How to Extract APK from Android Phone | APK Extractor

Want to download APK from Google play store or looking for the best APK extractor for Android? Learn how to extract APK from Android without root.

As you are reading this Android apk extractor tutorial, we can assume that you are interested in learning how to extract APK files from android apps without root.

Is that right?

Well, APK files are a type of archive file with .apk as the filename extension.

If you want to extract APK file of any android app on your android device, you will come across a lot of APK extracting options. Even, if you can search on google “how to extract APK from android” or “how to get APK files for android apps” then you will see that most of the search results are explaining you very lengthy and complex processes to extract APK file of Android app without root.

how to extract apk from android

It can be really difficult for a newbie to follow all these steps in order to extract APK from Android and get APK from Google play store.

So, if you are looking for easy steps to extract APK file then you are at the right place as today we are going to share five best methods which you can follow to extract APK files from android apps even if your android device is not rooted. But before we share those methods with you, let’s have a basic understanding of .apk file and what are the uses of .apk files.

What is .apk file in Android apps and Games?

Android application package (APK) or .Apk file is a package file format which is used in order to distribute software on android operating system platforms. It comes in zip format packages based on the JAR file format, with .apk as the filename extension.

In simple words, we can say that APK is the installer which is used for android devices and is somewhat similar to the .exe program installer which is used for Windows computers.

Whenever a user downloads and installs an Android application from an official source like Google Play store or from any unofficial site, basically they are installing an APK file on their device.

If you are a skilled android user or android developer then you can install an APK file directly to a device. The only thing you need to do is enable the “Unknown sources” in the Settings menu to install APK from unofficial sites or directly from a desktop or file manager.

What is the Use of .apk file?

Now that you know what .apk file in Android is, you might be wondering – what is the use of .apk file? Well we have listed some of the important uses of .apk files below:

  • You will be able to transfer application on other android devices which is not having any internet connectivity.
  • You can take backup of all your favorite applications and save them on your computer. It will also help you in saving phone memory as you are going to take backup of all the applications from your android device.
  • If any application or game which you are willing to install on your android device is not available in Google Play store you can use the .apk file which is available for it.

Important Note: One thing you need to keep in your mind that extracting APK files from paid android apps is exclusively illegal. If you do so then you are responsible for it. We don’t support piracy at all and this APK extracting tutorial is only for education purposes.

How to Extract APK from Android without Root

Although, there are countless of ways to extract APK from android available on the internet but if you are not having a rooted android phone or tablet then obviously you will wish to know the methods to extract APK file of Android app without root.

In this article, we are going to explain top 5 methods which will help you in extracting APK from android without rooting. So, let’s dive in.

Method 1: Download APK from Google Play Store

Do you want to download APK files directly from Google play store? If yes then using “APK Downloader” is the most helpful way to extract APK file of any android app on your android device. You can easily use the APK Downloader online as it will help you in downloading the .apk file of all the applications and games which are present in Google Play store.

Simply, you have to go to the official site of APK Downloader and enter the Package name or Google Play URL of the application whose .apk file you want to download then click on “Generate Download Link” button.

download apk from google play

Just after the click, you will be able to see the application details (Package Name, File Size, QR Code, MD5 File Hash, Last Fetched date and time, and Version etc.) along with the .apk download link of that android app.

apk downloader

Here, you need to simply click on green button download button and you will get APK from Google play store. That’s it!

Method 2: Extract APK File Using APK Extractor App

In case, if you want to get APK from installed apps on your Android device then you should try out APK Extractor application.

APK Extractor is a very well-known and easy to use apk extracting tool which allows you to extract APK files of almost all application including system applications. The best thing is, you can use this app on any android device (No ROOT access required).

In order to extract APK file from installed android apps, firstly install APK Extractor app on your android device.

Once you have downloaded and installed the app, open it and you will see all the applications which are installed on your android device.

apk extractor

Only you need to click on the application whose .apk file you want to extract and the extracting process will begin.

extract apk

By default, all the extracted .apk files will be saved in /sdcard/ExtractedApks/ location on your android phone or tablet.

get apk from google play

Thus, you can see how simple is to extract APK from installed apps on your Android using APK Extractor Android app.

Method 3: Extract APK Using ES File Explorer

Lots of android users use “ES File Explorer File Manager” application for managing their files efficiently and easily. If you are also one of them, you can use ES File Explorer as APK extractor too. Yes, you heard right!

ES File Explorer is not just any file manager and folder manager app, it has many hidden features. In order to extract APK using ES File Explorer:

First of all, install ES File Explorer on your Android phone or tablet (if you haven’t installed already).

Once you have installed this application, open it on your android device and go to the tool menu > App manager > select the apps > Backup.

es file explorer

All the applications which are installed on your device will be present over here. You can choose any application whose apk you want to download. Once selected, click on the Backup option and the apk which you selected will start extract.

apk file extractor

You can then browse the path where you want to save the apk file.

Method 4: Extract APK Files Using AirDroid

You can not only use AirDroid to transfer data between your device and computer but also for extracting the .apk files and saving them on your computer in a single zip file.

airdroid

To use Airdroid for extracting APK files:

Firstly, install AirDroid Application on your android device. Once installed, select the Apps icon and then select the apps whose APK you wish to extract and save on your computer.

Finally, click on Download option. Thus, the Android app’s APK which you selected will be extracted using the Airdroid app.

Method 5: Extract APK using Assistant for Android

Most of you might be familiar with the Android Assistant app which is quite popular for its comprehensive management features for android smartphones and tablets.

But do you know that Assistant for Android is also very recognizable because of its APK extracting capability?

Yes, you can use it as APK extractor for android too.

At first, go to Google Play store and install Assistant for Android app on your android device.

Once you have downloaded the app, open it and then go to Tools and then select Backup & Restore option.

Now choose the applications whose .apk file you want to extract and finally click on the Backup button.

Android Assistant

Look for Android Assistance folder (SD card > AndroidAssistant_appbackup) and here you will find .apk file of the applications stored.

Conclusion

Thus, you can see how simple is to download APK from Google Play Store or extract APK file of any android app on android without root.

We hope that now you are able to download .apk file of different applications and games on your android smartphone and computer by following above explained methods.

Let us know using the comments section below – Which method helped you in extracting APK file of Android app without root? Which APK extractor is working extremely best for you?

You might also like: How to Fix “There is a problem parsing the package” Error

2 thoughts on “How to Extract APK from Android Phone | APK Extractor”

  1. Thanks for Sharing this info. I am planning to give my Apk for Offline promotion. So now simply i will pass these instructions to offline promoter that they can extract the My app form the Google play store with these simple steps.

  2. Thanks for the very nice post. I would like to suggest the My APK from Andatsoft as a better apk extraction tool though. It is fast with a nice design. It has a simple apk manager for easily loop up saved apks.

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