Before you start
You need two things: the XAPK (214 MB) and a free XAPK installer app. Grab the file from the 9 Kings APK download home page, where every build is tested on real phones before publication. The whole process takes about three minutes on a decent connection, plus download time.
Check that you have at least 500 MB free. The XAPK unpacks during install, so the phone needs headroom beyond the file size itself.
Step 1: Download the XAPK
Head to the download page, wait out the short countdown, and tap the gold button. Save the game file to your Downloads folder and confirm it reads the full 214 MB before moving on. A short file is the number one cause of install failures, and it is always faster to re-download than to troubleshoot a broken bundle.
Step 2: Get an XAPK installer
Search your app store for "XAPK installer" and install any well-reviewed free option. These apps exist for exactly one job: unpacking .xapk bundles into a normal install flow. You can remove the installer afterward; it is only ever needed for XAPK files.
Step 3: Open the file in the installer
Launch the XAPK installer, grant it file access, and select the XAPK. Tap Install. If the file does not appear in the list, move it to the main Downloads folder rather than a subfolder and rescan. Scoped storage hides deep paths from some installer apps.
Step 4: Allow unknown apps
Android will ask you to allow the installer to install unknown apps. This is standard for anything installed outside the store: enable it for the installer app only, then confirm the install prompt. You can flip the permission back off afterward with no effect on the game.
Step 5: Launch and sign in
Open the game and sign in with your games account on the title screen. That sign-in is what powers cloud saves and cross-progression with the PC version, so do it now rather than after your first great run. The free trial starts immediately, no purchase needed.
What to do right after install
Before your first serious reign, play one throwaway run with the King of Greed to learn the card interface. Gold is forgiving: even sloppy spending teaches you what buildings do. Then read the beginner guide before your first real attempt, and keep the install fixes handy in case anything in this flow misbehaves.
