sideload

American  

[sahyd-lohd] / ˈsaɪdˌloʊd /

Or side-load

verb (used without object)

1. to transfer software, data, etc., from one local system or device to another, typically from one's computer to a mobile device.

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verb (used with object)

1. to transfer (software, data, etc.) by this process.

   It'll take two more minutes to sideload my podcasts to my phone.

Etymology

Origin of sideload

First recorded in 1995–2000; in the sense “off to the side,” i.e., not over the internet; patterned after upload and download

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sideload

On Monday it released a download kit to make it easier for Android users to sideload the app onto devices.

From BBC ● Feb. 13, 2025

While there’s always the solution of using Android’s developer tools, a Mac or PC, and a USB cable to sideload the update immediately, an easier, computer-free option exists as well.

From The Verge ● Aug. 16, 2022

You have to go old school and sideload MP3s.

From The Verge ● May 20, 2022

It’s inevitable that someone will sideload this onto Windows 11 and unlock many more apps with it, but Microsoft won’t officially be supporting this.

From The Verge ● Oct. 20, 2021

It tried to "sideload" the app on Android phones - to try and avoid Google's own 30% charge.

From BBC ● May 2, 2021