Android APKs: what are these files and how do you install them?

We’re going to explain what Android APK files are and how you can install them. This type of file can be a double-edged sword: on the one hand, it can help you install apps that aren’t available on Google Play, but on the other, it could result in a virus or malware being installed on your mobile if you’re not careful.

So, let’s start by explaining exactly what these types of files are, and what you need to know to avoid any issues when using them. Then, we’ll move on to a simple step-by-step guide on how to install them on your Android phone or tablet.

What is an Android APK file?

Files ending with the .apk extension are executable files designed for Android. Every operating system has its own executable file formats, such as .exe files for Windows or .deb files for Debian-based GNU/Linux systems. In the case of Android, these are APKs, or Android Application Packages.

This format is a variant of the Java JAR format and is used to distribute and install apps and games on devices running Google’s operating system, including smartphones, tablets, Smart TV systems and any other devices that use Android.

You don’t need anything to run an .APK file; simply open it and it will start working, and you won’t need any special apps to do so. These files are almost always used to install apps without going through Google Play, and although in most cases they contain all the data needed to run the app, there are times when you may need to download some additional files.

And if you happen to be installing an APK that requires additional data to be downloaded but you don’t have a connection, there is another type of file called an XAPK. These contain both the APK itself and an OBB file with the additional data you’ll need. They are used, for example, in games that take up a lot of memory and are quite large, and the APK and OBB files are usually downloaded separately.

Otherwise, APK files behave just like any other type of file, and you can share them freely between your devices. You can send them via email, instant messaging or any other method you like, and once you’ve downloaded them onto your Android device, you simply need to tap on them to run them.

However, APK files can also act as a gateway for various viruses and other types of threats. Bear in mind that they have not passed the security checks of Google’s official app store, so it is important to ensure that the source is trustworthy if you are going to install one.

To prevent this threat, most Android phones block the use of external APK files that you do not install directly from Google Play. So, if you are going to install an APK from outside the official app store, you will first need to disable this option.