Hot topics

How to install Adobe Flash Player on Android

AndroidPIT flash player com
© nextpit

Read in other languages:

We are often asked how to install and use Adobe Flash Player with Android. Flash still has a huge presence on the internet, and making it work on Android devices isn't always easy. But it is possible, with a little help. Read on below to find out how to get Adobe Flash Player on Android. We only have two recommended solutions now.

Jump to section:

How to install Flash Player on Android Nougat

Adobe Flash Player hasn't been supported on Android since version 11.1, so if you wish to view Flash content, you must use a third-party browser. Some websites may claim to offer an APK package that will install Flash on your device, but do not be fooled – these are often malware. The safest way to use Flash player on Android is with one of the two apps below, which are available in the Play Store.

Puffin Browser

Puffin Browser has two advantages over other browsers like Dolphin Browser and FlashFox. Firstly, it is regularly updated to support the latest Flash version. Secondly, it can emulate a mouse and arrow keys in an overlay, so it will feel like you're browsing on desktop PC.

Puffin Browser renders Flash content in the cloud, which means that playback can be choppy (albeit perfectly functional) because it's usually transferring data from overseas. We recommend lowering the Flash quality in the browser settings if you experience this.  

Puffin Browser is our current pick for the best way to view Flash content on Android. It's free and works in almost every circumstance.

androidpit puffin browser flash player
If Flash Player has performance issues in Puffin Browser, try lowering the Flash quality. / © NextPit
${app-com.cloudmosa.puffinFree}

Photon flash player and browser

We were very disappointed with the performance of the Android Flash player's free version, which was at the top of the Play Store's hit list. It was loaded with banner ads, kept demanding payment to upgrade and the performance was jerky. 

photon browser en
Stay away from the free version of Photon, but the paid version is acceptable. / © Appsverse, Inc.

Only after paying will Photon remove the awful ads, but with Puffin, this is already the case with the free version. Photon also has a mouse mode that treats the screen like a trackpad and a keyboard emulator, which could be useful for gaming.

${app-com.appsverse.photon}

Other Flash-enabled Android browsers

Flashfox promises support for Flash on Android but when we tested it with our Huawei Mate 9 in November 2016, it crashed, so we can no longer recommend it. Although its design is simpler than the others, it can't compete in terms of performance or functionality.

${app-mobi.browser.flashfox}

The Dolphin Browser had long been the best Flash browser for using the Flash player on Android. But, the structure of the app has fundamentally changed. Now, there is a standalone Flash player app by Dolphin Video, and it is pretty much useless for websites that have Flash elements and can only play individual videos. 

How to install Flash Player on Android 6.0 Marshmallow

If you're running an older version of Android than Nougat, and most of us are, the apps above will still provide the same results. Adobe may have turned its back on you, but these browsers haven't.

How to install Flash Player on Android 5.0 Lollipop

The last version of Android with Flash support was Ice Cream Sandwich, so if you're running Lollipop, you can just stick with the two browsers we recommended above: Puffin and Photon.

How to install Flash Player on Android 4.4 KitKat

KitKat's situation is the same as with Lollipop: you can only use Flash through the above solution since it isn't officially supported.

How to install Flash Player on Android 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 Jelly Bean

No worries if you're on an older version of Android like Jelly Bean, you can still use Flash Player using the procedure for Nougat.

How to install Flash Player on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Up to this version of Android, there is official support for the Flash Player. Simply install the flash plugin via the Play Store.

Using Flash Player on Android: Conclusion

The Puffin browser is the solution we recommend most highly. It is fast, reliable and has the most features. The Photon browser's only advantage over the Puffin browser is that it doesn't need a constant internet connection.

That's how to get Adobe Flash Player on an Android device. Which apps have you tried? Which do you recommend? Let us know in the comments.

 The best smartphones under $400

  Editorial tip Price tip 3rd place 4th place 5th place
Product
Image Google Pixel 6a Product Image Apple iPhone SE (2022) Product Image Samsung Galaxy A53 Product Image OnePlus Nord N20 Product Image Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Product Image
Review
Review: Google Pixel 6a
Review: Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Review: Samsung Galaxy A53
Not yet tested
Not yet tested
Price (MSRP)
  • $449.00
  • $429.00
  • $449.99
  • $299.00
  • $399.00
Offer*
Go to comment (66)
Scott Adam Gordon

Scott Adam Gordon
Editor

Originally from the UK, Scott graduated in Popular Music Studies at Newcastle University and attributes much of his success there to his beloved Samsung Galaxy S2. His current aim is to write cool things about Android. And he loves it.

