In the modern Android ecosystem, users are often faced with the need to save the application installation file. This may be necessary to create a backup copy of your favorite app before resetting the settings, transfer the software to a friend without access to the Internet, or simply to store a specific version of the app that may disappear from the Google Play store. Using standard operating system tools, this function is hidden from the eyes of the average user, since Google believes that installation should take place through the official store.
However, the operating system Android is built on the principles of openness, and access to the file system where installation packages are stored is quite real. APK files (Android Package Kit) are physically present in the memory of your device immediately after installation is completed from the Play Market or other source. The only task is to find them, copy and, if necessary, rename them for correct use on other devices.
There are several proven methods to solve this problem: from using specialized extractor applications to working with a computer through a debug bridge ADB. The choice of a specific method depends on your technical skills, availability of access to a PC and the goals you are pursuing. In this article we will analyze in detail the most effective and safe options.
Using specialized extractor applications
The simplest and most accessible way for most users is to install a utility that automatically finds installed apps and saves their installation files to the phone's memory. Such applications work without the need to obtain root access, which makes them safe for system guarantee and stability. The principle of operation is simple: the utility scans the list of installed packages, determines the path to the source file and copies it to an accessible folder.
One of the most popular tools is APK Extractor or its analogues like App Backup & Restore. After launching such software, you will see a complete list of all apps on the device. You can select one specific application or check several boxes at once. Clicking the "Extract" button instantly creates a copy of the installation file. Typically, these files are saved in the root directory of the internal memory or in the folder /sdcard/ExtractedApks.
It is important to understand the difference between regular APKs and Split APKs (or App Bundles). Modern applications often consist of several parts: a core module and additional resources for different languages or screen densities. Simple extractors can only save the base file, which will not install correctly on another device. To work with such complex packages, you need advanced tools that support the format .apkm or .xapk.
⚠️ Attention: Download extractor applications only from trusted sources, for example, Google Play. Third-party utilities may contain malicious code that will steal your account data or introduce advertising into the system.
Before extracting applications in bulk, free up some space on your internal drive, as file copies will take up additional space equal to the volume of installed apps.
Manual copying through file managers
For those who prefers to control the process manually and does not want to install unnecessary software; the method of direct access to system folders is suitable. However, starting from version Android 11, access to the root directory /data/app for third-party file managers was significantly limited for security purposes. On older versions of the system (before Android 10), this method worked flawlessly and allowed you to simply copy the file.
If you have a device with version Android 10 or lower, you can use any advanced file manager, for example Root Explorer or ES Explorer (old versions). You will need to follow the path /data/app, find the folder with the package name of the desired application (for example, com.whatsapp-1) and copy the file base.apk to any convenient place, for example, to the folder Download.
On modern versions Android direct access to this directory is blocked. However, some file managers, such as MiXplorer or Solid Explorerhave built-in functions for viewing installed applications. They do not show the system folder directly, but allow you to “unpack” or “send” the APK file of the selected app through the context menu. This is a workaround that works without root access thanks to special system permissions.
Extracting APK via computer and ADB
The most professional and reliable method that gives complete control over the process is using the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is ideal if your phone won't turn on normally but boots into debug mode, or if you need to automate the process of saving dozens of apps. To work you will need a PC, a USB cable and installed device drivers.
First of all, you need to activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item "Build number". After this, a new section “For Developers” will appear in the settings menu. Turn on the item USB debuggingthere. Connect your smartphone to the computer and confirm permission for debugging in the pop-up window on the phone screen.
Next, open the command line on the computer in platform tools folder and enter the command to get a list of all installed packages:
adb shell pm list packagesFind the desired application in the list and copy its full package name. Then use the command to find out the exact path to the file:
adb shell pm path com.example.packageThe system will return a path like package:/data/app/com.example.package-xyz/base.apk. Using this path, run the command to extract the file to your computer:
adb pull /data/app/com.example.package-xyz/base.apk C:\Backup\app.apk⚠️ Warning: ADB commands are case and typo sensitive. If the path contains spaces or special characters, be sure to enclose it in quotes when entering the command.
What to do if ADB does not see the device?
