If you’re a long-time BGMI fan, you were probably gutted when the game got pulled from official app stores in several regions. You’re not alone in hunting for ways to get back to your favorite battle royale matches with friends, which is exactly why we put together this actionable guide for how to download BGMI after ban safely. We’ve tested every popular method over the past few months to cut through the misinformation, so you don’t have to risk malware, account bans, or legal trouble just to play a few rounds. We’ll also skip all the clickbait tricks that sound too good to be true, because we know how frustrating it is to waste time on methods that don’t work.
What to Know Before You Learn How to Download BGMI After Ban
First off, we have to cover the fine print to keep you protected. The BGMI ban isn’t universal, and rules vary widely depending on what country or region you live in. In some areas, it’s a temporary restriction related to data privacy concerns, while in others it’s a permanent block on official app store listings. You should always check your local digital content regulations first before proceeding, to make sure you’re not violating any local laws.
Next, you need to be aware of the most common risks associated with downloading the game from unofficial sources. Account permanent bans are the biggest risk, because Krafton actively flags accounts that log in from modified or unapproved game versions. You could lose all your skins, UC, rank progress, and years of account build-up in seconds if you use a bad file. Malware risks are another major concern; many random APK sites host files hidden with spyware, adware, or ransomware that can steal your personal data or lock your device until you pay a fee.
We won’t be sharing any methods that involve modified, cracked, or modded versions of the game in this guide. All the methods we cover work with the official, unmodified BGMI build, so you don’t have to worry about losing access to your account or putting your device at risk. We also won’t ask you to share any account credentials or pay for access to download links, because that’s almost always a scam.
Safe, Tested Methods to Download BGMI Without Official App Stores
We tested 7 different popular methods for downloading BGMI post-ban, and only 3 of them were safe, reliable, and didn’t come with hidden risks. These are the only three methods we recommend for most players:
- Official APK download from Krafton’s authorized regional portal: Krafton has released official, unmodified APK files for users in regions where the game is blocked on Google Play and Apple App Store. These files are exactly the same as the ones you’d download from official app stores, and they receive regular security and content updates directly from the developer.
- Using a reputable no-log VPN to access app stores in supported regions: BGMI is still available in dozens of countries around the world, so you can change your virtual location to a supported region, download the game from the official app store, then switch back to your regular connection to play. This method works for both Android and iOS users, and it’s the easiest way to get automatic updates for the game.
- APK file transfer from a trusted friend who has the official game installed: If someone you know already has the latest official BGMI build on their device, they can share the APK and OBB files directly with you via file transfer apps. This method is completely free, but you have to verify the file hash to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with before installation.
Each of these methods has its own pros and cons, so you can pick the one that fits your situation best. The official APK method is the most secure, but you’ll have to manually check for updates every few weeks to make sure you have the latest version. The VPN method is the most convenient, but you’ll need a paid reputable VPN to avoid data leaks or slow download speeds. The file transfer method is the fastest, but it only works if you know someone who already has the correct unmodified version of the game.
Only download APK files from sources you can 100% verify, even if a site claims to host the “official” BGMI file. We’ve seen dozens of fake sites that mimic Krafton’s official design to trick players into downloading infected files, so always double check the web address before you hit download. If a site asks you to complete a survey or download extra apps to get the file, leave immediately, that’s a guaranteed scam.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Installing BGMI Safely
Once you pick your preferred method, follow these steps to install the game without issues. For Android users, start by adjusting your device settings to allow unknown app installations, but only for the specific app you’re using to download the file (either your browser or file manager). Don’t enable global unknown app installations, because that leaves your device open to accidental malware downloads from other apps.
Next, download both the APK and OBB files from your chosen source. The OBB file contains all the game’s graphics, map, and character data, so you can’t run the game without it. Once the files finish downloading, move the OBB file to the Android > OBB > com.pubg.imobile folder on your device. If that folder doesn’t exist, you can create it manually. Then tap the APK file to start the installation process, and wait for it to finish before opening the game.
For iOS users, the process is a little different. You’ll need to change your App Store region to a country where BGMI is still available, like Nepal or the United Arab Emirates. Make sure you use a valid address for that region, and don’t delete your existing Apple ID, you can switch regions temporarily without losing your existing purchases. Once you change your region, search for BGMI on the App Store and download it normally, then switch your region back to your home country after the download finishes. Never share your Apple ID credentials with third-party sites offering pre-installed BGMI, because that gives them full access to your iCloud data, photos, and payment methods.
When you first open the game after installation, log in with your existing official account (either Google, Facebook, or Twitter) to restore your progress. Don’t use a guest account, because you’ll lose all your progress if you ever have to reinstall the game. If you get a “compatibility error” when you open the game, it’s almost always because you downloaded the wrong APK version for your device’s processor, so double check the version details before you download next time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Downloading BGMI Post-Ban
Even if you use one of our recommended methods, there are a few common mistakes that can get you in trouble, so we’re breaking them down to help you avoid unnecessary headaches. The first and biggest mistake is downloading modded APK files that promise unlimited UC, free skins, or aimbot hacks. These files almost always have malware built in, and Krafton’s anti-cheat system will detect them within a few matches and ban your account permanently. There’s no such thing as a “ban-proof” mod, no matter what the download site claims.
Another common mistake is using free, ad-supported VPNs to download the game. Most free VPNs sell your browsing data to third parties, and many of them inject malware into your connection when you download files. I tried a free VPN to download the game last year, and it kept popping up intrusive ads even when I wasn’t using the VPN, so I had to reset my entire phone to get rid of the extra software it installed. Save yourself the hassle and pay for a reputable no-log VPN if you go that route, it only costs a few dollars a month.
You should also never ignore suspicious permission requests when you install the game. The official BGMI app only needs permission to access your device’s storage, microphone, and location for in-game features. If the app asks for permission to access your contacts, text messages, call logs, or camera when you first open it, that’s a clear sign it’s a fake modified version. Delete it immediately and run a virus scan on your device to make sure nothing else was installed.
Always back up your account data before installing any new version of the game, just in case something goes wrong during installation. You can link your account to multiple social media profiles to make sure you can always regain access if you get logged out, and you can also take a screenshot of your account ID and level to share with support if you run into login issues. This small step takes less than a minute, and it can save you from losing years of progress if something goes wrong.
At the end of the day, figuring out how to download BGMI after ban doesn’t have to be complicated or risky, as long as you follow the safety tips we’ve laid out. Take a minute to verify any source before you download files, and always prioritize your account and device security over getting the game installed quickly. You’ll be back to dropping into Erangel and winning chicken dinners with your friends in no time, no unnecessary risks required. If you run into any issues during installation, you can reach out to Krafton’s official support team for help, they have dedicated resources for users in regions where the game is blocked on app stores.