This guide explains how to install the PADS4 Launcher APK to start the PADS4 Viewer on NDS-certified Android hardware.
Some devices come with a dedicated PADS4 Launcher. For more information, refer to the PADS4 Certified Devices page.

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Downloading the PADS4 Launcher APK

Download the latest PADS4 Launcher APK from:
PADS4 Launcher Download
The PADS4 Generic Android Launcher is only supported on PADS4 Server version 2025.1 and above. Please ensure your server is updated accordingly.

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Versioning

For version details and compatibility, visit the PADS4 Launcher Download Page.

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Installing PADS4 Launcher from a USB Stick

1

Step One

Copy the PADS4 Launcher APK to a USB stick.
2

Step Two

Insert the USB stick into the Android device.
3

Step Three

Open APK Installer on the device.
4

Step Four

Select Install and browse to the APK file on the USB stick.
5

Step Five

When prompted with:
“Do you want to install this application?”
  • Press Next until the Install button appears.
  • Press Install to proceed.
6

Step Six

After installation, press Open to launch the PADS4 Launcher.
7

Step Seven

Enter the PADS4 Server location, specifying:
  • Domain name
  • IP address
  • PC name of the server running PADS4 Server
8

Step Eight - *Optional*

If the default server settings were modified, go to Advanced Settings and enter:
  • The correct port number
  • The host/root path
9

Step Nine

Press Start.
  • The first time the app runs, it will prompt you to select your home app.
  • Select PADS4 Launcher and choose Always to prevent future prompts.
10

Step Ten

Ensure a valid connection to the PADS4 Server when launching the PADS4 Launcher for the first time.
  • This allows the device to download and start PADS4 Viewer.
  • Once downloaded, PADS4 Viewer can run offline.

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Updating PADS4 Launcher from a USB Stick

1

Step One

Copy the latest PADS4 Launcher APK to a USB stick.
2

Step Two

Insert the USB stick into the Android device.
3

Step Three

Open Viewer Settings.
4

Step Four

Navigate to Launcher Settings.
5

Step Five

Tap the folder icon in the bottom-right corner.
6

Step Six

Browse to:
mnt -> usb_storage
Select the APK file.
7

Step Seven

When prompted with:
“Do you want to install an update to this existing application?”
  • Press Install.
8

Step Eight

Once the installation is complete, the PADS4 Launcher will automatically restart.