Android APK or application package files are saved with an ‘.apk’ extension, which is an extension of JAR. If you own an Android device, it will already have installed APK files on it, making it possible for you to distribute and install different Android applications, as well as run it regardless of the Android operating system that you have.
Understanding the Different File Versions If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re trying to download an app from APK Mirror, which is a legitimate hosting site for APKs that are available for free in the Play Store.
Before we proceed on how you can find free APK files for android games, apps and widgets, it would be good if you learn the basics about APK files. Most Android device owners are not aware of APK files and do not know what they are for. Although your phone can live without it since OS available for Android devices can handle them on their own, there would be cases where you need to handle different APK files, especially if you have plans of downloading apps and programs other than the Android Market. However, APK files are essential in Android development and if you are a developer for Android apps or have any plans of learning about it, you may want to learn everything you can about APK files.
APK files are distributed in the Android Market, with your Android device automatically installing one once downloaded. Some APK files that are not distributed officially by the Android Market may need to be saved on your device before they are installed. This will contain all the needed information for a program to be installed and successfully run on your device.
In many cases, APK files are automatically installed on Android devices through their Android market app. However, downloading programs from other sources will require you to install the APK file manually, which is typically a straightforward process. All you need to do is save or copy it on your device’s memory.
Once you have it installed and you want to update the file manually, you will need to export a new APK file, and copy it to the device again, the same process as you did for the first time.
Now the long wait is over. We’re gonna tell you where you can find free APK files for your Android device. Google, which we all consider as the mother of all search engines, can be used for searching for free APK files of games, apps and widgets for Adnroid devices. If you cannot find an app that you want in the Android Market, then Google is your next best option. Keep in mind however, the Google’s Android Market follows a set of rules and regulations before approving and releasing an application submitted by a developer. If they find the app useless or trustworthy, this will be removed from the list. Although third party apps that are not approved or listed in the Android Market are readily available, you will be required to manually install APK files on your device.
To make your search easier, you can use the following terms below when looking for specific types of APK files:
Do a Google search with the following search term –
For games APK files –
For specific games –
If you need help or questions on a certain application, you can visit XDA Developers by using the keyword below on your search engine:
Now you are all set to download and install APK files on your Android device!
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.Editor's note, May 26, 2017: Due to increased security concerns, CNET no longer recommends installing third-party apps not officially supported by a device's official app store. In this case, we do not recommend installing a third-party APK not officially supported by Google.
The Google Play store is a great resource that can enhance your mobile experience. It gives Android users access to more than one million apps, such as Facebook, Pandora, and Instagram, among thousands of others, but what do you do when Google unexpectedly pulls an app from its marketplace?
Minecraft game for pc. Google has removed apps from the Play store for a number of reasons, the most common being that they violate the company's policy. Once an app is removed, however, all hope isn't lost. You may not have been aware that apps no longer available in the Play store can still be installed on your Android device through a process known as 'sideloading.'
Here's how to do it:
Setting up your device
From your smartphone or tablet running Android 4.0 or higher, go to Settings, scroll down to Security, and select Unknown sources. Selecting this option will allow you to install apps outside of the Google Play store. Depending on your device, you can also choose to be warned before installing harmful apps. This can be enabled by selecting the Verify apps option in the Security settings.
On devices running an earlier version of Android, go to Settings, open the Applications option, select Unknown sources, and click OK on the popup alert.
Downloading an app
The next step will be finding an Android package file, also known as an APK, which is the way Android apps are distributed and installed. This is where some people usually run into trouble. Never, and I mean ever, use sideloading as a way to pirate applications; doing so will likely result in your Android device getting a virus. You should only download APK files from trusted developers and companies.
For example, Grooveshark, a free online music streaming service, previously had an app in the Play store. After a dispute with Google, however, the app was removed. Grooveshark now offers the app on its Web site for users to sideload.
The process
You can either download the APK file on your mobile device or on your computer, although the latter is a little more difficult. To get started, download an APK file using either Google Chrome or the stock Android browser. Next, go to your app drawer and click Downloads; here you will find the file you just downloaded. Open the file and install the app.
If you downloaded the APK file on your computer, the process is slightly different. You must connect your Android device to the PC and enable USB mass-storage mode. The next step is to drag and drop the file onto your device. Then, using a file manager, such as Astro or ES File Explorer, you can locate the file on your device and install it.
Remember to be careful when downloading apps outside of official Android marketplaces like Google Play and Amazon's Appstore.
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