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How to enable Flash Player on Android Lollipop?

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It is very easy to install and enable Flash player on Android Lollipop devices.

enable_flash_player_Android_lollipopUpdate 1: Step 4A was added. In some Android Lollipop devices, you need run Flash Player Settings once as detailed in step 4A.

Android officially dropped Flash player support since Jelly Bean 4.1. Adobe also provides Flash player support only up to Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS 4.0).

So, in Google Play store, you cannot Flash Player app.

Chrome for Android never supports Flash player from day one, although Flash player is fully supported in Chrome browser on your PC.

When you get a device with Android Lollipop (Android 5.0), or update your device to Android Lollipop, it is normal that you cannot browse websites that require Flash.

But this does not mean you cannot enable Flash Player on Android Lollipop.

Actually, it is very simple to enable Flash player on Android Lollipop devices. It is simpler than that on  Android KitKat 4.4  (see this guide on how to enable Flash Player on KitKat 4.4) and Android Jelly Bean 4.1-4.3 devices (see this guide on how to enable Flash Player on Jelly Bean).

Of course, you need a third-party web browser, not the pre-installed Chrome for Android.

Firefox for Android and Dolphin browser  and many others now work nicely with  Flash in Android Lollipop.

Step 1: Install a file manager if you are using Nexus or Motorola devices

Nexus devices (Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9 and Nexus 10) and Motorola devices (Moto X, Moto G, Moto E, Moto G 2nd Gen and Moto X 2nd Gen) do not have a file manager pre-installed.

It is recommended (not absolutely required) to install a file manager so that it will make your life easier to enable Flash player on Android Lollipop later.

For file managers, I would recommend ES File Explorer. It is free and has almost all features you will need.

You can install ES File Explorer as normal apps from Play store.

For the installation and  basic usage of ES File Explorer, you may check this guide.

Step 2: Enable apps from unknown sources

Because the official Flash Player was pulled out from Play store, you cannot install the app directly from Google Play store.

But Adobe still maintains and actually updates the Flash Player app regularly. So, you can still get the official Flash Player app from the official source. You should NEVER try to get such apps from other sources.

For apps that are not from Google Play store, your Android Lollipop device will treated them as “from unknown sources”.

By default, apps from unknown sources are disabled in all Android devices for security reasons (to protect your Android devices).

To install Flash Player on Android Lollipop, you need enable this feature. You should trust Adobe for the app.

Go to Settings—Security (under Personal) —Unknown sources (under Device administration) as shown below.

Drag the switch from left to right to enable unknown sources.

enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_1_settings_security enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_2_unknown_sources\

You should get the waning messages about the possible effects of enabling unknown sources. It is important to get apps only from trusted sources. Never try to install pirated apps on your devices. It not only is illegal, but also may cause damages to your data or your device.

Tap OK to proceed to enable apps from unknown sources, because we know Adobe is a trusted app provider.

Once Unknown sources is enabled, the switch will change to blue color as shown below.

enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_3_enable_unknown_sourcesenable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_4_unknown_sources_enabled

Step 3: Install official Flash Player on Android Lollipop devices

In your Android Lollipop device, visit the official Flash player app download page: http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/archived-flash-player-versions.html

In this page, scroll down to Flash Player for Android 4.0 archives as shown below. Please don’t be fooled by the Android version. The apk files here work perfectly on Android Lollipop 5.0.

The APK files actually are updated by Adobe regularly. So, the latest version (shown on the top) may be different when you visit this page later. Currently, the latest version is 11.1.115.81.

So tap the link for latest APK file as shown below.

Your Android phone or tablet should start to download the APK file (Flash Player app) immediately.

Once the download is started, you can find the notification message as shown below.

enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_5_download_flash_player_app enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_6_downloaded_flash_player

In some Android phones/tablets, you can tap the notification message to start the installation. But for some other devices, it may not work.