View all articles
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
66 comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing

  • David Smith 1
    David Smith Oct 6, 2018 Link to comment

    Updqte: Puffin now randomly requires you to play an ad to load flash content. This was my go to, I'm not sure if I should purchase puffin pro or not, but these ads are obnoxious and loud if you have your media volume turned up at all.


  • 1
    Valter Neto Apr 22, 2016 Link to comment

    Hi Guys. To see any flash video with default android browser or in any rss reader, what should I install?


  • 1
    Simon Shum Mar 19, 2016 Link to comment

    You can try Falcon SWF Player
    Falcon SWF Player can play flash content on your android device. NO need to install adobe flash player plugin, since it have already built-in a flash playing engine. You can download from google play and run flash content i.e. swf file instantly. It is specially design for play flash game, so the response if very fast. All the content is render locally, there is no delay in playing game.
    You can download it by searching "Falcon SWF Player" on Google Play


  • Karicat Watts 1
    Karicat Watts Feb 17, 2016 Link to comment

    I use Dolphin almost exclusively. I have a Nexus 6 and a Tab3. I get flash support on my N6 through Dolphin, even when it was lollipop.
    Also I use the paid version of Flash Fox and it's dicey. But they have a little helper you install from Google play called "flashify". You use the browsers share option, flashify will come up as a share to so select that. Then you select Flash Fox (sometimes I use this and go to Dolphin or even if flash is acting up while I'm using Dolphin Browser) I haven't stuck with Puffin. I don't remember why. But I also use an off brand browser Broloader video downloader. 80% of the time it works 80% of the time. And has a lock feature
    There ya have it....


  • 1
    Mo I Dec 2, 2015 Link to comment

    Puffin worked on my Nexus 7 tablet running Marshmallow. Dolphin USED to work but with Kit Kat.


    • Karicat Watts 1
      Karicat Watts Feb 17, 2016 Link to comment

      Still does.


  • 2
    Roshelle Taylor Nov 22, 2015 Link to comment

    you like giving some good ideas keep up the good work


  • 3
    James Hamilton Nov 19, 2015 Link to comment

    Sounds good.

    Scott Adam Gordon


  • 1
    Chad Zerr Aug 2, 2015 Link to comment

    FAIL. I installed dolphin browser on my galaxy s6. Then went to site to play a video, it said needed to install flash . When I atempt to do so, it says flash not compatible with my device. Am I doing something wrong or you need to update this article?


  • Jeffrey Toale (F7, Velocitor, Sundark) 2
    Jeffrey Toale (F7, Velocitor, Sundark) Jun 17, 2015 Link to comment

    You might want to tell your readers that flash support in Puffin now costs you money. And it's not a one time payment, it's a subscription.

    David SmithScott Adam Gordon


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon Jun 18, 2015 Link to comment

      Hey great stuff Jeffrey thanks for the info I'll try and update this shortly!!


      • 1
        justme Jun 25, 2019 Link to comment

        Just found this area today.
        Still no mention/update about having to pay to use Puffin.
        That was the reason I deleted it and am in search of a new flash player.
        Need all the help I can get as I am very tech illiterate.
        Have a MotoG Play Android 7.1.1


  • 1
    Kams Baskir Jan 15, 2015 Link to comment

    Great article but you missed out one thing 1 Mobile market. I use multiple devices all the time i
    download flashplayer from 1mobile market instead of relying on 3rd party browsers


  • Madars G 10
    Madars G Jan 12, 2015 Link to comment

    still presented as the need to install the latest Flash player many websites. so it is very pointless anyway


  • Mark G. 28
    Mark G. Jan 12, 2015 Link to comment

    I used to use flash via Firefox addon but I also use Orbit (Tor proxy) which isn't compatible (Flash is unsecure) also Firefox was unstable. I now use Dolphin for anything flash related.(Mostly old or chat based sites). It took a day or two to work properly. No issues now


    • 2
      Allen Jolyn Apr 28, 2018 Link to comment

      I use Jelly Bean on my HTC Sensation XE and Flash doesn't work (flashed different JB roms trying to get Flash working). It does install and all, but whenever I open Flash content, there's no sound, the video glitches terribly (jumping between frames back and forth) and usually there's some kind of color distortion. I have no idea what the cause of this could be, but the same thing happened on 3 different JB roms I used. Finaly here i got my solution smartphonesupdates . com/download-adobe-flash-player-for-android-11-11-1-115-6/


  • 20
    Reg Joo Jan 12, 2015 Link to comment

    As much as we want flash to die, it won't go away! A whole lot of the web still uses it. If you thought windows XP, stayed around a long time, you haven't seen anything yet!

