Have you ever tried to find an installed application file on Android, but could not determine its exact location? This task seems simple only at first glance. Unlike Windows or macOS, where apps are usually stored in a single folder app Files, Android distributes application files across several directories - depending on the OS version, access rights and even the device manufacturer.

The problem is complicated by the fact that modern versions of Android actively use division into user and system data, as well as the App Bundles, which splits the APK into several files. In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from simple (through phone settings) to advanced (using ADB and root access). You will learn not only where APK files are physically storedbut also how to extract them for backup or transfer to another device.

1. Standard method: through Android settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in system tools. It is suitable for most users and does not require additional apps. Here's how it works:

Open Settings → Applications (on some devices the path may differ: Settings → All applications or Settings → Application manager). Find the desired application in the list and tap on it. Here you will see basic information, but not APK path. To get more data:

  • 📌 Press three dots in the upper right corner and select Application information (or Additional).
  • 📁 On some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) may be displayed here item Storage folder —this is the directory with application data.
  • 🔍 If there is no item, pay attention to the line Storage —the total amount of occupied space is indicated there, but not the path.

Unfortunately, in most cases this method shows only application size, but not its physical location. But it helps to quickly find cache and user data, which are stored in separate folders. Telegram the cache will be along the path:

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache/
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ access to folders of other applications through the file manager is limited by default. To see their contents, you will need either root accessor special commands ADB.
📊 How often do you install APKs manually (not from the Play Market)?
Often, almost all applications
Sometimes, for specific apps
I tried it before, but gave up
Never, only official sources

2. Search through a file manager: where to look for APK

If you need to find it specifically installed APK file (for example, for backup), you can try to detect it manually. Most applications are stored in one of three standard directories:

Folder Description Are root access required?
/data/app/ The main folder for user applications. APK and data are stored here in the format package-1, package-2 etc. Yes
/data/app-private/ Applications with elevated rights (for example, system or banking). Yes
/system/app/ or /system/priv-app/ Pre-installed system applications (for example Google Play Services). Yes
/storage/emulated/0/Download/ or /sdcard/Download/ If you installed the APK manually, the original file may have remained here. No

To find the APK without root access:

  1. Open any file manager (for example, Total Commander, FX File Explorer or built-in Files by Google).
  2. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Download/ and look for files with the extension .apk.
  3. If the APK was installed from Play Market, its original file in this folder is unlikely to be preserved - the system usually deletes it after installation.

Important: Starting with Android 10, even files in the Download folder may be hidden from other applications due to the mechanism Scoped StorageTo see them, use the built-in file manager or connect the device to a PC.

💡

If you often install APKs manually, create a separate folder (for example, APK_Archive) and copy all installation files there before starting.

3. Using ADB: How to find the path to an application via the command line

If you have access to ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can determine exactly where any application is installed. This method works even without root access, but requires connecting the device to the computer.

First enable USB debugging:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone and tap the item 7 times Build number, to activate Developer mode.
  2. Return to main settings, open System → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm trust in the computer on the device screen.

Now run the following commands in the terminal (or Command Prompt on Windows):

adb shell

pm list packages -f | grep 'package_name'

For example, to find the path to Chrome, enter:

pm list packages -f | grep 'chrome'

The output will be similar to:

package:/data/app/com.android.chrome-1/base.apk=com.android.chrome

Here /data/app/com.android.chrome-1/base.apk is the full path to the APK file. To copy it to your computer, use:

adb pull /data/app/com.android.chrome-1/base.apk C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (especially those with Android 12+), the path may look different due to the APK Splitsmechanism. In this case, instead base.apk you will see several files like split_config.arm64_v8a.apk.

Install drivers for your device|Enable USB debugging|Download ADB Tools (for example, from the Android SDK)|Connect the phone to the PC with the original cable|Check that the device is detected by the command adb devices

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4. Applications for searching APK: review of utilities

If you don’t want to bother with ADB or a file manager, you can use specialized apps. They not only show the paths to the APK, but also allow you to extract them in one click.

