How to install unsigned applications on Symbian S60 3rd Edition smartphones

Have you been trying to install an application on your Symbian smartphone but it ended up in getting a certificate error? Don’t mind, there is an easy way to solve this problem. Here is the solution:

1. point your device to the “Application Manager” and open it
2. click the left soft key to open the options menu
3. from the list choose the point “Settings”
4. switch the option “Software Installation” to “All”
5. switch the option “Online certif. check” to “Off”

Pretty easy, wasn’t it? Additionally I have to tell you some little things about executing these instructions.

First you have to remember that certificates for applications are there for security reasons. If “Signed only” is choosen you can just install applications that have trusted certificates, that can only be obtained by enterprises. If Software installation is set to “All” you can also install self signed applications. That means, that the software author created the certificate by himself.

Secondly you have to know, that certificates are not the most important point when it comes to security. Once you installed an application, you may have noticed that you were warned against some features of the phone that will be used by the application. They are called capabilities and can be allowed or denied during the installation. So be careful which capabilities you allow for an application, because some of them can lead to costs or damage your system. You can find a list of capabilities at Forum Nokia.

Did you enjoy this post?
Please subscribe via RSS, email or write a comment!