The Best Tools to Extract APK Files from Google Play Store Apps
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How to Extract APK Files from Google Play Store
If you are an Android user, you might have wondered how to download and install apps that are not available on the official Google Play Store. Or maybe you want to save a backup copy of your favorite app or game, or try an older version of it. One way to do that is to extract the APK file of the app from the Google Play Store and then sideload it on your device.
But what is an APK file and how can you extract it from the Google Play Store? In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about APK files, their benefits and risks, and how to extract them from the Google Play Store on your Android device or Windows PC.
extract apk from google play store
What is an APK file and why would you want to extract it?
An APK file (Android Package Kit file format) is the file format used by the Android operating system, and a number of other Android-based operating systems for distribution and installation of mobile apps, mobile games and middleware. A file using this format can be built from source code written in either Java or Kotlin.
An APK file contains all of a program's code (such as .dex files), resources, assets, certificates, and manifest file. As is the case with many file formats, APK files can have any name needed, but it may be required that the file name ends in the file extension for being recognized as such.
Normally, when you download an app from the Google Play Store, you don't see or access the APK file directly. The Play Store handles the installation process for you. However, there are some situations where you might want to extract the APK file of an app from the Google Play Store, such as:
You want to install an app that is not available in your region or country.
You want to install an app that is not compatible with your device or Android version.
You want to install an app that has been removed or banned from the Play Store.
You want to install an older or newer version of an app that is not available on the Play Store.
You want to backup or share an app with someone else.
You want to modify or customize an app for your own purposes.
APK file format and structure
APK files are packaged as compressed in ZIP file format that can be opened with any ZIP file opening software. The .apk extension of such a file can be renamed to .zip and open the file in any ZIP application or extract its contents.
An APK file typically consists of the following components:
An AndroidManifest.xml file that defines the app's name, version, permissions, components, and other metadata.
A classes.dex file that contains the compiled Java or Kotlin code of the app.
A resources.arsc file that contains precompiled resources, such as strings, colors, layouts, etc.
Benefits and risks of extracting APK files
Extracting APK files from the Google Play Store can have some advantages and disadvantages, depending on your purpose and situation. Here are some of the benefits and risks of extracting APK files:
Benefits:
You can access apps that are not available or compatible with your device, region, or Android version.
You can install older or newer versions of apps that may have features or fixes that you prefer.
You can backup or share apps with others without using data or internet connection.
You can modify or customize apps to suit your needs or preferences.
Risks:
You may violate the terms and conditions of the app developer or the Google Play Store by extracting APK files.
You may expose your device to malware, viruses, or spyware by downloading APK files from untrusted sources.
You may compromise the security and privacy of your device and data by installing APK files that have been tampered with or contain malicious code.
You may encounter compatibility or performance issues by installing APK files that are not optimized for your device or Android version.
You may miss out on updates, bug fixes, or new features by installing APK files that are not from the Google Play Store.
Therefore, before you extract APK files from the Google Play Store, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully and make sure you trust the source and the app. You should also enable the option to install apps from unknown sources on your device settings, but only do so temporarily and disable it after you install the APK file. You should also scan the APK file with a reputable antivirus app before installing it.
How to extract APK files from Google Play Store on Android devices
If you want to extract APK files from the Google Play Store on your Android device, you have two main options: using APK extractor apps or using APK downloader websites. We will explain both methods below and provide some examples of popular tools you can use.
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Using APK extractor apps
APK extractor apps are apps that allow you to extract the APK file of any app installed on your device. You can then save, share, or install the APK file as you wish. There are many APK extractor apps available on the Google Play Store, but some of them may require root access or contain ads. Here are two examples of free and easy-to-use APK extractor apps that don't require root access:
Apk Extractor by meher
Apk Extractor by meher is a simple and lightweight app that lets you extract APK files from any app installed on your device. You can also search, sort, and filter the apps by name, size, date, or package name. You can also select multiple apps and extract them in batch mode. The extracted APK files are saved in a folder called "ExtractedApks" on your device storage.
To use Apk Extractor by meher, follow these steps:
Download and install Apk Extractor by meher from the Google Play Store .
Open the app and grant it permission to access your device storage.
Select the app you want to extract from the list of installed apps. You can also use the search bar or the filter icon to find the app more easily.
Tap on the app name and wait for a few seconds until a message appears saying "Apk Extracted Successfully."
The extracted APK file will be saved in a folder called "ExtractedApks" on your device storage. You can open this folder with any file manager app and view, share, or install the APK file as you wish.
App APK Extractor & Analyzer by AppTechno
App APK Extractor & Analyzer by AppTechno is another free and easy-to-use app that lets you extract APK files from any app installed on your device. You can also view detailed information about the app, such as its permissions, activities, services, signatures, etc. You can also select multiple apps and extract them in batch mode. The extracted APK files are saved in a folder called "AppTechno" on your device storage.
To use App APK Extractor & Analyzer by AppTechno, follow these steps:
Download and install App APK Extractor & Analyzer by AppTechno from the Google Play Store .
Open the app and grant it permission to access your device storage.
Select the app you want to extract from the list of installed apps. You can also use the search bar or the filter icon to find the app more easily.
Tap on the app name and choose one of the options: Extract APK, App Info, or Share APK.
If you choose Extract APK, wait for a few seconds until a message appears saying "APK Extracted Succes