What is .apk?
.apk (Android Package Kit) is the package format used to distribute and install Android apps. An APK file bundles the compiled app code, resources, assets, manifest metadata, and compiled bytecode into a single archive that Android devices and emulators can install.
This quick guide explains when to use .apk files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .apk files
- You are sideloading an Android app that is not distributed through the Play Store.
- You are testing development builds of your own Android applications on devices or emulators.
- You need to share a specific signed build of an app with QA, clients, or teammates.
- You are distributing apps through alternative stores or internal enterprise channels.
How to open .apk files
On Android devices, APK files are installed by enabling app installation from trusted sources and opening the APK with the system package installer. On desktop systems, APKs can be opened with archive tools to inspect contents, or loaded into emulators such as Android Studio Emulator, Bluestacks, or other Android runtime environments. When you upload APK files to FileXhost, they can be shared as downloadable app packages for testers or collaborators, who then install them on their own devices or emulators.
Algorithm details
APK files are ZIP-based archives that contain compiled Dalvik/ART bytecode (DEX files), native libraries, resources, assets, the AndroidManifest.xml, and signing information. During installation, Android verifies the cryptographic signature, parses the manifest, and deploys the app's code and resources into the system. Modern Android builds often originate from Android App Bundles (AAB), which are then transformed into optimized APKs for specific devices.
Browser & platform support
- Desktop: Browsers treat APK files as downloadable binaries; they cannot run APKs directly.
- Mobile: Mobile browsers on Android can download APKs, which are then handed off to the system installer if allowed by security settings.
- OS: Windows, macOS, and Linux require emulators or specific development tools to run or inspect APK files.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | APK is specific to Android; iOS uses IPA files for app distribution. |
| Container | APK uses a ZIP-based container bundling code, resources, and metadata in one file. |
| Distribution | Used for direct installs and many app stores, while AAB is used as an upload format for Google Play which then generates APKs. |
| Security | APK files must be signed; devices verify signatures before installation, but users should still install only from trusted sources. |
How to create apk files
- Android Studio: Build signed or debug APKs from Android Studio for testing or manual distribution.
- CI/CD Pipelines: Automated build systems produce APK artifacts from Android projects for QA and release workflows.
- Alternative Stores: Developer consoles for alternative app stores may export APK builds for distribution.
- Build Tools: Command-line tools like Gradle and bundletool can generate APKs from source or AAB packages.
How to convert apk files
- FileXhost: Share built APK files via FileXhost so testers and stakeholders can download and install them on devices.
- bundletool: Convert Android App Bundles (AAB) into device-specific APKs.
- Archive Tools: Use ZIP tools to inspect or extract resources from APKs without converting them.
- Reverse Engineering: Specialized tools can decompile APKs for analysis, but this is typically used for debugging or security research.
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Standard format for installing apps on Android devices and emulators
- Self-contained package for code, resources, and manifest metadata
- Works well for internal distribution and sideloading builds
Disadvantages
- Platform-specific to Android; not useful on iOS or other platforms
- Sideloading from untrusted sources can introduce significant security risks
- Large apps may require split APKs or App Bundles for optimal delivery
Tools & software
Development
Android Studio, Gradle, Android SDK build tools
Emulators
Android Studio Emulator, Bluestacks, Genymotion, other Android emulators
Utilities
bundletool, adb, APK Analyzer, APK extraction and inspection tools
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to install an APK from the internet?
APK files are only as safe as their source. Installing APKs from untrusted websites can expose devices to malware. Always verify the publisher and checksums, and prefer official or vetted app stores whenever possible.
What is the difference between APK and AAB?
APK is the installable package used on devices, while AAB (Android App Bundle) is a publishing format that Google Play uses to generate optimized APKs per device configuration.
Can I open an APK on my computer?
Yes. You can open APKs as ZIP archives to inspect files or run them in Android emulators. However, they cannot be executed directly like native desktop applications.
How do I share an APK with testers?
Upload the APK to FileXhost or another secure file host and share the link with testers. They can download the APK on their Android devices, enable installation from trusted sources, and install the app for testing.
Technical specs
- File type
- Executable
- Extension
- .apk
- MIME type
- application/vnd.android.package-archive, application/octet-stream
- Compression
- Uncompressed
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.
Share .apk files instantly
Upload your .apk file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .apk file