9 min readMost of the apps on your computer are likely to have come from the internet—for example, you may have downloaded iTunes from Apple's website to listen to music or Steam from Valve's website to play games. Perhaps you rely on a variety of internet-based utilities to control your computer. In any event, you've most likely installed software on Windows or Mac OS using.exe or.dmg files. Each file format enables the operating system to load, use, and install the associated application.
Similarly, your Android phone runs on its installable software. An APK file is used to install any program downloaded from the Play Store on your smartphone. On the Android operating system, that is an installable archive file. So, even though you're searching through millions of Android apps and games via a store interface, the process is nearly comparable to installing a program on Windows or Mac OS. Android can also install APKs from third-party sources, making it an operating system that is as expandable as Windows 10.
How to Save APK Files From the Google Play Store to Your Computer (H2)
Method 1. ViaBrowser Extension
This method necessitates a browser extension, which can be installed on Chrome or Firefox.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Go to the Chrome or Firefox store and search for APK Downloader by APK Combo.
Step 2: After downloading and installing the APK Downloader browser extension, select it from the list of extensions on your Chrome or Firefox browser.
Step 3: It will redirect you to a new URL, where you will see boxes with options such as Name, Package Name, or Google Play URL. Android Version, Device, and Architecture.
Step 4: Enter the name of the APK you wish to download, as well as your device type, architecture, and Android OS version.
Step 5: After that, click on the Generate Download Link Button, and then choose the app from the new screen's list of available apps.
Method 2. Via Website
A clever alternative to downloading APKs from the Play Store using extensions for your PC web browser is to go directly to the website.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Go to https://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/.
Step 2: Go to another website and open Google Play Store, then search for the app you want to download from Play Store.
Step 3: Once the search is complete, open the desired app and copy the app URL or Package Name/App ID from the URL bar.
Step 4: Return to the Evozi page you visited and paste the copied app URL or Package Name into the tab.
Step 5: Once you've pasted your URL/App ID, click Generate Download Link to generate a download link.
Step 6: Click the Green Download Button to begin downloading your program.
Method 3. Via Google Play Store Alternatives (H3)
If you're stuck on your phone and don't have access to a desktop computer, or if you want a more straightforward way to access APKs from Google Play, two websites can help. Though you won't be downloading the APK directly from Google, APKMirror and APKPure are reliable services that allow you to download APKs from any program accessible for free on the Play Store. You won't be able to get paid applications from APKMirror or APKPure, as both sites have restrictions on supplying any form of illegal software.
You can, however, download previously uploaded versions of apps that are not available on the Play Store. This contains programs that cannot be hosted on Google Play for various reasons (such as software restrictions, as demonstrated in Nova Launcher's Google Feed integration) and beta versions of applications posted to the Play Store.
Either website would do for your purposes, but we found APKMirror to be the superior option, with a design that makes it simple to search through popular and recent APK files. Whereas APKPure looks like an app store, with a revolving carousel of highlighted apps and a list of "hot" apps and games, APKMirror is primarily concerned with allowing users to sideload applications for the latest updates or third-party software.
The fact that APKMirror enables users to download particular versions of the applications to run on the architecture of their device makes it a little more technical. APKPure, on the other hand, merely offers a typical APK file for most phones. APKPure also provides a dedicated application for Android, enabling you to download the apps directly to your phone without using your browser. Both websites offer users typical QR codes to scan and load program downloads on their phones.
While they don't offer all possible apps, they contain the vast majority of the software you might need for your smartphone. It's simple to find on third-party APK sites whether you're seeking an app that isn't supported by your phone, is restricted to your location, or is an unreleased, beta, or blocked program from the Play Store.
Conclusion(H2)
These are the most efficient ways to download Android app files from the Google Play Store or other sources. Overall, APK Downloader is an excellent way to download APKs directly from Google's website without using a third-party service, though the platform's limits do damper things. The lack of a dedicated Chrome extension also contributes; however, the page may be bookmarked and visited with relative ease. The service has various glitches and hiccups, but APK Downloader is one of the only options to download APK packages directly from the Play Store.
If it isn't essential to you, utilising APKMirror or APKPure is just as simple, with fewer restrictions and error warnings than APK Downloader.
