How to Download and Install APK files

Nowadays most of the apps and games for Android devices that you download from external sources, different from Google Play, come in APK file format, or in some cases, XAPK or APP Bundles with OBB, ZIP, XAPK, and APKM

What exactly is the APK file format?

APK stands for Android Package Kit, the file format for installing applications and games used on the Android operating system. APK files are compiled with the Android Studio, the official IDE platform for building Android software. It can be written in either Java or Kotlin. APK file is officially recognized by Google and can be installed on Android devices by the default installer.

Download and locate the APK files

The best way to download is straight from your device's browser. All of the APK file on AndroidFreeware's website are confirmed safe by VirusTotal and tested by our review team. Usually the installation files are downloaded to the SDCARD's /Download folder. To locate the APK file, use the Android's integrated file explorer or any of the popuar file explore apps, available for download on our site.

Installing an APK file

Open the saved APK file to proceed. Some users may experience the situation of not starting the installation. Android restricts that by default. Follow these steps to make sure that third-party apps are allowed on your device:

Enabling installation from "Unknown Sources"

1. Go to Menu>Settings>Security>.
2. Check "Unknown Sources" (depending on Android version and device model, this option may be in a different menu or with a different name, best way is to use the settings search and type "Unknown Sources")
3. Go back and open the APK file again.
4. Tap the Install button.

Installing XAPK files, multiple apk files, split APKs (App Bundle), OBB, ZIP, XAPK, and APKM.

Some apps and games are in XAPK Android application package format or in a ZIP file. The XAPK files contain both the APK file and OBB file installation files in one bundle. By default, you can't install them on your Android device. To do this you need an app, and I strongly recommend using Split APKs Installer (SAI), known for its robustness.

1. Download all files
2. Download and install: Split APKs Installer (SAI) and open it.
3. Click the "Install APKs" button and select all of the APK files in the APKs Bundle (or zip file).
4. Click the "Select" button to start the installation process.

Install the .XAPK file (APK+OBB) via the File Manager.

In some situations, you are not able to use the SAI Split APK installer, so the other alternative way to install the APK+OBB is through the File Manager.

1. Download the .XAPK file (or APK+OBB).
2. Locate the .XAPK file and rename the extension to .zip format.
3. Extract the .zip file.
4. Find the .obb file and copy it to the location: /sdcard/storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/.
5. To install, click the APK file. Follow the steps on the screen.

Updating the app.

If you download and install an APK from a website such as AndroidFreeware, you will be able to update it from the Play Store. The process is similar to downloading from the Play Store itself; the only difference is that you start the installation manually. As soon as the Play Store detects a newer version of the application, it will begin the update process.