    Scott Adam Gordon


  • 1
    Kiran Kirk Nov 8, 2014 Link to comment

    Hello guys, as all of us knew that most recent mobile phones and tablets pads are upgraded their processor for intel. So called x86 Andriod. And others previously which basically was ARM Android. Although this comes great processing with most beneficial factors, but somehow it left every with disappointment with installation of adobe flash.
    As it is not recognized although the setup file was successfully installed. This happen because those file was of ARM processing. ANd not Intel.

    Waiting for the time to get this fixed by some x specials... is really pointless. And speaking about adobe,.. it was officially said that there will be no new updates made for Android. And the final version it made was 11.1.x...x...81 something follow-up. Installing this any either updates on intel used mobiles and tablets is uselessness.

    After many exploring and trying various browses I finally found fix for this case.

    Try puffing web browser. Which doesn't really needed any plugin or necessarily installed adobe flash player. Support all TYPE flash content. But it has supporting flash for only during days for free users. Nd supported full flash for paid users.

    If not seeking paid versions and if it seems being genuine doesn't matter ... so you can get crack file also. Which gets your full version enriched features.

    SUPPORTED ON ALL TYPE "INTEL" BASED MOBILES AND TABLETS.
    Thank you.


  • 1
    Kazi Ahmed Mar 21, 2014 Link to comment

    I have followed instructions exactly many times but no luck on my samsung tab 3 10.1 GT-P5210


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Apr 10, 2014 Link to comment

      Hi @Kazi, I'm not sure why it's not working for you. As you can see above, @Caroline L has the same tablet as you and it worked for her.


      • 1
        Kazi Ahmed Apr 10, 2014 Link to comment

        Is there any other way?


      • Kris Carlon 35
        Kris Carlon Apr 10, 2014 Link to comment

        Possibly, although I've not looked as this method worked for me (although i remember it did take me a few tries). i would suggest trying a different archive version of Flash and possibly just continuing to try. I did it a few times and each time it took a different number of attempts. Good luck!


  • 1
    Kazi Ahmed Mar 21, 2014 Link to comment

    x


  • 2
    Venite Castillo Mar 7, 2014 Link to comment

    God I love you! It works like a dream on my Note 10.1! Thanks for the help!


  • 1
    Caroline L. Feb 5, 2014 Link to comment

    Followed instructions and it now works on some sites. Why do i sometimes get the video content to work and other times not? Using samsung galaxy tab 3 10.1. I think it is jellybean 4.3. If anyone can get the national geographic videos to work on the same device and can tell me how to do it i would be very happy!!


  • 1
    J G Feb 4, 2014 Link to comment

    have a feeling its because of the intel chip. i did everything properly


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Feb 7, 2014 Link to comment

      You are correct @JG. Of course, your previous post said you have a MemoPad which probably has an Intel chip. Flash Player doesn't work on Intel x86 architecture.


      • 1
        Mike Nutter Feb 10, 2014 Link to comment

        Kris,

        Will this not work on any Intel device? I have a Samsung GT-P5210 that I have been trying to get to work for days. Any help or telling me to give up would be great.

        Thanks,

        Mike


      • Kris Carlon 35
        Kris Carlon Feb 10, 2014 Link to comment

        Hey @Mike, I don't want to say never, but as far as I'm aware there's no way around it. I'd look into it a little more before you give up!


      • 1
        Mike Nutter Feb 11, 2014 Link to comment

        Thanks Kris!


  • 1
    J G Feb 3, 2014 Link to comment

    Hello wondering why i cant install flash on my asus memopad fhd 10. I installed it correctly and still wont work under any browser. It has 4.3 jellybean


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Feb 4, 2014 Link to comment

      Hi @JG, are you getting the ''Install Denied'' error message? Which browser are you using? Flash isn't supported in Chrome and never will be, but Firefox is fine as is Maxthon, Dolphin etc. If you're not having issues with the actual installation, you could try taking the next-to-last archived version and trying that.