Here are the most reliable options:

  • 🔧 App Inspector —shows complete information about applications, including paths to APK and data. Works without root, but to extract files you may need ADB.
  • 📦 APK Extractor a simple utility for creating APK backups. After installation, it appears in the menu Share for any applications.
  • 🔍 Root Browser - a file manager with support for root access. Allows you to view system folders, including /data/app/.
  • 🛠️ SAI (Split APK Installer) - not only finds APK, but also knows how to install split applications (for example, games with additional files .obb).

Example of working with APK Extractor:

  1. Install the application from Play Market.
  2. Open the list of all apps on the device.
  3. Tap on the desired application → Share → select APK Extractor.
  4. Specify the folder to save (for example, Download) and confirm the action.

The finished APK will appear in the selected directory. It can be copied to your PC, sent by mail, or installed on another device.

⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses. (for example, Avast or Dr.Web) can block APK extraction, considering it a suspicious activity. During the operation, disable protection or add APK Extractor to exceptions.
What is split APK?

This is the installation format in which the application is divided into several files (for example, base.apk, config.xxhdpi.apk, config.arm64_v8a.apk). This approach allows you to save space by downloading only those components that are needed for a specific device. For example, files for ARM64 files will not be downloaded for x86.

5.

If your device has root access, you get unlimited access to all system folders. This is the most reliable way to find any application, including those that are hidden from the average user.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
  2. In the manager settings, enable the option Root access (usually in the section Settings → Access to the root system).
  3. Go to /data/app/. Here you will see folders with names like com.whatsapp-1 or org.telegram.messenger-2.
  4. Inside each folder there will be a file base.apk —this is the application installation package.

For system applications, check also:

  • /system/app/ —standard apps (for example, Camera or Gallery).
  • /system/priv-app/ — applications with extended rights (for example, Google Play Services).
  • /vendor/app/ — manufacturer’s proprietary utilities (for example, Mi Drop to Xiaomi).

To copy an APK to a memory card or to the cloud:

  1. Hold your finger on the file base.apk and select Copy.
  2. Go to the desired folder (for example /storage/emulated/0/Download/) and paste the file.
  3. If necessary, change the permissions to 0644 (so that the file can be installed).

Critical point: Do not delete or rename files in /system/ or /vendor/ - this can lead to system crash and the need for flashing.

💡

Root access provides maximum opportunities, but also maximum risks. Always back up your system before changing files in /system/ or /data/!

6. Alternative methods: cloud services and backups

If you need to not only find the APK, but save it for future installation, consider backup options. Some services automatically save installation files to the cloud.

Methods for backing up applications:

  • ☁️ Google Play — in the Library → Installed section you can see a list of all ever installed applications. However, you cannot download original APKs from here.
  • 📱 Titanium Backup (requires root) - creates full backups, including APK and data. Supports recovery to a new device.
  • 🔄 Swift Backup - a modern alternative Titanium Backup with support Android 10+. Can save APK to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
  • 💾 APKMirror Installer — allows you to download APK directly from Play Market (if the application is publicly available).

Example of working with Swift Backup:

  1. Install the application and provide root access.
  2. Select tab Applications and tick the required apps.
  3. Click Create a backup copy and specify the folder to save (for example, SwiftBackup on a memory card).
  4. After completion, files with the extension .apk i .tar (for data) will appear in the specified folder.

If you need to transfer applications to another phone, copy these files and restore them through that same Swift Backup.

⚠️ Attention: Backups created using root tools may not be restored on devices with a different version of Android or processor architecture (for example, ARM vs x86).

7. Features on different versions of Android

App storage mechanisms have changed with the release of new versions of Android. Here are the key differences that are worth considering:

Android version APK storage features Access without root
Android 9 and below APK is stored in /data/app/ as one file base.apk. Limited (only your own files)
Android 10–11 Entered Scoped Storage. The APK is split into several files (split_*). Even more difficult, it requires ADB
Android 12+ A complete ban on access to /data/app/ without root. The APK can be stored in encrypted form. Only through backups or ADB pull
Android 13–14 Additional restrictions for third-party file managers. System APKs can be stored in /apex/. Almost impossible

Starting with Android 11, Google is actively introducing a format Android App Bundle (AAB)that replaces classic APKs in this case. not one file, but several split- components. To get a full APK from such a package, you will need:

  1. Download the original .aab file (for example, from the developer’s website).
  2. Use the tool bundletool APK generation:
java -jar bundletool.jar build-apks --bundle=app.aab --output=app.apks

java -jar bundletool.jar install-apks --apks=app.apks

This process is more complicated than working with a regular APK and requires command line skills.

