Then you will probably encounter the issue of opening the application distribution package, which is located in the APK file. Or perhaps you need to open such a distribution in order to view the files (for example, for later modification). We will tell you how to do both.
How to open APK file on Android
How to open APK files
APK format (short for Android Package) is the main one for distributing application installers, so by default, when you run such files, the installation of the program starts. Opening such a file for viewing is somewhat more difficult, but still feasible. Below we will describe the methods that will allow you to both open the APK and install them.
Method 1MiXplorer
MiXplorer has a built-in tool to open and view the contents of an APK file.
1. Launch the application. Navigate to the folder containing the target file.
2. Single click on the APK will bring up the following context menu.
We need an item Explore”, which should be pressed. The second point, by the way, will start the process of installing the application from the distribution, but more on that below.
3. The contents of the APK will be open for viewing and further manipulation.
Cunning this method lies in the very nature of the APK: despite the format, it is a modified version of the GZ / TAR.GZ archive, which, in turn, is a modified version of the compressed ZIP folders.
In case you want to install the application from the installer instead of browsing, do the following.
1. Go to " Settings” and find the item “ Safety" (otherwise it may be called " Security Settings»).
Go to this point.
2. Find the option " unknown sources ” and check the box next to it (or activate the switch).
3. Go to MiXplorer and navigate to the directory where the APK installer package is located. Tapping on it will open the familiar context menu, in which you already need to select the item " Package Installer».
4. The installation process of the selected application will start.
There are similar tools in many other file managers (for example, Root Explorer). The algorithm of actions for another application-explorer is almost identical.
Method 2: Total Commander
The second option to view an APK file as an archive is one of the most sophisticated explorer apps for Android.
1. Launch Total Commander and navigate to the folder with the file you wish to open.
2. As in the case of MiXplorer, a single click on a file will launch a context menu with opening options. To view the contents of the APK, select " Open as ZIP».
3. The files packaged in the distribution kit will become available for viewing and manipulation with them.
Follow the steps below to install the APK file using Total Commander.
1. Activate " unknown sources", as described in Method 1.
2. Repeat steps 1-2, but instead of " Open as ZIP» select option « Install».
Method 3: My APK
You can speed up the process of installing applications from an APK distribution by using an application such as My APK. This is an advanced manager to work with both installed programs, and with their installers.
1. Enable the installation of applications from unknown sources using the method described in Method 1.
2. Launch May APK. Click on the button in the top center apks».
3. After a short scan, the application will display all the APK files present on the device.
4. Find the right one among them using the search button at the top right or using filters by update date, name and size.
5. Once you find the APK you want to open, tap on it. The advanced properties window will appear. Familiarize yourself with it if you need to, then click on the button with three dots at the bottom right.
6. A context menu will open. We are interested in the item " Installation". Click on it.
7. The familiar application installation process will start.
My APK comes in handy when you don't know the exact location of the APK file or you really have a lot of them.
Method 4: System Tools
To install the downloaded APK system means you can do without a file manager. It is done like this.
1. Make sure you have enabled the option to install applications from unknown sources (described in Method 1).
2. Use a browser to download the APK file from a third party site. When the download is complete, click on the notification in the status bar.
Try not to delete this notice.
3. Clicking on download will launch the standard Android app installation process.
As you can see, anyone can handle it. The same way you can install any other APK file, you just need to find it on the drive and run it.
We have reviewed existing options, with which you can both view and install APK files on Android.
From the foregoing, we can conclude that the topic of today's publication will sound like this: how install apk file on Android. Many people do not know how to do this, although in fact everything is very simple.
So, friends, let's start with a small introductory part. If you remember, then in, we installed the Navitel navigation system from official store applications called Play market.
That is, we still don’t really know how what happened there: we just connected our mobile device to the Internet, went to the store, chose what we needed and clicked the “Install” button. This is all set.
But now we will do something completely different, because we already have a pre-downloaded setup file in the “apk” format and the Play Market itself in this case, we don’t need it at all:
So, for you to better understand, a file with such an extension is the program installer for the Android system. For example, if you installed programs on Windows yourself, you know that such files have the “exe” extension there.
From all of the above, the question follows: how to install the "apk" file, if not through the store? And here's how, read from now on very carefully. Further, we will consider everything using the example of the same Navitel Navigator.
