Step by step guide: How to get an APK file of installed app

Welcome to Techswitch, in this short tutorial, we are going to discuss how to actually get the APK file of any installed app on your android phone. You might need this APK file for several reasons such as sharing with someone or uploading to a particular host for accessibility. Now let's dive in...

What is an APK file?

An Android Package Kit (APK) file is a type of file format that is readable and functionable in android devices. APK files contain all the necessary files for an app, including the code, resources, assets, and manifest file, in a single package. 

How to get app APK on your android phone.

Method 1.

The first method here involves sharing the installed app to your WhatsApp or telegram telegram. Though some android phones doesn't have the Feature to share installed applications directly from the main screen but Just give it a try, if it doesn't work, then move down to method two below.

Step 1. Long Press and hold the app you wish to get the APK file. If it shows the share button click on it. Take a look at the screenshot below.

From the above screenshot, I long pressed and held the app 'data awoof' and it displays several options: share, uninstall, app info, and send to desktop.

Step 2. Click the share option, and share the app to either your WhatsApp or telegram app. Ensure you have WhatsApp or telegram app installed on your phone.

Share the app to yourself via WhatsApp. Simply tap on your WhatsApp profile and press the send button.

Step 3. Download (save) the app from your WhatsApp to your file manager or share with anyone.

The same method is applicable to telegram if you choose to use telegram app for this purpose.

Android type that allows sharing of app from it app drawer.

Most Android devices offer app-sharing options directly from the app drawer, though how this is done depends on the device manufacturer and the specific version of Android. Here are some examples:

1. Samsung Galaxy Devices

2. Google Pixel Devices

3. OnePlus Devices

4. Xiaomi Devices (MIUI)

5. OPPO and Realme Devices

Method 2. Using APK extractor to get APK of installed app.

In this second method, we're going to use a third party tools to extract the APK file from our device.

Step 1. Install the APK extractor from Google play store.

Step 2. Launch the app, you will see a list of all your installed apps.

Step 3. Click on the app you wish to extract. Then click the exact button.

Step 4. Go to your file manager and locate the app extractor folder, open it and you will see the APK file of the app you just extracted.

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