Files with asec extension are used for Android encrypted application packages. ASEC file format was introduced in Android 2.2 and allows users to move applications on the SD card installed in their Android phone in encrypted format.

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Software that open asec file

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ASEC file extension - Google Android encrypted application package

What is asec file? How to open asec files?

File extension asec is associated with the Google Android operating system. Android from version 2.2 Froyo supports installation of applications to memory card. Applications moved to memory card are encrypted and use ASEC file extension. ASEC files can be found in .android_secure folder saved on memory card.

Applications stored in ASEC encrypted file format cannot be modified by other applications installed in phone, or computer. Applications installed on SD card are paired with Android phone, where they have been installed. It is not possible to put SD card to other Android phone and run applications installed on SD card.

Only Android SDK Emulator that is a part of Android SDK Tools is able to run applications installed on SD card in ASEC encrypted format, if the Android phone with SD card is connected to the computer.

If you move application back from SD card to phone's local storage, Android also decrypted ASEC package file to standard APK application package.

Updated: November 9, 2023

The default software associated to open asec file:

Android Studio icon

Google Inc. logoAndroid Studio  Multiplatform software

Company or developer:
Google Inc.

Android Studio is the official IDE for Android application development, based on IntelliJ IDEA.

Google Android icon

Google Inc. logoGoogle Android  Google Android software

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

Related articles:

Android APK file format description

Help how to open:

Android applications installed on SD card in ASEC file format can be run only on Android phone, where they have been installed, or in Android SDK Emulator, if you have connected Android Phone that contains SD card with applications to computer.

How to convert:

The only format to which ASEC packages can be converted is APK android app packages.

Find conversions from asec file:

asec to apk

asec to pdf

Find converter to asec file type:

apk to asec

List of software applications associated to the .asec 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 asec file, edit asec file, convert asec file, view asec file, play asec 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 asec files.

Software that open asec file - Google Android encrypted application package

Programs supporting the exension asec on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open asec file action.

Multiplatform:

Google Android:

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