Although there is no difference. For all applications this procedure exactly the same. All visibility in the article will be shown on the version of the Android 4.1.2 operating system.
And for starters, we definitely need to make one very tricky setting. Right now, select the "Settings" section:
And in the "Security" tab, check the box next to "Unknown sources". Screenshot below to help you:
Now we need to download the installation file itself with the "apk" extension. In our case, we find it on the official website of the program in the "Download" section:
Pay attention to the picture above. Quite often, when installing in this way, you will be prompted to select the screen resolution of your device. But if you don't know anything about it, choose the version that suits any display resolution.
After the apk file is downloaded to the computer, it will need to be copied to the memory card of your smartphone or tablet. To do this, connect to the PC using a cable:
As a result of this, on your mobile device A message will appear stating that the connection has been established. Now click on the "Enable USB storage" button at the bottom of the screen:
After that, the Android device will be detected on the computer as a regular flash drive, to which you need to copy the installation file:
Then again go to the settings menu by clicking on the icon in the upper right corner:
And in the "Applications" window that opens, select the "File Manager" item:
At this stage, you will see a list of folders, among which there is ours with the name "Download":
And finally, we see our apk file that needs to be installed on the Android system:
Click on it with your finger and the process has begun:
Now we are waiting for the end of copying files and you can run:
In principle, this is where all our science ends. We return to the "Applications" section and see the icon of the newly installed Navitel:
By the way, now in order to save space on the device’s flash drive, you can delete it yourself installation apk file applications. To do this, return to the "Download" folder and do the simple combinations shown in the figure below:
That's all the wisdom, my dear friends, now we can say with confidence that you know exactly how to install . Agree that there is really nothing complicated here.
And now a few words about the program itself, on the example of which we considered the principle of installing applications in this way. If you are a motorist, you should appreciate the capabilities of Navitel Navigator.
Moreover, now you can easily install it on your mobile device and wear full navigation system in your pants pocket. You just have to download from the official site (link at the beginning of the article) desired cards and drop them into the appropriate folders:
By the way, it is worth saying that the folder structure of Navitel on Android is completely identical. So study and use it to your health so as not to get lost. 😉
And on this note, let me take my leave, if you have any questions, you are welcome in the comments to the article. And now it's time for complete relaxation and the author slowly but surely plunges into a trance.
Not even all owners of devices with operating system Android knows what an APK file is. What can we say about those who have never used phones or tablets with this system. However, even owners of windows computers can get a lot of useful information from APK files.
First, let's understand what files are.
Android Package is a file extension that is used to distribute programs for any device that has Android installed. In windows, to install the program, you need to find the .exe file. In Android, for the same, you need to find exactly the APK. Such files are distributed through sites with software for phones or on special forums.
Android Package is an archive that stores the application itself and all the files necessary for its operation. .
Why they are needed and why they can be useful to owners of simple computers
For OS devices android already written many interesting and unusual applications. Most of them do not have a PC version. In this case, if you want to play your favorite game for your phone, but it is not at hand, you will need to install the APK file on your computer.
Another situation where you may want to open an APK on your computer is to view its contents. This may be required in order to partially change it. For example, translate it into the desired language.
Important! The files we are interested in do not have any additional encryption. An APK file is nothing but an archive in which application data is stored.
Browsing content
Now we will learn how to view the contents of a file, look at its structure and, if necessary, make changes to it. So we need:
You can also unpack this archive to your computer and access it at any time.
But most are still interested in how to start using applications on your computer. This will be a little more difficult to do, but still quite simple. This is for everyone.
The phone is also small computer. The only difference is fundamentally different software. Therefore, you will need to install a special program - emulator.
As the name implies, such a program, as it were, creates an Android-powered system on your device. You will be able to download, install any applications on the emulator and use them directly through your computer.
Android emulators are becoming more popular and in demand due to the growing number of unique applications. Now several developers can offer a high-quality and stable emulator. Consider several emulators and choose the most suitable for your tasks.
The most famous, widespread and used emulator is Bluestacks.
To begin with, we will open our file on it.
Important! Bluestacks is ideal for opening games, and most often it is used for this. The disadvantages of the application include in some places too cluttered interface and a large number of extra information which will not be useful to everyone.
