home/user/MyDocs, that's the one you see when you connect the phone via USB).

Run the Terminal and type:

devel-su
Password: rootme
cd /home/user/MyDocs/
dpkg -i fastern9_1.0.0_armel.deb

The package should install. You can uninstall the application at any time by typing:

devel-su
Password: rootme
dpkg -r fastern9*

Where -r is for remove and the asterisk (*) acts as a wildcard so you don't have to type the complete name. 

Note: While typing anything in the Terminal, please remember the following: 

1. Letters don't display when you type the rootme password, 
2. Mind the difference between O and 0.
3. Mind that anything you type is case-sensitive

That's it, hope you enjoy it. For starters, you may use one of the above methods to install the swell Drumkit application.