  • 1
    abdi Jan 4, 2014 Link to comment

    Followed all the procedure step by step for the installation . It's doesn't work.
    Jelly bean 4.1.2
    Asus fone pad
    1.2ghz intel

    Thanks


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Feb 7, 2014 Link to comment

      Hi @abdi, yeah, unfortunately Asus use a lot of Intel chips and Flash player isn't supported by Intel chips because of ARM.


  • 1
    SCART Dec 29, 2013 Link to comment

    Any idea if there's a flash/swf player that can run in Android 4.4. yet for local files?
    cheers


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Jan 6, 2014 Link to comment

      Hi @SCART, just search our site for "Flash Player KitKat". I believe Sterling wrote about this very topic a couple of weeks or so ago.


      • 1
        Ethan Sacco Mar 12, 2014 Link to comment

        I couldn't find it and I can't find it anywhere online I need to figure this out I have like a 100 swf files that have no use right now


    • 1
      Ethan Sacco Mar 12, 2014 Link to comment

      Did u figure it out


  • 1
    Ghazanfar Abbas Dec 25, 2013 Link to comment

    Thank you dear, I was much worried about absence of Flash player from my Asus memo pad but with only with your help I could install it successfully. Thanks again. Happy Christmas, happy New Year. take care.. bye.


    • 1
      geo zam Dec 27, 2013 Link to comment

      Hi, how you did to work it?
      I am using asus me302, memo fhd10,and i am going crazy..... when i install flash(i have tried all versions) it only has e 4mb... in others tabs and phones it has 17mb.....
      And of course, it does not work... can you explain me the version, the trick you have used? I try different processes... but it did not work....
      Thx:-)


      • 1
        Kory S Jan 3, 2014 Link to comment

        Same here. I have the FHD10 as well and can't get flash to work in Firefox... bummer but thanks for the tip anyway...


      • 1
        Kory S Jan 4, 2014 Link to comment

        I read somewhere that it has to do with the Intel x86...? any thoughts on that?


      • Kris Carlon 35
        Kris Carlon Feb 7, 2014 Link to comment

        That's correct. Flash doesn't work on Intel chips.


  • 1
    Dee Harley Dec 22, 2013 Link to comment

    Have tried this 5 times now have also tried with firefox.....nothing works keeps saying plug in required :(


  • Kris Carlon 35
    Kris Carlon Nov 11, 2013 Link to comment

    @Esam, just use the same install steps as outlined above. @Simon, thanks for the share! @Pito, the procedure above was done on my Nexus 4 so it should work fine for you too.


  • 5
    Pito Hospital Nov 10, 2013 Link to comment

    I can install to nexus 4?


  • 1
    Simon Shum Oct 19, 2013 Link to comment

    Try Falcon Flash Player on https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.usopen.brinker.ho
    This app allow you to play any flash content on your android 4.0 or higher device. NO plugin or adobe flash player is needed. I just tried it and it work perfectly smooth on my Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7.


  • 1
    Esam Salem Oct 17, 2013 Link to comment

    How can I instal flash player 4 galaxy tab3 gt-p5200


  • 1
    George Spamhunter Sep 30, 2013 Link to comment

    I'm using Firefox. I'll have a look again later, maybe reinstall it. Curious.
    Thx.


  • Kris Carlon 35
    Kris Carlon Sep 30, 2013 Link to comment

    Hey guys, I'm not sure what the problem is. George, your Wiko Five has a Cortex-A7 processor so you should be able to run Flash. What browser are you using? I've only done this procedure on Firefox and Dolphin on an S3 and Nexus 4. And Dwight I can only ask you what browser you're using too, as you have the necessary hardware as well. As I mentioned elsewhere, I had a few issues getting it to work (using the same process every time) before it started to work properly, so hopefully your tenacity has paid off already. You could also try setting your preferences in the Flash Player Settings app that would've installed along with Flash player and see if that helps


  • 3
    Steve W. Sep 28, 2013 Link to comment

    Try using Firefox as the broswer (in the directions) and Please re-post if you got it to work properly (or NOT)


  • 1
    George Spamhunter Sep 28, 2013 Link to comment

    For info, I'm using Android 4.2 on a Wiko Five (French manufacturer), and after installing Flash Player I still get "A plugin is needed" gray boxes.


