What is an APK file and how to install on Android?

If you own an Android device you will likely have heard of “APK files” at some point, and possibly wondered what they even are. Understanding this is essential if you want to start downloading pre-release apps or customizing your Android experience further than would be possible using the Play Store alone. In our guide, you’ll learn what APK files are, how to download them, and finally, how to install them.

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What is an APK File?

An Android Package Kit (APK for short) is the package file format used by the Android operating system for the distribution and installation of mobile apps. Just like Windows (PC) systems use an .exe file for installing software, the APK does the same for Android.

When you download an APK online, you’re essentially getting an app. Most users get apps from the Google Play Store, without ever seeing the word APK. But there are occasions when you would want to do otherwise.

Why would I want to install an APK File?

APK files of new Android builds are often leaked ahead of time, giving you early access to all the exciting new features that otherwise wouldn’t be available to you. Also, some apps are restricted to regions outside of your own. App updates can take a frustrating amount of time to arrive automatically over the air. Getting the latest APK for your favourite apps will let you jump the queue. Or you might even not like a particular app after an update, and want to install an older version instead.

How to install an APK on your Android device

You can install APK files on your Android smartphone or tablet directly from your browser.

1. Just open your browser, find the APK file you want to download, and tap it–you should then be able to see it downloading on the top bar of your device.
2. Once it’s downloaded, open the Downloads folder, tap on the APK file, and tap Yes when prompted.
3. The app will begin installing on your device. Simple.

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How to install APK Files from your computer

You don’t need a smartphone to download and install APK files. You can also do this on a desktop PC. Here’s how it works.

And if your Android device lacks access to the Google Play Store, APK files may be your only option for installing apps on your device.

First, you must find the APK file you want. Search online for an APK file and download it to an easy-to-find location on your computer (like your desktop).

1. If you like, you can also download a file manager app so you can easily find files on your Android device. We recommend our favourite file managers in our list of the best file explorers for Android.
2. Once you’ve downloaded the APK file on your computer, connect your Android device to it.
3. At this point, you may be asked if you want to charge your phone or connect it as a ‘media device’ Choose Media device (File Transfer in some phones).
4. Then, find your phone’s folder on your computer. It will be in ‘My Computer’ or ‘Computer’ on Windows (PC).
5. Copy the APK file into a folder of your choice on your Android smartphone.
6. You will now be able to search for the file location in the My files folder of your device.
7. Open the file manager, find the APK file, tap it, then hit Install.

Note: If it is the first time you are using the file manager to install an APK file, Android will prompt you to authorize the app to Install unknown apps (or apps from unknown sources) — i.e. those not downloaded from the Play Store. Follow the on-screen instructions to allow the app to do so, similar to the screenshot above.

And now you’re done, congratulations, you have your app. Just open it up from your smartphone and make sure it works properly. If it doesn’t, repeat the process with a different APK file. You may have to try a different APK site.

If the operating system on your smartphone is running a version older than Android 8.0, you need to change a system setting to be able to install apps not downloaded from the Play Store:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Security.
3. Activate the Unknown Sources option to allow your phone to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.

Do you download APK files? Which do you recommend? Let us know in the comments!

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The best APK download sites

There are many sources of APK files across the web, but be sure to choose a site you trust. Some APK files may contain malicious software (malware) which could compromise your phone’s security. It is best to be cautious before downloading or installing any app from outside of the Play Store.

Generally speaking, APK files found on reputable sites like the ones listed here should be safer to download than from elsewhere, but read some reviews and user comments before downloading or installing an APK.