Android users are often faced with the need to find an application installation file in order to transfer it to a friend, create a backup copy, or install the app manually without access to the Internet. However, the file system of this operating system is hierarchical and is not always intuitive for a beginner. Unlike Windows, where downloaded files usually end up in one obvious folder, in Android the location of the data depends on the method of obtaining the file and the OS version.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible locations where they can be stored. APK files. You will learn the difference between files downloaded from the browser and system packages of installed applications. We will also look at methods for extracting APK directly from the system if you do not have the original installer at hand.
Before you start your search, it is important to understand that modern versions Android (starting from 10 and higher) have strict access restrictions to system directories. This is done for security purposes so that malware cannot spoof legitimate applications. Therefore, the path to the file may differ on rooted and regular devices.
Standard folders for downloaded installers
The simplest scenario is that you downloaded the application through a browser (for example, Chrome or Firefox) or a messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp). In this case, the file is saved to a public memory area that can be accessed by any file manager. This is usually the root directory of the internal drive or SD card.
By default, most browsers use the folder Download. To find it, open the Files app or File Manager and go to the Internal Storage section. Here you will see the directory /storage/emulated/0/Download. This is where all the latest downloads are located, including installation packages.
However, some messengers create their own folder structures. For example, files from Telegram are often saved to Telegram/Telegram Documents, and attachments from WhatsApp can be located in Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Documents. The path may seem confusing due to nesting. On Android 11 and later, access to the folder for third-party file managers may be limited by the system. If you do not see files in these directories, try using the built-in system explorer.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 11 and later, access to the folder
Android/obbAndAndroid/datafor third-party file managers may be limited by the system. If you don't see files in these directories, try using the built-in system explorer.
If you use specialized application stores like Aptoide or F-Droid, check their download settings. Often there you can set a custom path that will differ from the standard one. Always pay attention to the download completion notifications - the exact path is usually indicated there.
System storage of installed applications
The situation becomes more complicated if you need to find the APK of an already installed application whose original file has been deleted. The system stores copies of installers in a protected system directory. Access to it without superuser rights (Root) is prohibited for ordinary applications.
The main storage of system applications is located along the path /system/app. Here are standard apps preinstalled by the smartphone manufacturer. For custom applications installed by you, a directory is used. /data/app.
Inside the folder /data/app the structure is organized specifically. Each application has its own subfolder with the package name (for example, com.example.app-1). Inside this folder there is a file base.apk, which is the installation package. There may also be files split_config.apk for screen or language configurations.
/data/app/com.example.myapp-Kj8s9d0s==/base.apkTo copy this file to an accessible location, you will need a file manager with support for root access, for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer (with a plugin). Without these rights, you can only view the list of applications, but not copy their executable files from the system partition.
What are Split APKs?
Modern applications often use the Split APKs (AppBundle) format. Instead of one large file, the application is divided into several parts: base code, resources for specific screen densities, language packs. During installation, the system assembles them into a single whole. It is more difficult to extract such an application in one file - you need to combine all parts or use special utilities for backup.
Search through developer settings and ADB
If you do not have root access, but need to get the APK of the installed application, you can use the debugging tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and enabling USB debugging. It is reliable and does not require installing third-party software on the phone itself.
First find out the exact package name of the desired application. This can be done through the app App Inspector or by entering the command in the ADB terminal: adb shell pm list packages. Find the desired name in the list, for example com.android.chrome.
Next, run the command to get the path to the file:
adb shell pm path com.android.chromeThe system will return a path like package:/data/app/com.android.chrome-xyz/base.apk. Using this path, you can copy the file to your computer with the command adb pull. This is a universal method for any version of Android.
| ADB command | Description of action | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
pm list packages |
List all packages | USB debugging |
pm path <package_name> |
Shows the path to APK file | Package name |
adb pull <path> |
Copying file to PC | Full path |
adb install <file> |
Installing APK from computer | File to PC |
⚠️ Attention: For ADB to work You must enable "USB Debugging" in the "For Developers" menu. If this item is not in the settings, go to "About phone" and click on "Build number" 7 times.
This method is especially useful for system administrators and advanced users who need to quickly assemble a set of applications for deployment on other devices. It eliminates the risk of downloading modified versions from unverified sources.
Use graphical shells for ADB, such as QtADB or Minimal ADB and Fastboot, if working with the command line seems too difficult for you. They allow you to perform the same actions in a few clicks.
