How to open APK file on mobile phones and computers?

Technology has evolved a lot and we cannot even say that everybody knows everything about it. There are certain innovations in the tech world that we aren’t aware of yet. One such technical part is APK. Let’s begin the read by explaining to you what these APK files are.

In the later sections, we would help you answer a few common questions that arise in every discussion about these files like how you can open these files on your PC, Android and iOS mobile phones, and Chromebook.

First things first, APK stands for Android Package Kit, and we are sure that the name tells you a lot about it. And so, another revelation of this exclusive read is that the major focus will be on how to open APK files on Android devices.

Now, getting back to the point, Android Package Kit is an extension that is used for distributing applications from Google to the Android OS. As you move ahead in the read, here are a few questions that we’ve procured answers to – how to open APK files on PC, how to open APK files on Chromebook, how to open APK files on iOS and how to open APK files on iPhone,

Specifics for how to open APK files

How to open APK File

It is only for the Android Package files and shares some similarities with the ‘.exe files’ on Windows OS, which get used for software installation. APK files are highly significant because they contain every application data – from the app’s compiled codes to its resources and manifest.

Usually, when an app gets downloaded, no one ever notices the word “APK”, because, on an Android device, all app installations are done in the background. Tons of websites that offer APK files to be downloaded, can only be used as and when you install an app manually.

And yes, before we tell you how to open APK file on any of your devices, we’d like to shift your focus towards cyber safety. So, there are basically two questions that you need to find answers to – how to open APK files on Android and how to do it with utmost security. This is because just like .exe files, malware can get distributed very easily in APK files too.

Why do you think we need these files?

We know, by this time, you’re wondering – how to open APK files on PC, how to open APK files on iOS, how to open APK files on iPhone, and how to open APK files on Chromebook. But, there are still a few things that you should know before we answer the above questions.

Aren’t you a bit curious about why the APK files have earned such a reputation? Well, to be more enthused about how to open APK files on Android, you have to understand the uses of these files:

  • You can download apk and use all the leaked applications
  • You get to override carriers and get the latest Google updates
  • Apps that are not available on the Play Store can be obtained with APK files
  • Region-restricted applications can be downloaded too

That’s it. You can experience and enjoy all the above benefits if only you know how to open APK file. And worry not, we are here to guide you through the steps.

Open APK files on Android

Open APK files on phone

As it is clear by the subject line, this part of the read has been crafted to help you answer one very specific question – how to open APK files on Android. So, let’s get right to it.

To open an APK file on your Android device/s, all you have to do is download and launch them. But, you should know that some of these files do not get installed, outside of the Play Store, because of safety blocks. And again, just a few setting changes can help you with the download and installation restriction.

Here are a few ways for “how to open APK file” depending on the Android version:

  • Settings > Apps and Notifications > Advanced > Special App Access > Install Unknown Apps
  • Settings > Apps and Notifications
  • Settings > Security

Granting permission to install any unofficial APK files is a must. Another way is to go for the “Install unknown sources” or unknown Apps. However, if you still cannot open it, you may have to get into the File Manager.

How to open APK files on PC?

Open APK files on PC

Well, we know what APK is and we know how to open APK files on Android. But, this part of the read has been crafted to help you understand the steps involved in opening these files on a PC (Windows):

  1. From the official website, get the Android Studio software.
  2. Further, install and run it on your Windows PC.
  3. Direct your cursor to “Profile” or “Debug APK”.
  4. Settle the APK file you’d like to open in the displayed prompt.
  5. Once you’re sure, hit on the “OK” option.
  6. Move on to go through the APK on your device.

How to open APK files on iOS?

Open APK files on ios

APK files work wonders and it is only natural that iOS users go on thinking about whether it can work on iOS as well. But, sadly, APK is only for Android devices and not iOS. Thus, if someone asks, ‘how to open APK files on an iPhone?’ you will have to say that the operating system is not compatible, and cannot be opened on an iPhone.

How to open APK files on Chromebook?

Open APK files on chromebook

Chromebooks are defined as the new efficient and quicker solution to all computer needs. The speciality is ChromeOS, which houses the best of built-in Google tools, several security layers and cloud storage. APK files can be very easily installed and opened on Chromebook. Here’s how: Settings > Developers > Linux development environment (Beta) > Turn it “ON” > Install > follow through with the displayed prompts.

Conclusion

APK or Android Package Kit files are of high efficiency and we say that because it helps us distribute apps on Android devices, directly from the Google server. It is basically a handbook to understand the technicalities of an installed application on your device (from resources to compiled codes).

There are a variety of services that these APK files can help us experience. And so, when we heard the question of how to open an APK file, we had to bring the answers together.

In the read above, you get to know the elaborate details of APK files and how you can open them on your Android device/s. But, we have also included sections to help you open APK files on your PC, iOS or iPhone, and Chromebook.