  • 2
    Dwight Wright Sep 21, 2013 Link to comment

    I must be going insane here. I'm following directions to the letter and all the browsers are still freezing and crashing. Allowed non market apps, downloaded top/latest android version of flash and installed, changed settings on all browsers to display flash always and freezes on Dolphin AND Boat browsers. I figure myself to be Android savvy, but I am completely dumbfounded.

    I'm on Jellybean 4.3 stock (works even less better on the new updates) on the Nexus 7 (old). I needs my flash player fix! I'm jonesin!


  • Kris Carlon 35
    Kris Carlon Sep 18, 2013 Link to comment

    Hey Steve, glad it all worked out in the end! I mentioned in the forum on this topic that the process didn't work immediately on my device either. Not very technical but sometimes leaving it alone is all it needs!


  • 3
    Steve W. Sep 17, 2013 Link to comment

    I followed your directions for my new Tab 3 (SM-T310) which is using 4.2.2 I could not get the Flash Player to work using Firefox :(
    What can I try?
    --------------------------------------
    IT work great (in the morning when I re-powered it)
    Tested on several Flash Player sites and then when I gave it back to my 12 year old grandson, he was able to log on the the Palm Breach County School District Web Site (every thing is Flash Player) it work better that the families lap top.


  • Molan James 5
    Molan James Sep 3, 2013 Link to comment

    Hi @nisar I found this tutorial ***links are forbidden*** for S3 its working fine

    Admin edit: the process outlined in this (removed) tutorial is the same as in the article above.


  • Kris Carlon 35
    Kris Carlon Sep 2, 2013 Link to comment

    Hi Love, you are correct, it is much easier to just download the APK directly on your device (using the same instructions) and launch from there directly, but there are some common problems experienced when doing it this way (I had them when I tried to do it first) so I thought for ease of installation I'd recommend using a PC. But both ways work.


  • 2
    Love Aug 25, 2013 Link to comment

    People really need to know this. However, it is easier to just go to adobe's website to find the legacy drivers and then download them directly to your device and install flash as if you got it from the Play Store leaving the computer out and this a job that can be done anywhere you have Internet. It is insulting to assume we have difficulty downloading APK's via browser when we do it at the play Store all the time and I do not mean through the app either.
    BlovePhd


  • 1
    Gavin Windsor Aug 23, 2013 Link to comment

    Another tutorial on "how to play flash on Android".
    ***links are forbidden***


  • 1
    gmalvim Aug 15, 2013 Link to comment

    The brazilian website of FORD still uses flash. It got my attention the other day because I use Chrome for android. Just tested this with the website and it works. :)


  • Andre Bakker 2
    Andre Bakker Aug 15, 2013 Link to comment

    Ah thats why :), i think the most of them using Now HTML5 becaulse its faster and smoother.
    But maybe old websites still using flash ;)


    • tekf33k3n 7
      tekf33k3n Jan 10, 2015 Link to comment

      A lot of websites still use flash. Especially game site and corporate intranet sites. Even though the switch to HTML5 is going along nicely, it was still short sited to get rid of the support as early as Google and Adobe did. Google tried to force the hand of the Internet but many companies just refuse to move that fast. The same goes for browser locked websites. It's dumb but it still happens a lot.


  • Kris Carlon 35
    Kris Carlon Aug 15, 2013 Link to comment

    Excellent question! We don't really...but some websites still have Flash content (and may never upgrade to HTML5), plus, some people just like to have Flash installed, just in case!


  • Andre Bakker 2
    Andre Bakker Aug 15, 2013 Link to comment

    Why do we need flashplayer if we are using now html5 ?


  • Kris Carlon 35
    Kris Carlon Aug 15, 2013 Link to comment

    Hi Nisar Iqbal, your device needs a minimum of ARMv7 processor with Android 4.0 or higher. I take it your phone has this as your S3 should be running a Cortex-A9 processor and be on 4.1.2, so I'm not sure what the problem is, as ARM processors support Flash. I used this method on an S3 when I wrote this article for the screenshots. What is the error message you're seeing?

    Roshelle Taylor


  • 1
    Nisar Iqbal Aug 14, 2013 Link to comment

    Good but wy dont download my dvic galaxy s3

Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing