Open apk file

apk file icon Did your computer fail to open apk file? We explain what apk files are and recommend software that we know can open your apk files.

What is apk file?

An apk file extension is used for Google Android application packages for Android based devices. apk files are basically a renamed zip files, used to install apps to Android smart phones and tablets.

apk file description

The apk file extension is associated with the Google Android smartphone operating system for portable devices.

The apk file is an archive that contains source data of Android application (compiled dex files, compiled arsc files, AndroidManifest.xml file, settings files, source files, graphic files).

APK files are stored in the /data/app directory. "App" directory is accessible only on rooted devices via file explorer.

Android package file is almost a jar file (Java Archive) which is based on the ZIP compression format. The content of APK archive is accessible by compression utilities such as WinRAR, WinZIP etc. To open APK archive in compression utility, rename file extension apk to zip.

New and most applications are available on the Google Play Store (formerly Android Market). Applications from the Play Store are signed and tested, but Android also supports installation of unsigned applications from online services or external devices.

To install Android apk application to your phone via USB:

  1. Connect your phone to computer via USB cable and copy .APK file to your phone storage or memory card
  2. Use file manager for example ASTRO
  3. Select the APK file

If you don't need to install app directly to your device from Play Store, only need an apk from it, use for example APK Downloader web service to download apk file from Play Store to your computer.

Some phone producers disable application installation service via USB in their phones. To enable this option go to the Settings > Applications and set the Unknown sources option to enabled.

Note: Google Android applications distributed through apk files can also run on devices with Tizen operating systems and Chrome OS with App Runtime for Chrome. New Microsoft Windows versions also support running of Android apps.

Software that will open apk file

Google Android

One of the most popular OS for mobile systems

Android Studio

Integrated development environment for Google Android apps

Google Android SDK

All the neccesary SDK development tools for making Android app

BlueStacks App Player for Windows

Android apps virtualization software for Windows

Google Play

On-line store and app that allows users to buy Android apps and multimedia content

Other apk file extensions

apk - Active Tutor project

Files with apk file extension might also be found as projects from Active Tutor authoring tool by 4C Soft.

apk - Asustor ADM application package

Files with apk file extension may also be application packages for Asustor ADM operating system. Not to be confused with Android files.

apk - GameSpy Arcade service data file

Files with apk file extension were also found in older GameSpy Arcade service for multiplayer gaming.

apk - Microsoft Train Simulator packaged activity data

An apk file extension is related to the Microsoft Train Simulator and used for its packaged activity files. An apk files also uses Quake 2 first person action shooter computer game.

What file extension actually is?

Simply put, file extensions are the characters after the dot in the file name, so for example filename.mp3 has file extension „mp3“. This helps Windows to identify which program should be used to open the file.

We can help you to open your file

Our database contains a huge list of different file extensions, usually with detailed description and programs that can be used to open or otherwise work with that particular file type.

Only original software

Every software listed in our database is verified and ve provide link to the developer or to the software own website, which should hopefuly be enough for you to download the most recent version of the program.