So, it is best to start ES File Explorer or any file manager you have on your Android Lollipop device.

Navigate to the Download folder in the internal phone storage as show below.

Tap the file to get the properties of the APK file as shown below. Tap Install.

On some devices, tap the APK file will bring you to the installation page immediately without showing the Properties page.

enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_7_es_file_explorer enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_8_apk_properties

Now, you get the normal warning messages about the permission the app is requesting.

For Flash Player, it only need access network connection to view Flash contents. So, it is very clean.

Tap Install as shown below to start to install Flash Player on Android Lollipop devices.

After one or two mins, the installation should finish.

Tap Done to close the installer.

enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_9_apk_install_flash_player enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_10_flash_player_installed

Step 4: Install third-party browser (Firefox for Android)

Chrome for Android (which is the default browser in some Android Lollipop devices) does not support Flash at all. So, if a website is using Flash, you have to use other web browsers.

There are many excellent free web browsers that support Flash.  I would recommend you to try Firefox for Android or Dolphin browser. In this guide, I will use Firefox.

Firefox for Android can be installed just like other apps from Play store. I believe you know how to do it already.

Step 4A: Run Flash player settings once

You can find an app named Flash Player Settings in your apps screen.

Tap the Flash player settings as shown below.

You will be asked to select an browser to proceed, choose Firefox as shown below.

If your phone open it directly to other browsers, it means you set  that browser app as the default browser. You need clear the default app settings for that app.

enable_flash_on_android_lollipop

enable_flash_on_android_lollipop_firefox_local_storage enable_flash_on_android_lollipop_firefox_flash_player_settings

Once you are directed to Firefox browser, tap local storage as shown above.

The choose Always or only from sites visit for “Allow local storage?” as shown above.

Exit Firefox.

Step 5: Enable Flash Player on Android Lollipop devices

Firefox for Android supports Flash Player out of box. But by default, you need tap to enable Flash player and then the Flash contents will be displayed properly.

You can enable Flash Player in Firefox so that Flash contents can be played automatically without manually tapping the screen.

Start Firefox on your Android Lollipop device.

Tap the menu key (3 vertical dots in top right) as shown below.

Tap Settings—Display as shown below.

enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_11_firefox_menu enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_12_firefox_settings_display

Tap Plugins as shown below.

Tap Enabled as shown below.

Tap anywhere on the shaded area to return.

Now, the Firefox browser will play Flash contents automatically. In other words, you enabled Flash Player on Lollipop device now.

enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_13_firefox_flash_plugins enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_14_firefox_enable flash_player

Step 6: Verify Flash Player on Android Lollipop devices

It is always a good idea to test Flash Player on Android Lollipop devices.

To verify whether Flash Player works on Android device, you can visit (using Firefox, NOT Chrome) the official Flash testing page at: http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player.html 

If you can see the animation as shown below, it means Flash player works properly in your Android Lollipop device.

However, if you see Tap here to activate plugin (as shown below), it means you need go back to Step 5 if you want your Android Lollipop devices play Flash contents automatically.

enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_15_test_flash_player enable_flash_player_on_android_lollipop_16_test_flash_player_2

Step 7: Disable apps from unknown sources

After testing Flash Player on Android Lollipop devices, you should disable apps from unknown sources to protect your phone.

This step is similar to Step 2.  Go to Settings—Security —Unknown sources. Drag the switch from right to left to disable apps from unknown sources for your Android Lollipop devices.

 Can you enable Flash Player on Android Lollipop device now?

If you have any questions or encounter any problems to enable Flash Player on Android Lollipop, please let us know in the comment box below.

For more Android Lollipop guides, please visit on Android Lollipop Guide page.



Comments

  8. Very well written instructions. I’ve tried numerous times to get Flash Player on my Nexus 10 tablet, and these are the only instructions that ever succeeded! Thanks so much!

    Reply

  9. Flash for Android is no longer available. That’s that I got when I tried to check of FireFox for Android, using Lollipop on my Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1.