Nox App Player
And this program is poorly suited for games. They often display incorrectly. graphic elements. In this emulator, the developers have focused on working with programs. You can get root in a couple of clicks. If you want to open the APK with this particular application, then you need to:
View content on Android
To view the contents of the apk file, and not it complete installation, we will help powerful program Apk editor for android. So we need:
Installing smartphone apps on your device is not that difficult. This can be done by any user.
Video - How to open an apk file on a computer
The Android OS involves the use of numerous applications that allow you to do anything on your device: play games, read, chat in in social networks and much more. You can download these programs different ways, but they all have apk format. Therefore, you need to know how to install the *apk file on Android.
Android devices use. apk files as archives for installing programs
apk- special format executable that was created for Android. The largest database of these archives is provided by the application store Google Play, through which everyone basically puts any software on their devices. But apk installation on Android it can be done in other ways, which are also important to know about.
In general, all installation methods are divided into those that are made without a PC, and those for which a computer is needed. But even this division is conditional. It is quite possible to do without Windows help when downloading any software. If you don’t know where to install apk files on Android, then don’t worry: everything is not like with Windows here, the system itself will unzip to the desired directory.
Google Play
Downloading and installing the "attachment" is the easiest. For this you need:
- Go to the app store.
- Select the program you are interested in.
- Press the "download" button.
- Then click the "install" button.
After that, the application will automatically install. You don’t need to do anything else, this method is the main one and is suitable for most software downloaded on Android.
File manager
It happens that the required installer is not available on Google Play. This happens quite rarely, but some software, for example, Kate Mobile just doesn't want to install standard method. Then you should know how to install apk files on Android using file managers. Any such program will do, for example, ES File Explorer.
- Download the required installer through the browser. You can also download the archive through a computer, and then transfer it to a memory card or using a USB cable directly to a smartphone or tablet.
- We launch ES Explorer and in one of the folders (as a rule, these are “Downloads”) we find our installer.
- Click on it, after which the installation process will start.
Everything now desired application loaded. In new Androids it will not always be allowed to install unknown programs. To get around this, in the settings, in the "Security" section, check the box next to "Unknown sources".
In addition, there are special utilities called . If a file manager allows you to simply rummage through folders, then the file manager is used as an apk installer for Android. One such utility is SlideME Mobentoo App Installer. Just download it for your device and run it. And then she herself will check if there are installers in the SD card or device memory, after which it will be easy to download the necessary software.
Browser
Another method to install apk on android. You will need any browser for it, and standard google Chrome.
- We open the browser.
- In the address bar enter: content://com.android.htmlfileprovider/sdcard/[FILE NAME].apk.
- Press "Enter".
Installation will begin. If this does not happen, you can try to drive: file:///sdcard/[FILE NAME].apk. Also check the spelling of the archive name and make sure it is downloaded to your device.
QR code
It's a new trendy way to install apps. Very often, on billboards or various websites, you can see a QR code by which you can install a program. A QR code is a kind of link, by opening which we get access to the installer. To follow this link, you need, you can download it through Google Play, there are enough such utilities today. After that, we simply scan the code, then we are most often transferred to Google Play, from where the “attachment” will be loaded.
Computer and special programs
Some users may also find it useful to know how to install apk on Android. You can only do this if you have it on your PC. special utilities. One of these is InstallAPK.
- Download this program to your computer.
- Connect your smartphone or tablet to it using a USB cable.
- Click on the PC on the desired archive.
- A window appears in which you will be prompted to install on an Android device.
- We agree.
After that, the desired application will be downloaded. As you can see, everything is very easy.
Now you know how the most different methods install apk file on android. It is also important to remind you once again that if you are unable to run the installer, then check if you have a checkmark in the "Security" section. You should not download installers from unknown sources, as this can lead to the appearance of virus software on the system. Download only from sites that are really safe.
Similar articles
Android system favorably differs from other platforms in openness for the user. In fact, anyone can access system processes and reshape the device for yourself. Many do this by changing the firmware from official to amateur, or changing individual processes with special applications. If you are not very knowledgeable about how to change the system and do not want to take risks
Installing applications without using Google Play on the Android- the task is quite simple. In addition, she has several types of solutions at once. With this guide, you will learn how to use each of them.
