By default you directly install apps from Google Play store to your smart phone or tablet. But do you know that you can also easily download an APK file directly from Google Play store? APK file is the Android app installer package using which you can directly install an app on your device, same as Setup.exe file you use on your Windows PC!
There are several reasons I like to download APK files instead of directly installing from Google Play store:
1. If you have APK files, you have freedom to install the app on your device without having to connect to and downloading from Google Play store. It also acts as some kind of backup of your apps.
2. Often Google Play store suddenly might not allow you to install particular app telling that ‘your device doesn’t support this app’ – while you know well that your device is able to run that app. That’s very annoying!
3. Also I have seen incidents where some apps can’t be downloaded in particular country or region.
Since Google Play store is the most reliable place to download APK files, you might not want to download APK files from any other risky sites or sources.
There are other ways too to download APK files from the Play Store. You can try any of Google Chrome extensions available to achieve this on your computer. You can also install any of the apps available on Google Play Store to save APK from other apps.
Download APK Files from Google Play Store
Evozi provides a cool APK downloader using which you can easily download Android APK from Google Play Store for any app at single click. Here is the link where you can download APK files: apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/. All you need to do is just provide a link of Android app on Google Play Store and click ‘Generate Download Link’ button. It will show you a download link to download the APK file to your computer using your browser.
Evozi also provides a Chrome extension (plug-in) which allows you to download APK from Google Play Store directly from Chrome browser.
Update: Apart from Evozi, now there are many sites and online tools available that can help you get APK file for an Android app on Google App Stores.
Difficulty Installing an App Using APK File on Your Android Device?
Due to security reasons, by default your Android device may not allow you to directly install an app using APK files. Using your phone’s menu, you just need to go to Settings -> Applications. In Application Settings, you will see an option ‘Unknown Sources – Allow installation of non-Market applications’. Simply check that option and now you may install apps in your device using APK.
I would recommend using this option carefully. Please make sure you do not install any app from unreliable sources even by mistake.
Thanks man!
I really didn’t know all this.
Doesn’t work
Hi Tony, let me know what issue you are facing, I’ll try to help.
Jignesh,
I am unable to install app using .apk file if I downloaded apk file from email or link. But If I download .apk file from Skype contact, able to install. What could be the issue?? I already enabled Unknown sources check box.
Hi Hari, please try changing the setting (see screenshot “Unknown Sources”) mentioned above at the end of the post. Let me know if that works.