    Reply

  10. Hi. I followed the steps. But I can’t click on the “install” button when trying to install the apk file. “Cancel” button works, but not “install” button.. Why? On nexus 5. Unrooted.

    Reply

  11. Hi
    I have executed your instructions to the letter. Found, downloaded and installed the apk file on my Samsung Galaxy S4 running Android 5.0.1.
    But the only thing that changes is that my screen background (normally a dull, even colour) has been replaced by a chess board like array of varying pastel colours. When going to the Adobe check page, and clicking the button to see if Flash is available on my device, I get a message saying: Flash Player for Android is no longer available. For other options, see Flash Player FAQ.
    Any idea what I’ve done wrong?

    Reply

  14. Hi I can see the animation in Firefox but still a flash game that I wanted to play online @ letsplaynes keeps saying I don’t have flash. Installed it ,enabled it in Firefox as per your instructions but no joy. I m using loliipop on moto g.
    Thank you
    Ash

    Reply

  16. As it was mentioned above ^^, Flash player works, but w/o sound :'(
    Samsung Galaxy Alpha (SM-G-850A), Android 5.0.2
    Tried in Dolpine, Firefox, and in a couple more browsers.

    Any idea?

    Reply

  17. Thank you so much for this guide. The ‘customer service’ rep at the phone store gave a blank stare when I went for help. I stumbled on this guide and my problems have been solved. Thank you, great tutorial!

    Reply

  18. I followed this and got flash enabled, but now the page says “”express install is not supported on this operating system.”

    Reply

  19. I have tried exactly the way you have described and tried to install flash player. In the end when tried to check for the animation cloud – it does not move. Also even after downloading Firefox for Android the chrome opens as default browser. How to fix this, flash player is what I need most. Help

    Reply

  21. Doesn’t work at all even after latest update on my S5. Used to work last year before I updated to Lollipop. Lollipop also disabled other features like the ability to use mobile data toggles. Whatever, the same luck with IOS and whenever they push a new OS down the pipe. People use the ability to keep using the apps they love and then the apps die because the developer is too lazy to update it.

    Reply

  23. No problem installing but when I test it in Firefox, I’m given a message saying I don’t have flash installed and that it is no longer available for Android. Running lollipop on a Samsung Nexus 10.

    Reply

  24. Hi,
    I have followed the steps outlined closely, and I cannot get the Flash Player to work.
    I have Samsung Galaxy Tab A with S Pen, running Android version 5.0.2.
    Any suggestions for solving this problem??
    Many thanks in advance of suggestions.
    Mike B

    Reply

  25. Guys, when u check test flash on the link given, just check if the animation on the bottom of the page moves… DON’T click the check my computer option…

    Also thanks a ton to this website for a working tutorial…. are u guys there on xda?? 🙂

    Reply

  26. Thank you so very much. I was having difficulty getting flash to work until I came across your site. Excellent instructions…clear & thorough & now I have Flash WORKING on my tablet.!! Thanks sincerely
    :-)☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★:-)

    Reply

  29. Hi, when I open the apk file (installer), where it says “Do you want to install this application? It will get access to: DEVICE ACCESS – view network connections” I can’t tap the INSTALL button, as it is greyed out. I can only tap the CANCEL button. I have already permitted installation of apps from unknown sources. Why is the INSTALL button unclickable? Help?

    Reply

  32. Works a treat on my nexus 7, Android 6 Marshmallow firmware, Firefox browser. Funny couldn’t get it to work on Lollipop.

    great guide.

    Reply

  33. Very helpful indeed. I’m delighted with this result, much appreciated. I installed it on my Android tablet using Firefox so didn’t need to install any of the apps in the Play Store which have been slated in the reviews for the invasive adds. Cheers!!

