How To Find Apk Files
For example, if you want to send the APK file to Dropbox and you have the Dropbox app installed on your Android, you'd tap Dropbox and then tap Add to upload the APK. 6 Upload the APK.
- But make sure you never download Android app apk files from any other source than the ones listed in this post. Download: Raccoon for Windows. About The Author. Lovejeet is a Proud Geek and tech. Enthusiast, who is ardent to learn more about the technology that surrounds us. He loves to tinker around with his gadgets and when he find.
- Installing an APK File. APK files may be downloaded from the web or saved as an email attachment. If you receive an APK file in an email and you want to install it, just click the attachment and tap Install to install the app on your tablet or smartphone. If you've downloaded an APK file from the web, you can find it in your Downloads folder (Apps & Widgets → Downloads).
Android APK or application package files are saved with an ‘.apk’ extension, which is an extension of JAR. If you own an Android device, it will already have installed APK files on it, making it possible for you to distribute and install different Android applications, as well as run it regardless of the Android operating system that you have.
How To Find Apk Files On Android Tablet
What you need to know about APK files
Before we proceed on how you can find free APK files for android games, apps and widgets, it would be good if you learn the basics about APK files. Most Android device owners are not aware of APK files and do not know what they are for. Although your phone can live without it since OS available for Android devices can handle them on their own, there would be cases where you need to handle different APK files, especially if you have plans of downloading apps and programs other than the Android Market. However, APK files are essential in Android development and if you are a developer for Android apps or have any plans of learning about it, you may want to learn everything you can about APK files.
APK files are distributed in the Android Market, with your Android device automatically installing one once downloaded. Some APK files that are not distributed officially by the Android Market may need to be saved on your device before they are installed. This will contain all the needed information for a program to be installed and successfully run on your device.
How are APK files installed?
In many cases, APK files are automatically installed on Android devices through their Android market app. However, downloading programs from other sources will require you to install the APK file manually, which is typically a straightforward process. All you need to do is save or copy it on your device’s memory.
Once you have it installed and you want to update the file manually, you will need to export a new APK file, and copy it to the device again, the same process as you did for the first time.
Where to find free APK files?
Now the long wait is over. We’re gonna tell you where you can find free APK files for your Android device. Google, which we all consider as the mother of all search engines, can be used for searching for free APK files of games, apps and widgets for Adnroid devices. If you cannot find an app that you want in the Android Market, then Google is your next best option. Keep in mind however, the Google’s Android Market follows a set of rules and regulations before approving and releasing an application submitted by a developer. If they find the app useless or trustworthy, this will be removed from the list. Although third party apps that are not approved or listed in the Android Market are readily available, you will be required to manually install APK files on your device.
To make your search easier, you can use the following terms below when looking for specific types of APK files:
Do a Google search with the following search term –
For games APK files –
For specific games –
If you need help or questions on a certain application, you can visit XDA Developers by using the keyword below on your search engine:
Now you are all set to download and install APK files on your Android device!
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.Where can i find the .apk file of an application on my device, which i downloaded and installed from Google Play Store. Just in case i want to send it to one of my friends through Bluetooth etc..,??
closed as off topic by Andro Selva, onof, Kevin Gosse, Barak, Dan BlowsAug 30 '12 at 13:36
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4 Answers
There is an app in google play known as MyAppSharer. Open the app, search for the app that you have installed, check apk and select share. The app would take some time and build the apk. You can then close the app. The apk of the file is located in /sdcard/MyAppSharer
This does not require rooting your phone and works only for apps that are currently installed on your phone
All user installed apks are located in /data/app/, but you can only access this if you are rooted(afaik, you can try without root and if it doesn't work, rooting isn't hard. I suggest you search xda-developers for rooting instructions)
Use Root explorer or ES File Explorer to access /data/app/ (you have to keep going 'up' until you reach the root directory /, kind of like C: in windows, before you can see the data directory(folder)). In ES file explorer you must also tick a checkbox in settings to allow going up to the root directory.
When you are in there you will see all your applications apks, though they might be named strangely. Just copy the wanted .apk and paste in the sd card, after that you can copy it to your computer and when you want to install it just open the .apk in a file manager (be sure to have install from unknown sources enabled in android settings).Even if you only want to send over bluetooth I would recommend copying it to the SD first.
PS Note that paid apps probably won't work being copied this way, since they usually check their licence online.PPS Installing an app this way may not link it with google play(you won't see it in my apps and it won't get updates).
You can use a file browser with an backup function, for example the ES File ExplorerLong tap a item and select create backup
You can do that I believe. It needs root permission. If you want to know where your apk files are stored, open a emulator and then go to
DDMS>File Explorer-> you can see a directory by name 'data' -> Click on it and you will see a 'app' folder.
Your apks are stored there. In fact just copying a apk directly to the folder works for me with emulators.