Make sure you have installed the ADB drivers for your phone model. Try replacing the USB cable or switching it to a different port. Also check if the file transfer mode (MTP) is selected in the phone notifications when connecting.
Working with split packages (Split APKs and App Bundles)
The modern standard for distributing applications on Google Play is Android App Bundle. Unlike a classic monolithic APK, this_bundle contains several files: base code, resources for different languages, graphics resources for different screen resolutions, and libraries for different processors. During installation, the store downloads only those parts that are needed by a particular device.
The problem occurs when you try to extract such an application in the usual way. You will only receive a basic file, which, if you try to install on another device, will give you the error "Application not installed." This happens because the necessary resources are missing. To correctly transfer such apps, you need to use utilities that support the format .apkm (for example, SAI - Split APKs Installer) or archive all parts into one .xapk file.
The process of extracting split packages is more complicated. You need to find all the files belonging to one package; usually they are located in the same directory with names like base.apk, config.arm64_v8a.apk, config.ru.apk. All these files must be saved and transferred together. They can be installed only through special installers that combine them into a single unit at the time of installation.
| Package type | File extension | Difficulty of extraction | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic APK | .apk | Low | High (universal) |
| Split APKs | .apk (several files) | Medium | Requires special. installer |
| App Bundle | .aab (in store) | High | Only through conversion |
| Modified | .apk / .xapk | Depends on modification | Security risk |
To separate applications (Split APKs), simply copying a single base.apk file is not enough - you need to save the entire set of configuration files.
Nuances of security and file integrity
When extracting APK files, it is important to remember the digital signature. Each application is signed with a developer certificate. If you extract the file from an official source, the signature will remain valid and the application will update without problems. However, if the file has been modified (hacked, translated, or changed), the signature will change. In this case, you will not be able to update the application via Google Play over this version.
In addition, there is a risk of file substitution. If you borrow an APK from a friend or download from an untrusted repository, there is a chance that there is malicious code embedded inside. Before installing extracted files on a clean device, it is recommended to check them through the service VirusTotal. This is especially true for financial applications and instant messengers.
It is also worth considering that some applications (especially banking and streaming services) use copy and emulation protection. They can check the integrity of their installation or the presence of root access. Extracting such files may result in them refusing to run on a new device, even if the file is copied bit-for-bit.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and file paths may vary depending on the Android version and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). Always check the names of menu items with the current version of your system.
☑️ APK security check
Common errors and ways to solve them
Users often encounter the “File is corrupted” error when trying to install a saved APK. In 90% of cases, this is due to the fact that the file was not completely copied or it is part of a Split APK and not a complete package. The solution is to use a proper extractor that checks integrity before saving.
Another common problem is “Not enough memory”. Although the file may be small, the system needs temporary space to decompress the resources during installation. Make sure your device has free space that is at least twice the size of the APK.
Sometimes the system blocks installations from unknown sources. In this case, the first time you run the installer, you will be prompted for permission. You need to go to the security settings and allow installation specifically for the application (file manager or browser) through which you launch the APK file. Don't enable "all apps" permission globally unless necessary.
If you are transferring a game with progress, simply copying the APK is not enough. You will also need to make a backup of the application data (folder /data/data/), which requires root access or using the backup function in Google settings.
Is it possible to extract APKs of system applications?
Yes, this is possible, but requires caution. System applications are located in the /system/app or /system/priv-appsection. You will need root access to access them on most devices. Changing or deleting such files can lead to unstable system operation or a “bootloop” (cyclic reboot).
Why is the extracted APK not installed on another phone?
The most likely reason is incompatibility of Android versions or processor architecture (ARM vs x86). It is also possible that the app uses Split APKs and you only copied the base file without the required resource configurations.
Will the quality of the app be reduced after extracting and installing it again?
No, the APK file itself is an archive of code and resources. When copied correctly, the bits do not change, and the quality of the application remains identical to the original. The exception is when the application checks its integrity upon startup.
Do you need to delete the original application after extracting the APK?
No, the extraction process creates a copy of the file and does not in any way affect the operation of the installed app. You can continue to use the application without any worries. Deleting the original will only be necessary if you want to free up space, but this is not related to the extraction process.