What is an APK and what does it do?

If you’re an Android user, you’ve likely come across an APK at least once, but what is an APK? Why is it important for Android users to know about this type of file? Let’s quickly discuss what an APK is and why it’s important to Android.

Owners of Android devices have plenty of options when it comes to customizing their appearance and getting the most out of their devices. There are third-party launchers you can use for live wallpapers, tweak a lot of settings to customize the look of your menu, or even add additional settings on your phone. Android phones have a lot of these options, and most of them are through APK files.

What Is an APK File?

APK stands for Android Package Kit (also Android Application Package) and is the file format that Android uses to distribute and install apps. It contains all the elements that an app needs to install correctly on your device. A file with the APK file extension is an Android Package file that's used to distribute applications on Google's Android operating system.

APK files are saved in the ZIP format and are typically downloaded directly to Android devices, usually via the Google Play store, but can also be found on other websites. It is a package file format used by the Android operating system for the distribution and installation of mobile applications. Some of the content found in a typical APK file includes an AndroidManifest.xml, classes.dex, and resources.arsc files, as well as a META-INF and res folders.

Just like the Windows operating system uses.exe files for installing software, the same thing goes for Android. So basically, when you download this kind of file, you are just getting an app. The reason some people don’t know about APKs is because most people get their apps from the Google Play Store, which doesn’t show the word APK when you download an app.

Normally, when you visit Google Play to download an app, it automatically downloads and installs the APK for you. While you can extract APKs from the Play Store, they’re also available to download from alternative app stores.

What Are APK Files Used For?

Android users who think that the default settings and applications are restricting and would like to get more freedom with their device should opt for installing APK files. Although apps in Google Play are APK files, installing them is quite simple, and the process is fully automated, unlike sideloading a third-party file.

You’ll find several benefits to installing APKs manually. One of the biggest is getting access to apps ahead of time. When a major Google app (like Calendar) releases a major update, it can take a week or more for your device to get it. Installing the APK lets you skip the wait and update right away.

If you want to get apps or games that are still in the beta stage or are still unavailable in your location or for your device, you can download the file from a legit website. Aside from this reason, these are the other main uses of APK files:

• Using APK files enables you to download and use apps that are leaked ahead of their official release. This isn’t what casual users will do, but Android enthusiasts and hardcore gamers do it all the time.

• APK files allow you to override carriers and download the newest Google updates. There's no need to wait for a long time to get Over-The-Air updates.

• Sometimes you may not be able to install apps on your Android device because of some region restrictions imposed by Google. In these times, installing third-party files will be a solution to your problem.

• Some developers may not offer their app on the Google Play Store. In this kind of situation, you will need to use an APK file.

Some files are safe, while others are not. This is because the Google Play Store isn’t as tightly regulated as Apple’s App Store, but any malicious apps are usually identified and removed immediately.

Sideloading APKs also lets you install apps on your device that aren’t available on Google Play. But, just like desktop software, downloading APK files from random websites isn’t a good idea. This is especially true if the site promises you a paid app for free.

When you download an APK file from a third-party site, there is no protection, making your device vulnerable to threats. Malicious developers can trick unsuspecting Android users into installing ransomware or other malicious software by dressing it up to look like a legitimate application.

You need to be cautious when downloading these types of files. According to F-Secure, a mobile technology threat researcher, over 90% of mobile malware is targeted at the Android system. This is why using sites with questionable reputations to get these files may prove to be a security threat to your device.

Also, some countries may consider it a serious breach if you install paid apps for free illegally. Just be cautious and make sure that you are not violating any laws. If you have strict cyber laws, the best way to go about this is to explore legal ways to get paid apps for free.

Make sure that you try to follow the best security practices for an Android device to enhance the safety of your phone and the data on it. You should consider using a reputed Android security app when downloading these kinds of files.

Conclusion

Users may benefit from APKs from trusted sources. However, some sites, despite looking reliable, may contain APK files that are malicious. Before downloading an APK file, users should thus look at some user comments or reviews before proceeding to download.