Every smartphone owners must have heard about APK and wondered what might it be. You need to understand about APK if you want to download some kinds of cracked, leaked or customized app or go beyond the Android system and customize it for yourself.
What is APK file?
APK is the file extension for the android package files or the applications that run on Android OS. Just like the software has .exe file extension in Microsoft Windows, the applications running on Android OS have .apk file extension.
Why would I want to install an APK file?
In countries like Nepal, some of the apps are restricted, or updates are deleted and hence we are not allowed to get the most out of the app. Moreover, many paid as well as free apps are launched late in Nepal than other developed countries. So, if you want to enjoy the apps before it launches here in Nepal, then you need to know how to download and install APK. You can download the APK file of the particular application and install it on your smartphone. Sometimes, the updates are also delayed in some particular region. So, to avoid this, you can download the updated version of the file from the web.
You will want to download the APK from the internet if your smartphone lacks the access to the Google Play Store. Also, the device does not allow you to install any app from Google play if your device is short of memory, in this case, you can install the apps you prefer by downloading its APK.
Also, beware of unreliable sites providing the APK since some site may contain pirated or the stolen version of the app. Some site may provide modified apps which may contain malicious software which could hamper your phone security. Download the APKs from a renowned APK downloading site. We would suggest the site APK mirror for safer downloads.
How can I download and install APK using a computer?
After finding a reliable and safe site, download the APK file to your computer. Make sure you download the files into an easy-to-find location on your computer. After downloading the APK, connect your smartphone to the computer. The phone will ask you if you want to charge your phone or connect it as a media device. Choose media device. Then, find your phone’s folder on your computer. It will be in ‘My Computer’ or ‘Computer’ on Windows (PC). Now, copy the APK file into your smartphone (Copy into a folder where you can find the file easily). You need to know that your device will not allow you to install APK file from other sources except the Google Play Store. So, Go to Menu >Settings > Security > and check Unknown Sources to allow your phone to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.
Now, find the location where you have previously copied your APK file and install it by clicking on it. Open the application you just installed to make sure that it works properly.
How to install an APK from your Android device?
Just like you installed APK files from your computer, you can also install APK from your Android device. All you have to do is to open your browser on your Smartphone and find the app you want to download. After you click ‘download from the particular site’, you will be able to see the downloading process of the particular file on the status bar of your phone. After the download is completed, open the Downloads folder and tap to install the APK.
