Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
The age - old debate over Android and iOS may never hand a fruitful conclusion . However , one way Android has always been superscript to iOS is in its ease of install applications . Android applications can be easily downloaded ( or shared with other Android users ) and install using APK files .
Below , we list multiple elbow room you’re able to download and set up Android apps on your telephone set , tablet , or any other Android gadget using APK file . Before we cut into into the process , here ’s a quick introduction to APK files — what they are , how they work , and how you download / open them .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
What is an APK file?
APK is unforesightful for Android Package Kit , the data file case used by Android applications . It is equivalent to an executable ( .exe ) data file on Windows and is used to install applications on Android - free-base hardware — including a sound or tablet , multimedia ironware such as Android TV , or sometimes even a Wear OS smartwatch .
An APK file is a compressed file package similar to ZIP or RAR file . According toTechTarget , it consolidate all the assets , spiritualist , and codification required to start the app on back up Android app . Android devices have more wide-ranging word form element than the iPhone or iPad , which come in specific sizes , and the APK file check the necessary elements to run and adapt to dissimilar screen sizes and orientations .
The process of compress all the elements of an app is called “ compiling , ” while authorizing that all contents are send as intended and safe and free from any malware is called “ sign language . ” Android app developer must hoard and sign the app before uploading it to the Google Play Store or any other third - political party platform .
The Google Play Store automatically set up the apps without you needing to download the APK file on an individual basis . However , if you bid to install Android apps that are unavailable on the Google Play Store , you must download and add the APK file manually . Here ’s how you’re able to go about the process .
How to download APK files on your phone
The first step to install an Android app using an APK data file is downloading it from a reliable source . A uncomplicated Google search along the lines of “ < app name > APK download ” easily lists countless search upshot claiming to put up the most up - to - date adaptation of the app ’s installer . However , you should exercise utmost caveat while choosing where to download the APK to forfend getting a malware - oppressed interpretation of the app .
One of the most reputable sources for download APK files isAPKMirror . The platform mechanically backs up most of the apps ever upload to the Google Play Store , with all versions sort chronologically and based on compatible Android equipment .
Besides APKMirror , you may also download apps from reputable forum such asXDA Forumsor through developer platforms such as GitHub . However , it is important to note that , unlike the Google Play Store , these apps may not be moderated or scan for virus and may be insecure for your speech sound .
Apart from downloading APK files instantly to your Android phone or any other gadget , you may download them to an external media such as a flash drive or an South Dakota calling card or transplant them from another Android twist using data file - sharing divine service such as Quick Share ( formerly Nearby Share ) — a native Android cock with a function identical to Apple ’s AirDrop .
How to install and open APK files
instal an Android app using an APK file is very easy . You just require to get to the APK Indian file from any source , such as a connection web web browser or a file director .
To install apps from unidentified sources on new versions of Android , you must pass the source . When you tap the APK file , you will automatically be prompted to allow installing from an “ unidentified Source ” .
Alternatively , follow these stairs to install apps from unrecognized informant :
Once you allow installation from unknown source , you will see a command prompt asking you to Cancel or set up an app . TapInstallto initiate the process . Depending on the app ’s size of it , the facility will cease in a few mo , and the app will be listed among other apps on your earpiece . TapDoneto push aside the dialogue box orOpenthe app to try it .
While most of the apps are uncommitted as APK file away on APKMirror , some big apps ( or ones compile through more complex processes ) may also be available as Android App Bundles ( or AAB files ) or APKMirror ’s proprietary file data formatting APKM . Unlike an APK Indian file , you may not instal an AAB file directly . However , APKMirror gives you an easy resolution in the form ofAPKMirror Installer .
You must deploy the Installer through an APK from the link above and then download the AAB or APKM file to instal any other app .
Installing apps using third-party app stores
Similar to the Google Play Store , you could download apps from third - company app stores . AptoideandAPKPureare two of the most prominent alternative app computer memory . These app stores handle the initiation of apps by themselves , just like the Google Play Store , but you must download and install them as apps first ( you’re able to not simply download APK files from these stores ) . In some regions , phone steel may also put up their own substitute app stores , such as Samsung ’s Galaxy Store , where you may download and instal apps on your earphone .
Other than the APK , these app stores also let you download large app bundles with app data include in XAPK data formatting . This may sometimes include paid apps from the Google Play Store that are available for free on Aptoide or APKPure . However , you must always be careful when download such apps instead of being lured by their free - of - cost offer .
Similarly , F - Droidis the perfect finish for download and installing undecided - source apps .
When should you download APK files?
While your first penchant for download an app should be the Google Play Store , you may now and again rely on some of the sources we list above to download and install an app using APK files . You may download an APK file when an app has been geo - forget and is unavailable in your realm or is not officially supported by your machine .
For some reason , you may be unable to download an app directly from the Google Play Store . This is another reason to rely on extraneous reservoir to install apps using APK files .
Furthermore , you may install apps with APK file when a newfangled update malfunction an otherwise perfect app . In such cases , you may use platforms like APKMirror to download quondam versions of the app . you’re able to also do this when you wish to taste the beta version of an app , but beta visitation via child’s play Store are full .
last , you could also swear on APK files to get apps when you are runningde - Googled phonesfrom brands such as Huawei or user interface such as GrapheneOS .
When should you avoid APK files?
While APK files give you access to a broader library of apps , including those that are not officially useable in your realm , you must invalidate downloading apps in certain scenario .
Firstly , avoid downloading paid apps being peddled for liberal . While numberless sources online will claim to pop the question modified interlingual rendition of the make up app — or games with unlimited freebies unlocked — these may be a hotbed of viruses and spyware . This spyware can be used to take ascendence of your phone and steal individual and financial information .
As a rule of thumb , avoid download apps from fishy or unreliable sources , as they may be laced with malware . likewise , avoid downloading APK file for adult apps from unreliable rootage , as they may also have virus .
Lastly , you must avoid downloading or using apps that are banned by the politics in your rural area . While you may download and use these apps for minute of boot ( or as a motion of insurrection ) , you may also cease up in effectual trouble or may be capable to punishment if caught using such apps .
