5 Things You Should Know about APK Files

Not finding an Android app to install because it’s not available on Play Store? Yes, you may experience such a situation when the developer removes it or it contains adult content or it’s geo-blocked. But no worries! Even though an app is unavailable through your usual channels, you can still install it on your device; how? Through a trustworthy APK downloader! Here we will discuss about 5 things you should know about APK files.

1. What Is APK?

For those who don’t know, APK stands for “Android Package Kit”. It’s sometimes also called “Android Application Package”. This is a file format utilized for applications on Android devices. It is a specialized ZIP file that consists of all the data required for installing APK apps on an Android device. The data includes its code, assets and resources. It is same as an EXE file on Windows.

2. Are APKs Still Useful?

After August 2021 Google introduced a new file format that developers need to use to upload their apps to Play Store. The new format is AAB (Android App Bundle). Before that, APK was the used for this purpose. So, you may wonder, are APKs still useful?

You may find it interesting that AABs couldn’t replace APKs. Actually, the app bundle forms an APK especially for your device. APKs are also useful to make the process of installing apps from sources other than Play Store easy. With them, you can download updates yet to be released on the Play Store, install apps’ older versions and even delisted apps or apps that the Play Store has not approved.

3. Are APKs Safe to Download?

Developers are required to exactly follow Google Play Developer Program Policies and Developer Distribution Agreements if they wish to publish their apps on the Play Store. Plus, Google uses Play Protect which performs safety checks prior to downloading apps. Thus, apps installed from the Play Store are usually safe.

However, when you install an app manually using an APK file, you circumvent safety protocols and may install a malicious file unknowingly. To prevent this from happening and potential infection occurring thereby, always download APK from the official developer’s website. If you choose another source, make sure it’s trustworthy enough.

For example, APKHuHu.com is a website specializing in providing free APK applications and APK games for Android users. They have built a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable source for APK files. Their library is extensive enough to let you find everything you need and be your one-stop shop for the latest games and essential apps. With thousands of diverse applications from action games, puzzles, to utility and creative applications, APKHuHu meets the needs of all users. The website has a friendly, easy-to-use interface and a smart search system, helping users quickly find and download their favorite applications without requiring an account signup or any fees.

4. How Can I Test an APK To Check If It’s “Safe” To Install?

To know if an APK file is safe and to check if an app is not uploading data from your mobile device without your knowledge, you can:

• Review Permissions: Go to your phone’s Settings, then to Apps (or Applications). Select the app in question and review its permissions it has asked for. Be wary of apps requesting for permissions that seem not necessary for their function.
• Use Permissions Manager: Android features a permissions manager that lets you use which permissions are granted to which apps. You can cancel permissions that are seemingly excessive.\
• Scan with Antivirus Software: Make use of a reputable antivirus or anti-malware app to scan the APK file and installed application. Such an app can help you identify any malicious behaviour.

5. Unable to open APK file

If you face a situation that you downloaded an APK file, but can’t open it on your phone, there might be several reasons behind this.

• Disabled Unknown Sources: Most Android devices, by default, disable the installation of apps from unknown sources. To enable installation, go to:
  Settings > Security or Privacy

         Find the option of Installing unknown apps and activate (enable) it for the apps like your file manager or browser that you are using to open the APK.

• File corrupted: Sometimes the APK file may be corrupted or incomplete. Try downloading it again from a reputable source like APKHuHu.com.
• Compatibility Problem: Sometimes there may even be compatibility issues. The APK may not be compatible with the operating system version of your device. Check whether the APK supports your Android’s version.
• Short Storage: Sometimes you may not have enough storage space on your device to install the app.
  File Manager: If your file manager is very specific, it may not support APK files. In that case, try using a different file manager or the default file manager offered by your device.
  Device Limitations: Your phone may have manufacturer specific restrictions that may stop you from installing APKs.

Conclusion

We hope that with these 5 things you should know about APK files, you have learned many things about APK files, and how to do APK game download from a reliable source like APKHuHu.com. Don’t forget to leave a comment for us which will encourage us to provide you helpful information. Read other useful articles on this website for more interesting information about gaming.