How to Download and Install APK File on Android?

Looking for a way on how to download and install APK File on Android devices?

If you have an Android device and you need to get an app, you go to the Google Play Store, search for your application or game, and tap install. Super simple, right?

However, there are some apps that are not available or listed on the Play Store for whatever reason, and if you do need the app. What do you do in that case? 

The best way is to download and install the APK file of the application.

So, if you have ever searched for an Android app outside the official Google Play Store, you probably have heard about the APK files.

So, What are they, and what exactly do they do?

What is an APK File?

APK abbreviates for Android Package Kit which is specifically created for Android Operating System.

It is the file format used for installing Android applications and it contains all the necessary files and elements for the app to install correctly on your device.

It may incorporate arranged code, pictures, content, shows, etc.

Similar to .dmg files for Mac and .exe file for Windows, the .apk file is a similar function for Android.

Related read: How to Download and Install Apps in Windows 10 

When you download an app from the Play Store, It automates the process of downloading and transferring the APK file directly to your device and runs it for you.

You never see the APK files because Android handles the app installation process in the background via another app distribution platform or usually Google Play itself.

Users can also download the .apk file of the application from other sources and install it manually on your device.

Why Would I Want to Install APK Files?

Unsurprisingly you will find several benefits of installing APK files manually.

One of the most common reasons why people download .apk files is that the app isn’t available in the Play Store or that it is restricted to certain regions and that it is not available in your country.

Another reason is that since app updates usually and it does take a frustrating amount of time to arrive and be available only as an Over the Air release.

If you’ve seen an article about an update on an app with newer features, but it hasn’t still rolled out in Play Store, you can avoid the waiting time by directly downloading the APK file which can get you early access to updates and exciting new features ahead of time.

This works for both ways. To either upgrade or downgrade an app. If you do like the older version, all you gotta do is install the older APK versions of the app otherwise, everything should be normal.

Another used to be a common reason but not so much now is android devices lacking access to the Google Play Store.

If that’s the case, you could either download the Google Play Store .apk, run it, and then install the other apps from the store or go with downloading individual APKs for each application.

Are APK files safe?

Even though Google Play Store isn’t as tightly regulated with its review processes as Apple App Store, but usually any sort of malicious or illegal apps are identified and removed quickly.

For instance, YouTube video downloaders are a perfect example of it.

The reason you don’t see apps like SnapTube, Vidmate is because Google refuses to list such apps since downloading videos from YouTube without permission violates its terms of use.

With many versions of APK files of the same app available on the web, you can end up with a harmful file on your device.

So, be wary of installing APK files from unknown sources as it may not always be safe.

With this flexibility and freedom, certain software that may be stolen, pirated, or illegal is available to install.

So, it’s best to download the .apk files only from reliable and trusted sources.

How To Download APK Files on Android Device? 

It doesn’t require any rocket science, just follow our step-by-step guide and we’ll get you started.

There are many APK file downloader on the web with APKMirror and APKPure being the most reliable and safe options.

They both host heaps of popular Android applications.

• Head over to APKPure.com or APKMirror.com in your browser. Anyone will do.
• On the homepage, they feature tons of latest and updates games or apps. Or you can use the search bar to manually type in the name of the app you want to download.
• It contains multiple versions of the app with the latest one at the top and you will also find their release date listed below the search query.
• Tap the “Download APK” button.
• Click on the “OK” if it prompts you for a download pathway. 

How to Install APK File?

You need to first allow installation of third-party apps to install the game or application through the APK file on your device.

 Head over to Settings < Privacy < and Tap the checkbox for “Allow installation of apps from unknown sources.” 

Once the file downloaded, open Download folder or your file manager.

After you have located the file, simply tap the APK file for the installation process to begin. You may also be prompted to allow certain permissions in order for the installation process to complete.

Congratulations! the app is installed on your device and you will find the app icon in your app drawer. Tap on it to open the newly installed application.

It’s a simple yet handy trick for android users to either test out, get the unreleased app, etc

Do you install APK files? Which sites do you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

IMPORTANT: I can’t stress this enough, You should download and install APK files only from sources you trust.