    Reply

  34. I have the same problem as W. Clarke and Drew (old comments) ; I can’t tap “INSTALL” button.My phone is a SAMSUNG galaxy Note 5 and it’s brand new so I’m not a root user. I allowed installations apps from unknown sources and already scrolled all the way down.
    I used this page to https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/archived-flash-player-versions.html to dowload Flash Player 11.1 for Android 4.0 (11.1.115.81) that is already under my “download” folder named as install_flash_pllayer_ics-1.apk
    if I tap on it a new window is open and says: Install this application? It will have acces to:
    view network connecctions
    cANCEL INSTALL

    if I tap install nothing happens, but if I tap cancel button the window is closed

    I disabled some custom apps when I received my phone
    I disabled:

    OneNote
    Claro apps (an app from my cellphone provider company)
    Photos (google)
    Telcel (an app from my cellphone provider company)
    Hangouts
    Drive
    Clarojuegos (an app from my cellphone provider company)
    Google Play Movies and TV
    Recarga Amigo (an app from my cellphone provider company)
    Google Play Music
    Live weather
    OneDrive
    Protal Claroideas (an app from my cellphone provider company)
    Briefing
    Galazy Apps Widget
    Theme Store
    Excel
    PowerPoint
    Word
    S Health
    Samsung Gear

    and I downloaded:

    Xodo Docs (pdf reader)
    I can’t wake up!
    Twilight

    P.S. sorry about the extended and detailed information

    Reply

  36. Hello great guide! But it does not work on FireFox for me. I tried to play a video on PrimeWire (Promtfile) but when the movie could not be displayed. Only thing i saw was a black screen and the sound of the video. When I tried to go inte fullscrean mode the Firefox browser crashed. I also tried the Dolphine browser and the same problem consists excluded the app crash problem. But when i exit the fullscreen mode in Dolphine browser i can se a quick picture of the movie before it becomes black again. Not sure what is happening here… Help? 🙂

    Reply

  37. What do you mean by Flash plyer test? Be more specific becaus Englisg is not my native and I am kind of Noob in this topic..

    Reply

  38. Hello,

    Thx for this brilliant tutorial.
    Unfortunately, i could have flash playing after following it.
    Device : Asus Zenpad Z300C
    OS : Lollipop 5.0.2
    Flash archive version: 11.1 for android 4.0 (11.1.115.81)
    Firefox version: 4.3.0

    1/ downloaded flash apk
    2/ installed firefox from the store
    3/ launched “Flash Player Settings”. Was asked which browser to use. Chose “Firefox”. Firefox launched and tried opening https://settings.adobe.com/flashplayer/mobile => message telling me there is a missing plgin to display this page …

    Reply

  39. Or just get Photon browser.. Don’t need to download Flash Player.. Just open Photo, click the lightning bolt, then navigate to your Flash website..

    Reply

  40. Hi, followed all your steps. When I click on flash icon first time. Opens in Firefox but firefox says I need a plug in to display the page. I have a new Samsung tab A.
    So flash is still not working. Any ideas.
    Cheers

    Reply

  41. Oooh! I just tried the Puffin browser mentioned in the comments and it worked! Hurray and thank you. (beaming) (I’d also tried the Dolphin browser and it didn’t work.) So happy Puffin worked!

    Reply

  42. Followed your guide to the pun… Every time I launch the FP settings Firefox as well as Dolphin crash. Used the “phony” method to launch the settings and it worked, but… It changed nothing. Opening or loading flash file in Firefox is a crash, 3rd party app from play store that allows me to open flash content (swf for example) directly from storage asks for adobe flash player installation, as if it never happened. I even restarted the damn tablet… Oh, 6.0 mellow BTW.

    Reply

  45. [Quote] The APK files actually are updated by Adobe regularly. So, the latest version (shown on the top) may be different when you visit this page later. Currently, the latest version is 11.1.115.81. [/Quote]

    This needs to be amended. Adobe released the FINAL version of this package back in 2013. This is not going to be updated. Even your screenshot below this text makes this apparent.

