Just found a new app that allows .apk to be downloaded from the google play store without a google account. I tried it and it works. I downloaded 2 apps from the play store to a download folder without installing them and without any google credentials. (Don't have a google account on the tablet) (Not rooted)

https://f-droid.org/packages/com.git...min.yalpstore/

It's on fdroid. Which is my reason for posting something that may violate google's TOS. Plus the original question was allowed to stay up.

Hi teckk. Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. That's perfect!

You can try using Apptogame's Play Store. A safe version for Android: https://apptogame.com/play-store-apk-free-download/

Thank you, loganmic. I've since moved to Ubuntu Touch. :-)

No, you need to pay for them.

Yalp store has been replaced by Aurora store.

KaranAPK android site for direct apk file download

I would use raccoon - https://raccoon.onyxbits.de/ - if I needed to.

Download the APK you want to install
Navigate to your phone settings menu then to the security settings. Enable the Install from Unknown Sources option
Use a file browser and navigate to your download folder
The app should safely install.