Using specialized extractors
For ordinary users who do not want to bother with the command line or root access, there are special extractor applications. They use legitimate system APIs to create a copy of the installed application and save it in an accessible folder. Popular apps like the Share function in some launchers allow you to create a backup copy. The application simply takes data from
Popular apps like APK Extractor, Send Anywhere or the Share features in some launchers allow you to create a backup. The application simply takes data from /data/app, copies it to temporary storage and gives the opportunity to send the file via Bluetooth or save it to Download.
It is important to note that such extractors often cannot work correctly with Split APKs. As a result, you may end up with a file that, when installed on another device, will display an "Application not installed" error. In such cases, it is better to use advanced managers like SAI (Split APKs Installer).
- 📂 APK Extractor —a simple solution for extracting basic APK files of old applications.
- 🔄 SAI (Split APKs Installer) —a powerful tool for working with modern App Bundle formats.
- 📤 Send Anywhere —allows you to transfer installed applications as files between devices.
When using such utilities, always check the final file. Try installing it on a test device or emulator to make sure it works. Some games with copy protection may not launch after extraction.
Specialized extractors are the safest and fastest way to get the APK of an installed application without root access and a computer.
Features of the file system in new versions of Android
Starting with Android 10 and especially in versions 11, 12, 13 and 14, Google implemented the Scoped Storage policy. This radically changed the rules for accessing files. Applications can no longer freely read the entire file system, which has made it more difficult to find APKs in system folders.
The folder Android/data is now hidden from most third-party explorers. If you try to access it through a regular file manager, you will see an empty folder or an access error message. This is done to protect personal application data from spyware.
You can bypass this restriction only through the system file manager (often hidden in the storage settings) or by giving a special application full access through the system settings: Settings → Applications → Special. access → Access to all files. Without this permission, even a powerful file manager will be powerless.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface and menu item names may differ depending on the manufacturer’s shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS). If you do not find the “Access to all files” item, look for it in the “Privacy” or “Security” section.
It is also worth considering that on devices with encrypted storage, access to files is possible only after unlocking the screen. When connecting the phone to a PC in charging mode, files may not be visible until the file transfer mode (MTP) is confirmed on the smartphone screen.
☑️ Checking file access
Security and verification of APK files
When you finally found the one you need APK file, whether downloaded from the Internet or extracted from the system, it is critical to check its security. Files from unverified sources may contain viruses, Trojans or miners.
Always scan the files found with an antivirus before installation. You can use built-in Google Play Protect or third-party solutions like Dr.Web or Kaspersky. It is also recommended to check the hash of the file (MD5 or SHA-256) if you downloaded it from the official website of the developer.
Pay attention to the permissions that the application requests during installation. If a simple flashlight asks for access to contacts and SMS, this is a clear sign of malware. Never install APKs signed with unknown certificates, especially if they pretend to be banking applications or instant messengers.
- 🛡️ Check the digital signature of the application in the file properties.
- 🔍 Compare the file size with the official version on Google Play (strong differences are suspicious).
- 🚫 Do not install APKs from advertising banners and pop-ups.
Remember that installing applications from unknown sources disables some system protection mechanisms. Do this consciously and only for verified files. After installation, it is advisable to again disable installation from unknown sources in the security settings.
How to check the APK signature?
To view the signature, you can use the apksigner utility from the Android SDK or an application like "App Inspector". The signature must match the developer's signature. If the signature is changed, it means that the file has been modified by third parties.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find APK of system applications without Root?
Directly copying a file from /system/app without root access is impossible due to access restrictions. However, you can use the ADB command pm path to get the path, and then try to extract the file if the system rights allow it, or use extractor applications that create a copy in the user memory.
Why is the base.apk file not installed on another phone?
Most likely, this application uses the Split APKs (App) format Bundle). The file base.apk contains only the main code, but it lacks the resources (graphics, languages) that lie in the adjacent configuration files. To install such applications, you need a special installer (SAI) or you need to look for the full version in the format of a single APK.
Where the cache and application data are stored, is this also an APK?
No, the cache and data are stored separately in the folders /data/data/<package_name> and /sdcard/Android/data/<package_name>. An APK file is only an installation package (like an .exe in Windows), and the data is your progression, settings and temporary files that are generated during the work process.
How to find the APK if I downloaded it through Telegram?
Files from Telegram are usually saved to a folder Telegram/Telegram Documents in the internal storage. If you have Android 11+, access to this folder may be limited. Use Telegram's built-in file manager (via the attachment menu) to open the file, rather than system explorer.