8. Common errors and how to avoid them

When searching for installed applications, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

  • 🔍 I don’t see the folder /data/app/ in the file manager → You do not have root access, or the manager does not support displaying system folders. Try it ADB or specialized utilities like Root Browser.
  • 📱 APK Extractor does not find the application → Perhaps it is system or installed in /system/priv-app/. Use ADB with the command pm list packages -s to search for system packages.
  • 🔄 The downloaded APK is not installed → Check if the processor architecture matches (for example arm64 vs x86). Also make sure that your settings allow installation from unknown sources.
  • 🛡️ The antivirus deletes the extracted APK → Add the file to exceptions or temporarily disable protection. Some antiviruses block modified APKs (even if they are safe).
  • 📁 After copying the APK to PC, it does not open → APK is an archive, but not all archivers support it. Use 7-Zip or WinRAR to view the content.

If you are trying to extract the APK to transfer to another device, please note:

  • Applications with DRM protection (for example, Netflix or banking apps) may not work after manual installation.
  • Some games require additional files .obb or .data, which are located in /Android/obb/.
  • On Android 12+ the APK may need to be signed with the same certificate as the original.
⚠️ Attention: Extracting APK of banking applications or apps with a license link (for example, Disney+) may interfere with their operation. In some cases, this will lead to account blocking.
💡

Before extracting the APK, check whether this does not violate the terms of the application's license agreement. Some developers explicitly prohibit unpacking and distributing their apps.

Is it possible to find the APK of an application installed from the Play Market without root?

Yes, but with reservations. You won't be able to directly get the APK from /data/app/, but you can:

  • Use APK Extractor or similar utilities.
  • Download the APK again from sites like APKMirror (if the application is public).
  • Restore it from a backup Titanium Backup or Swift Backup (if a backup was made earlier).

On Android 11+ even these methods may not work due to restrictions Scoped Storage.

Why in the folder /data/app/ no file base.apk, but only split_*?

This means that the application is installed in the format Android App Bundle (AAB). Instead of one APK, it is divided into several components:

  • split_config.arm64_v8a.apk — code for processors ARM64.
  • split_config.xxhdpi.apk — resources for high-resolution screens.
  • split_config.ru.apk —localization into Russian.

To get a full APK, you need to combine these files using bundletool or download a ready-made APK from a trusted source.

How to transfer an application with data to another phone?

For a complete transfer (including settings and progress) you will need:

  1. Make a backup via Titanium Backup or Swift Backup (need root).
  2. Copy backup files (.apk + .tar) to a new device.
  3. Restore the backup on a new phone (also need root).

Without root, you can only transfer APK (without data) or use built-in backup tools (for example, Mi Cloud to Xiaomi).

Is it possible to change the default installation path of applications?

Most devices do not. Android always installs applications to /data/app/, and user data - to /Android/data/ or /Android/obb/. However, there are workarounds:

  • Use Link2SD (requires root) to transfer part of the data to the SD card.
  • On some firmware (for example, LineageOS), you can change the path via adb shell pm set-install-location.
  • Apply App2SD (outdated method, does not work on all devices).

On Android 10+ these methods often do not work due to limitations Scoped Storage.

What should you do if you receive a "Parse Error" error when extracting an APK?

This error means that the file is damaged or incompatible with your device. Try:

  • Re-extract the APK using a different method (for example, through ADB instead of APK Extractor).
  • Check if the processor architecture matches (for example, arm64 vs x86).
  • Download the original APK from a trusted source (for example, APKMirror).
  • If the APK is extracted from another device, make sure that the Android versions are compatible.

If all else fails, the application may be using DRM or binding to the device (for example, banking apps).