An apk file extension is used for Google Android application packages for Android-based devices. apk files are renamed zip files used to install Android smartphone and tablet apps.
APK file extension - Google Android application package
What is apk file? How to open apk files?
The apk file extension is associated with the Google Android operating system for smartphones and portable devices.
The apk file (Android Package Kit) is an archive containing source data of an Android application (compiled dex files, arsc files, AndroidManifest.xml file, settings files, source files, graphic files).
APK files are stored in the /data/app directory. The "App" directory is accessible only on rooted devices via File Explorer.
The Android package file is almost a jar file (Java Archive) based on the ZIP compression format. The content of APK archive is accessible by compression utilities such as WinRAR, WinZip, etc. To open the APK archive in a compression utility, rename the file extension apk to zip.
The latest and most popular applications are available on the Google Play Store (formerly the Android Market). Applications from the Play Store are signed and tested, but Android also supports installation of unsigned applications from online services, other online sources, or external devices.
To install the Android apk application on your phone via USB:
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Connect your phone to the computer via USB cable and copy the .APK file to your phone storage or memory card.
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Use a file manager, for example ASTRO.
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Select the APK file and install.
To download an apk file from the Play Store to your computer, for example, you can use APK Downloader web service if you don't need to install an app directly to your device.
Some phone manufacturers disable application installation service via USB on their phones. To enable this option, go to Settings > Applications and set the Unknown sources option to enabled.
Note: Google Android applications distributed through apk files can also run on devices with the Tizen operating system and Chrome OS with App Runtime for Chrome. New Microsoft Windows versions also support running of Android apps.
If you want to play popular Android games on your Windows PC, Google announced Google Play Games software that enables this feature.
Updated: September 23, 2023
The default software associated to open apk file:
Company or developer:
Google Inc.
Android SDK provides the tools and libraries necessary to begin developing applications that run on Android-powered devices (mobile phones, tablets etc.).
Android SDK was replaced by Android Studio development tool.
Company or developer:
Nox Limited
NoxPlayer is based on virtualization and creates a virtual environment of the latest Android where you can install and run your favorite Android apps and games. NoxPlayer has a nice and clean user interface, making its users addicted.
BlueStacks App Player for Windows
Company or developer:
Bluestack Systems, Inc.
An Android apps virtualization software for Windows that gives users the option to run android apps directly from Windows Sidebar. It contains 10 pre-loaded apps "out of the box" and more apps can be installed. Now supports on-line streaming.
Company or developer:
Google Inc.
Android Studio is the official IDE for Android application development, based on IntelliJ IDEA.
Company or developer:
Google Inc.
A popular operating system for smart phones and tablet computers developed by the Google. Android is based on the Linux kernel. Basic Android's applications are closely related to Google account and services such as Gmail, Calendar, Maps, YouTube, etc.
Applications for Android are written in Java source code but finally compiled for Android Dalvik virtual machine. In Android 4.4 and later is used new runtime environment called Android Runtime (ART) with JIT compiler.
New applications for Android are available on the Google Play a one of the basic applications in clean Android installation.
Google Android operating system versions:
- Android 9 Pie
- Android 8 O (Oreo)
- Android 7 Nougat
- Android 6 Marshmallow
- Android 5 Lollipop
- 4.4.x KitKat
- 4.3.x Jellybean
- 4.2.x Jellybean
- 4.1.x Jellybean
- 4.0.x Ice Cream Sandwich
- 3.x.x Honeycomb
- 2.3.x Gingerbread
- 2.2 Froyo
- 2.1 Eclair
- 1.6 Donut
- 1.5 Cupcake
Company or developer:
Google Inc.
Google Play is on-line store and Android app pre-installed app that allows users to install apps, utilities and games to Google Android phones as well as purchase and download other content, like e-books, movies and music.
List of software applications associated to the .apk file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open apk file, edit apk file, convert apk file, view apk file, play apk file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).
Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting apk files.
Software that open apk file - Google Android application package
Programs supporting the exension apk on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open apk file action.
Microsoft Windows:
Apple macOS / Mac OS X:
Linux/Unix:
Multiplatform:
Main software associated with apk file by default:
Android Studio
Other suggested software:
ARChon for Chrome