Why do you even need to install applications without using Google Play? And will it harm the phone? Among the main reasons for using third party sources, you can highlight the savings in traffic (sometimes it takes more money than to buy it), saving money (on the Internet you can often find free APKs those applications for which Google Play you have to pay money), and, in addition, the lack of an application on Google Play(some developers distribute their applications bypassing the Store from Google to monetize the development with the help of site visitors. Example - player streaming video sopcast). Therefore, the ability to install applications without Google Play will always be useful to you.
Installation third party applications from trusted sources such as will not harm your phone. On our site, all applications are checked for viruses and malicious scripts, and therefore your phone will always remain completely safe. It is worth noting that even installing an application using Google Play does not always guarantee your device complete security.
In order to freely download and install applications from third-party sites, you need to allow your phone to install from unverified sources. This is done simply. In new versions Android appropriate settings can be made by going to SETTINGS, and further to the section SAFETY. One of the columns in this section is the column "Unknown sources", in which you must check the box, and then agree to the changes.
In addition, you will need any file manager. website recommends using for this purpose Total Commander . Click on to download it with Google Play.
That's all! Now you can install applications not from Google Play.
1. The first and easiest way is to install applications from your phone itself.
In order to upload the application to your smartphone, you must immediately download it. Use the internal browser of your phone for this (in the screenshot, an example from Google Chrome for android). Type in address bar browser site address (for example,), find and download the desired apk file. On the site, download links for applications are located under the reviews, where you can download them for free.
Next, you need to tap on the link, after which the download of the application file to your device will begin. Usually, by default, the download occurs in the folder sdcard/Download in internal memory your phone. After downloading, you can exit the browser to proceed to the next step.
Next, you need to launch your file manager (in our case, this is Total Commander), after which file system devices find our APK file. As already mentioned, it is usually located in the folder Download in the phone's internal memory.
After you have found the downloaded application file, you need to open it. Total Commander When you click on the application icon, it displays three options for action: Install, Open as ZIP and Google Play. Choose "Install". Next, the device itself will once again ask you about the installation. Press again "Install". We are waiting for the installation process to complete - and that's it! The application is uploaded to your device!
2. The second way, which will help save mobile traffic, is to install an Android application with personal computer by using USB cable.
We launch any Internet browser from the computer and go to the site with applications, for example, on. We are looking for the program you like and download it, as in previous method. We save apk file to any folder on your computer.
Next, connect your device to the computer using USB cable. After that, we draw out the “curtain” on the Android device and select "Connect as storage device" or "Media Device". After that we go to "My computer" and look for your phone or tablet there.
Copy the previously downloaded APK file to any folder of the device on Android and remember it. After copying is completed, the smartphone can be disconnected from the PC.
Using the same Total Commander or any other Explorer, we are looking for the folder in which the application was saved. Found? You are almost there.
As in the previous method, open APK file by tapping on it and double tapping "Install". We are waiting for the completion of the installation process and rejoice. The application is uploaded to the smartphone!
3. The third way to install applications on android concerns the installation of games with a cache.
The fact is that some developers, in order to reduce the size of the downloaded file, separate some of the game elements from apk file. In this case, you have to install the game separately, and separately the cache. The exception is games that, after installation, “download” the necessary files themselves.
So, what do we need for this type of installation? The easiest way is to install with PC. Download to get started apk file application and accompanying cache. Save both files to any folder on your computer. Next, using the second method above, install the application file (apk).
After that, go to the cache. On the site, the installation instructions always describe in which folder you need to put your cache. We search and open it with "My computer". AT separate window open the cache file. It is usually archived in ZIP- or rar- file. Using the appropriate archiver, extract the cache folder from the archive. After that, copy it to the phone in the folder specified in the review. Most often, this is a folder sdcard/Android/data/obb, however, there are exceptions. For example, the cache sometimes has to be copied to folders sdcard/android/data/ or sdcard/gameloft/games/(games from Gameloft). In any case, when downloading applications from, you can't go wrong. The main thing - pay attention to the instructions.
After the cache is copied to desired folder, disconnect the smartphone from the PC and launch the application. Ready! Good game!