    Reply

  46. Hi.. I followed every step carefully.. And was able to test flash also… Was able to see the animation. However still while opening a trading site on Firefox.. I m still getting error ” not able to open flash components”. I am able to see all other details on site but not the flash player part. I searched this guide only to open that trading site.. Still unable to do the same. Plz help

    Reply

  47. Thanks !
    Works fine with a Huawei S620 (Kit Kat) and a Doogee Homtom HT7 (Lollipop) BUT it needs to be REBOOTED as mentionned earlier for Lollipop.
    Thanks again

    Reply

  49. My mobile had pre installed flash player which is not longer sported and I can’t install newer or older virson. And even can’t find any icon to launch. I need it badly please help me out if you have any idea!!!!!

    Reply

  50. I filled the instruction exactly. I just bought the Nextbook Aries 11. When I click the flash settings, it goes to the webpage but it is blank. I tried it with Dolphin, photon, firefox, and all the others. Same results.

    Reply

  54. 1st thanks for the sharing.
    2nd. I have installed until the step 4A. But when i tried to open the flash with firefox. The image of “local storage” didnt even appear. The page is there just the wordings all didnt show up? What is wrong with thta? Is it become th eflash version is not compatible with my Note 5 ?

    Thank

    Reply

  55. Thanks for this guide, but when I tap “flash player settings ” Firefox page opens with – you need plugin… This is on Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 Pro with android 5.0.1 installed.

    Reply

  56. Dear Simon,

    Great instructions, THE BEST on the Web.

    After some teasing problems I got my Samsung Tab A 9.7 (Android 5 , alias Lollipop) to run adobe Flash player.

    NOTE 1, on my Firefox version I have to go to Settings –Advanced — Media to be able to set plug-ins to yes.

    NOTE2, I confirm Mike binovec email dated September 26 2015 And Denise email dated Jan.3 2016 that I had to go to Settings –Request Desktop Site in order to get it to work.

    Anyway great job and thanks.

    Brentwood from GERMANY

    Reply

  57. I have a Medion Lifetab S10345 tablet with an Intel Atom processor. I followed all the steps listed in this excellent guide, except 4A where I did not get the option to set local storage – I got an error message saying a plugin is needed. Flash did not work even after restarting the device. However, it works with the Puffin browser, as suggested by one of the commenters. Not sure if all the previous steps were necessary for it to work, but the result is positive.

    Reply

  59. sir, even after maintained about given procedures. My tablet(iball slide 3G Q81) get problem to run flash player. While i open the player via firefox, it shows: the contents require plugin to display. Which i already enabled in browser’s setting. Sir please give suggestions if other techniques there.

    Reply

  60. I have had problems at 4a step because although I use Firefox to open the app then it doesn’t show me any letters or words and I can’t do the settings. However, i think that adobe flash player works properly as I have done step 6 and I can see the animation. Also, i have done all the other steps ( except 4a). Is there any problem?

    Reply

  61. I couldn’t play videos on android 5.1 and android 6.0.1 devices. This article guided me to solve the problem. Now I can play videos using flash player and Firefox. Thanks a lot!

    Reply

  62. Hi..
    I have iball tablet android version 5.0. I have problem in step 4A. I am not able to open flash player settings app through firefox. Its coming like connection not established.. but i have connected to wifi. Dont know what to do.

    Thanks in advance

    Reply

  63. Hi, I have tablet Intel with Android 5.0. I have installed FlashPlayer Flash Player 11.1 for Android 4.0 (11.1.115.81) and Firefox V60.0.1 browser for Android. the problem after the installation of all of them is when I start the FlashPlayer settings and choose open with Firefox the browser shows “Unable to connect”
    to the link: https://settings.adobe.com and a button “Try again” at the end of the message.

    N.B: by the way the similar link https://settings.adobe.com isn’t work even on the computer browser

    Reply

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