Download APKs from Google Play: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Save the APK file from any Play Store app to your computer or Android

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: September 27, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Using an APK Downloader
|
• Using an APK Extractor
|
• Q&A

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Want to download APK versions of your favorite Google Play Store apps? Although the Play Store doesn't give you the option to download APKs directly, you can use a free APK downloader to save and install APK files from Play Store URLs. This wikiHow guide will teach you two easy ways to download and extract APK files for Google Play apps on your computer or Android phone or tablet.

Things You Should Know

• It's not possible to download APKs from the Play Store app, but you can use a downloader like APKcombo.
• You can also extract an APK file from any app you've already downloaded using a free tool called App APK Extractor & Analyzer.
• You'll only be able to download APKs for free apps.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using an APK Downloader

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1. 1
   Sign in to the Play Store on your computer. One way to download an APK file for a Play Store app is to use an APK downloader tool like APKCombo. Start by going to https://play.google.com in your computer's web browser and signing in with your Google account.

   • Once you download an APK file for a Play Store app with this method, you can easily transfer it to your Android.
   • You can only download APKs for free apps—it's not possible to get a paid app's APK.
2. 2
   Go to the app you want to download. To search for an app, type its name into the Search bar and press your keyboard's Enter key. When you find the app, click its name to open its details page.
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3. 3
   Copy the URL from your browser's address bar. Click the address bar, then press Ctrl + C (PC) or Cmd + C (Mac) to copy it.
4. 4
   Go to APKCombo's website and click App Downloader. You'll see this link at the top of the site.

   • Alternatively, you can use a different APK downloader website. The steps will be very similar regardless of your chosen APK downloading site. A quick Google search will provide a wide selection of third-party APK downloaders.
5. 5
   Paste the Play Store link. To do this, right-click or Ctrl + click the "Name or Package Name or Play Store URL" field and select Paste.
6. 6
   Choose a configuration and click Generate Download Link. If you want to download an APK file from the Play Store for a specific device, architecture, or Android version, you can choose your preferred options from the menus before downloading. This locates the app you want to download and generates a link for saving the APK file.
7. 7
   Click the download icon next to the APK. The icon looks like a downward-pointing arrow above a horizontal line. This saves the selected app's APK to your computer.

   • You can now transfer the file to your Android from your Windows PC or Mac.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using an APK Extractor

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1. 1
   Install App APK Extractor & Analyzer. Although you can't download an app's APK directly from the Play Store, you can extract and generate an APK from any Play Store app using App APK Extractor & Analyzer. Just search for app apk extractor in the Play Store—the app was developed by Yasiru Nayanajith.
2. 2
   Download the Play Store app you want as an APK. For example, if you want to have an APK of Snapchat, download Snapchat on your Android.
3. 3
   Open App APK Extractor & Analyzer and select an app. When you launch App APK Extractor & Analyzer, you'll see a list of apps on your Android. You can filter the list by User, System, or All to find the app you're looking for. Once you tap the app, a pop-up will appear.
4. 4
   Tap Extract App. This generates an APK file name and prompts you to save it to your Android.
5. 5
   Select a saving location and tap Save. This saves the APK of the selected Play Store app to your Android.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  After copying the app to your clipboard from Play Store, what next?

  

  DarkWolf2244

  Community Answer

  It doesn't copy the app itself, it copies the Play Store link to the app. As the article says, go to Evozi APK Downloader on your web browser, paste the link in the box, click the blue button and then the green button. This saves the APK to your device.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 19 Helpful 29
• Question

  Why does Google make downloads so difficult in the first place?

  

  DarkWolf2244

  Community Answer

  Downloading an app or game from the Play Store is not difficult at all! Google has attempted to streamline the steps taken to install an app. You just have to hit "Install". This article covers downloading the APK file which contains the app, which is not necessary to install an app normally.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 150 Helpful 23
• Question

  I bought the universal IR remote controller of Havells Crabtree and it has a specific app of Digitap but all is working but not showing my brand remote just have an option of the brand. What to do?

  

  Michael B. Havel

  Community Answer

  If the Digitap app for your Havells Crabtree universal IR remote controller doesn't show your brand, try updating the app, checking brand compatibility, manual configuration, or contacting support for assistance.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 5 Helpful 4

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