Tips to open APK file
Can't open the APK file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open APK files as well as a list of programs that support APK files.
APK file extension
| File Name |
Google Android Package Format |
| File Developer |
Google |
| File Category |
Executable Files |
The APK file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the APK files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the APK file on each system platform.
What is APK file?
The .APK file is an Android installation package. Files of this type can most often be found in development environments or with adult themes. Installation packages are distributed without user intervention using the Google Play store. Apart from this channel, you can meet prepared installers in the form of .APK files. Usually, they relate to applications in the development / testing phase or those that contain content prohibited in the Google store (e.g. gambling, pornography). To install such files, you need to select a special option on the device.
How to open APK file?
The main problem with Google Android Package Format is that the APK file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file APK to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the APK file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install Google Android SDK
In this case, you should first verify that the Google Android SDK application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Google Android SDK in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support APK files.
Programs to open APK file
Remember to download programs supporting APK files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Google Android SDK with APK files
If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the APK file still does not use the Google Android SDK program, it means no association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the APK file with the Google Android SDK application.
Step 3. Update Google Android SDK to the latest version
If, however, after binding Google Android SDK with Google Android Package Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Google Inc. website and install the latest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the APK file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:
The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the APK file. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our APK file. Sometimes virus-infected APK files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the APK file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged APK files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Google, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file APK except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. It is best to move APK to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Closing other programs should help. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
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