How to Download APK from Play Store
If you are an Android user, you may have heard of APK files. These are the files that contain the code and resources of Android apps. You can install apps on your Android device by downloading and running these files. But how do you download APK files from the Google Play Store, which is the official source of Android apps? And why would you want to do that?
how to download apk from play store
In this article, we will explain what an APK file is, why you may want to download it, what are the benefits and risks of doing so, how to enable unknown sources on your Android device, and how to download and install APK files from the Play Store using three different methods. Let's get started!
What is an APK file and why you may want to download it
An APK file is a package that contains all the components of an Android app. It stands for Android Package Kit, and it is the format used by the Android operating system to distribute and install apps. When you download an app from the Play Store, you are actually downloading and running an APK file in the background, but you don't have access to the file itself.
However, there are some situations where you may want to download an APK file directly. For example, you may want to:
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Access and use apps that are leaked ahead of their official release
Override carriers and download the newest Google updates
Install apps that are not available in your region
Access apps that are not offered on the Play Store
Download older versions of apps that work better on your device
Backup or share apps with others
Benefits of downloading APK from Play Store
Downloading APK files from the Play Store has some advantages over other sources. Some of them are:
You can get official and verified apps that are safe and secure
You can get updated and compatible apps that work well with your device
You can get access to a large variety of apps for different purposes
You can get support and feedback from developers and users
You can get automatic updates for your apps
Risks of downloading APK from Play Store
However, downloading APK files from the Play Store also has some risks. Some of them are:
You may violate the terms and conditions of the Play Store and the app developers
You may expose your device to malware and viruses that can harm your data and privacy
You may encounter compatibility and performance issues with your device and other apps
You may lose some features and functionality of the app that are dependent on the Play Store
You may miss out on important updates and bug fixes for your app
How to enable unknown sources on your Android device
Before you can download and install APK files from the Play Store, you need to enable unknown sources on your Android device. This is a security setting that allows you to install apps from sources other than the Play Store. By default, this setting is disabled to prevent unauthorized or harmful apps from being installed on your device.
To enable unknown sources, follow these steps:
Go to Settings on your device and tap Security or Privacy
Find the option that says Unknown sources or Install unknown apps and toggle it on
A warning message will appear, telling you the risks of installing apps from unknown sources. Tap OK or Allow to confirm
You can now download and install APK files from the Play Store or other sources
Method 1: Use a web tool to download APK from Play Store URL
One of the easiest ways to download APK files from the Play Store is to use a web tool that can generate a download link from the app URL. There are many websites that offer this service, such as APKPure, APKMirror, Evozi, etc. Here is how to use this method:
Open Google Play Store on your device or web browser and find the app you want to download
Copy the app URL from the address bar or tap Share and copy the link
Go to a web tool like APKPure or APKMirror and paste the URL in the search box
Tap Search or Enter and wait for the web tool to generate a download link for the APK file
Tap Download or Download APK and save the file to your device or computer
Method 2: Use an APK extractor app to download APK from installed apps
Another way to download APK files from the Play Store is to use an APK extractor app that can extract the APK file from any app installed on your device. This method is useful if you want to backup or share an app that you already have on your device. There are many apps that can do this, such as App APK Extractor & Analyzer, ML Manager, etc. Here is how to use this method:
Download and install an APK extractor app like App APK Extractor & Analyzer from the Play Store
Open the app and grant any permissions required
Select the app you want to extract the APK from and tap Extract App
Choose where to save the APK file on your device or share it with others
Method 3: Use a USB cable to transfer the APK file from your computer
A third way to download APK files from the Play Store is to use a USB cable to transfer the file from your computer to your device. This method is useful if you want to download an app that is not available on your device or region, or if you want to save bandwidth and time. Here is how to use this method:
Download the APK file from a web browser on your computer using any of the methods above
Connect your Android device to your computer with a USB cable and enable file transfer mode
Copy and paste the APK file to your device storage, preferably in a folder that is easy to find
Eject your device safely from your computer and disconnect the USB cable
How to install APK files on Android
Once you have downloaded an APK file from the Play Store using any of the methods above, you need to install it on your Android device. To do this, follow these steps:
Locate the APK file on your device using a file manager app like Files by Google or ES File Explorer
Tap the APK file and tap Install when prompted. If you see a message that says "For your security, your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source", tap Settings and enable Allow from this source
Follow the on-screen instructions and grant any permissions required by the app
The app will be installed on your device and you can launch it from your app drawer or home an APK file, you can do it the same way as you would uninstall any other app on your device. You can either go to Settings > Apps and find the app you want to uninstall, or you can long-press the app icon on your home screen or app drawer and tap Uninstall. You will be asked to confirm your action and the app will be removed from your device. 44f88ac181