APK File: What is It & How Do You Install It on Your Android Phone?

Do you own an Android device? If you do, then you’ve probably heard of the word APK (Android Package Kit). APK files let you install apps on your Android phone. In this post, we’ll tell you more about it. 

What is an APK File?

Let us first understand what an APK file is. An APK file is an application package file. It’s similar to the packages that we have on Windows. Every time you download a new app from Google Play Store and install it on your phone, it will install an APK file. These files can also be installed on different Android devices such as tablets and smart TVs.

It contains the app’s source code in compiled form and all of the other data required to install it. The APK file can be “installed” via third-party apps onto your phone. That’s why they are so useful.

Why Do You Want to Install an APK File?

There could be several reasons to install an APK file on your phone. Let’s look at some of the popular ones.

There are apps that are not available on Google Play Store. You can download them via APK files. Or, you need an old version of an app, when Google Play Store is offering the latest version.

Apart from this, you can download many apps that are only available in certain regions. In such cases, it’s easier to download the APK file, and then install it on your phone.

Now that you know what an APK file is and why you need it, let’s see how you can actually install it on your phone.

How to Install an APK File on Android

A lot of people want to install APK files but are unsure how to do it. If you belong to this group, then we’re here to help you. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Installing an APK File on Your Android Mobile Phone:

• Open your browser and file the APK file you want to download. 
• Once it’s downloaded, open Downloads, tap on the APK file and tap Yes when prompted.
• The app will begin installing on the device.

Installing APK Files from Your Computer:

You can also install APK files on a desktop PC. Start by finding an APK file you want. 

When you install from a non-Google source on newer Android versions, you will see a prompt: 

You can also download a file manager app that will let you find files on your Android device. 

• Once you have downloaded the APK file on your computer, connect your device. 
• Choose a Media device and find your phone’s folder on your computer. 
• Copy the APK file into a folder of your choice on your smartphone. 
• Open the file manager, find the APK file, and install it. 

In a Nutshell

With this easy-to-follow guide, you have learned to install APK files on an Android smartphone or tablet. You can now install Google Play Store apps that are not available in your region, download versions of apps that are not up to date, etc. You can also install apps from third-party websites. Indeed, it’s a great way of getting hold of apps that are not available on Google Play Store. 

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