Some of you, Android users might have heard about the term APK files, or install APK files, etc., and would have even thought about what they are and why they are used. Understanding that APK files are essential for your Android device if you want to download any leaked apps or customize your Android experience more than they used to be.
Usually, you won’t even know when the APK file has been installed on your device, as Android handles app installation in the background. However, nowadays there are plenty of sites on the net that allow direct APK file download for Android users.
However, you should be careful on which site you put your trust on as few of them contain malware. This malware can corrupt and damage your system and usually makes its way into your system through APK files.
This article will throw light on some topics, such as what is an APK file, its uses and why is it important to install APK files, how to install APK files, and how to open APK files.
What is an APK File?
An Android Package Kit file or as popularly known as an APK file is a type of file that installs an application for Google’s Android operating system. They are usually saved in your android devices in ZIP format and are downloaded directly to the Android devices.
In short, just like any other operating system or OS, your Android devices download or install software using an Android Package Kit. The Windows Operating system uses a ‘.exe’ file to install the software and the Mac uses a PKG file for installing the software.
An APK zip file contains a lot of other files. Some of the files that can be found inside the Zip files include an AndroidManifest.xml, classes. dex, and resource files. Other than this they also include META-INF and res folders inside it. Some of these APK files come pre-installed on your Android devices and others can be used by downloading them from the Google Play store as apps.
The apps you download from the Google Play Store are automatically installed on your Android device. However, the APK files downloaded from online websites must be installed manually.
Why Should You Use APK Files?
If you want to use an app that hasn’t been released yet but you are too excited to wait for it to air officially then APK files are what you need. These files give you early access to new features that otherwise wouldn’t be available to you.
Some apps are restricted to a few regions around the world. Getting the latest APK for your favourite app can let you save a lot of time you spend waiting for it. Even if you might not like a particular app after an update, and want to install the older version of the same app? Then you can get an APK for the same. APK files can even install Google Play Store in case you want it.
However, you need to be careful while getting such an APK field. Some of the APK services online, allow you to install pirated apps or stolen apps. This is illegal and should be avoided. Moreover, some of these APK online websites might even contain viruses and malware that might corrupt or damage your system or some applications.
Therefore, we suggest you not trust all the APK services and search before you want to download any apps.
How to Install APK files on Your Android Smartphones?
You can download APK files directly from your smartphone using a browser. Downloading the APK file is a simple and easy process. Follow these steps to install APK files on an Android device.
- Open the browser on your Android device.
- Now, browse the APK file you want to download and find it.
- After you find the APK website, click on download. You will be able to see it download on your device.
- Once, it has been downloaded, open downloads and select the APK file, and when prompted tap on “Yes”.
- The app will now begin to install on your device.
How to Install APK Files From the Computer
APK files don’t necessarily need a smartphone to download. You can even download them on your desktop. However to use them you will have to transfer them to your smartphone.
- Search the APK file you want from the internet.
- Open the browser, then download the APK file to an easy spot on your computer.
- You will have to do some pre-settings before installing the file to your file. This pre-setting involves allowing your device for third-party apps.
- Go to Menu. Then to Settings on your phone.
- From settings, go to “Security” and turn on the Unknown Sources to allow your phone to install apps from unknown sources.
- If you are installing APK files from a non-google source for the first time, you will see a prompt message.
- Once you have completed downloading the APK file on your computer, connect your android device to your computer.
- You might have to choose the exchange “files” option from your smartphone’s notification bar.
- Once you have successfully connected your Android device and the computer, you will have to find your phone’s folder on your computer.
- You can find it on My Computer or My PC, after opening it.
- Copy the downloaded APK file into any folder on your device. If you want you can even create a new folder to save it so that you can easily access it later.
- Now, search for the copied APK file’s location in the “My Files” folder of your Android device.
- After you find the APK file, click on it and then press the “Install” button.
Now, you have downloaded your app. Just open it up on your smartphone and enjoy your app and its features.
How to Open APK Files?
When you install APK files, they are saved in compressed ZIP format files. Therefore, they need any Zip extractor to decompress them. Therefore to explore an APK file, you can rename the file extensions to “.zip” and open the file. You can even open the file directly through a Zip application’s dialogue box.
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