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

Download Article

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

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: June 13, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Using an APK Downloader

|

Using an APK Extractor

|

Q&A

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using an APK Downloader

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":542,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":550,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Click the address bar, then press Ctrl + C (PC) or Cmd + C (Mac) to copy it.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":341,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":540,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

To do this, right-click or Ctrl + click the "Name or Package Name or Play Store URL" field and select Paste .
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":542,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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 .

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using an APK Extractor

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

For example, if you want to have an APK of Snapchat, download Snapchat on your Android.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This generates an APK file name and prompts you to save it to your Android.
5

Select a saving location and tap Save . This saves the APK of the selected Play Store app to your Android.

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Download-an-APK-File-from-the-Google-Play-Store-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

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 18 Helpful 27
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 136 Helpful 21
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
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 4

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Log in

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

Things You Should Know

Steps

Using an APK Downloader

Using an APK Extractor

Community Q&A

Tips

You Might Also Like

About This Article

Is this article up to date?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories