Installing APK Files
A file with the APK extension is an Android Package, which contains the compiled app code and resources needed to run an Android application. It can be downloaded directly from Google Play, or manually sideloaded (as opposed to using the App Store) by changing your phone’s settings: Settings > Apps > Advanced > Allow apps from unknown sources.
As a general rule, it’s best to avoid downloading APK files from any source other than the official Google Play Store. These files can sometimes contain malware that could infect your device or steal your personal information. It’s also important to ensure that the APK file you download has a valid signature, as well as an IMEI number that matches your phone’s IMEI number.
If you’re going to download an APK from outside of the Play Store www.apkeditor.net, make sure it’s from a reputable site that thoroughly vets its APKs before uploading them. You should also run a virus scanner on the APK to minimize the risk of any harmful programs making their way into your system.
APKMirror is generally regarded as the safest option for downloading APK files. It’s owned and operated by the popular Android news website, Android Police, so you should know that its staff are vetted and that it takes security seriously. Other reputable APK download sites include APKPure and Aptoide.
Precautions to Take While Installing APK Files
You can convert an APK to a ZIP file, but this isn’t really what you’d call a conversion. The APK format itself uses ZIP compression, so renaming the file with a different extension does nothing to change that. In order to change an APK to a ZIP file, you’d need to use a separate tool that can extract the files inside it.
There’s no easy way to convert an APK into an IPA file for use on iOS devices, either. The process of creating an IPA file for iOS is much more involved and requires a developer with experience in the platform.
The APK installation method used by Android phones was standardized in Android 8.0 Oreo, and it’s mostly the same to this day. It involves opening the APK file in a browser, giving it installation permissions, and following the prompts to install the app on your phone. This is a more secure method than the previous installation method that required a physical connection between a PC and your phone to install apps. However, it’s still not as secure as using the official Play Store to install apps on your Android phone.
If you’re concerned about this, it may be worth switching to a different Android phone with the latest version of Oreo installed. That way, you can still access the Play Store to install apps, but it will be more difficult for malicious software to infiltrate your system. It will also give you access to more apps that aren’t available through the Play Store. This is especially helpful for games that require a lot of memory or storage space, such as PUBG and Garena Cover Fire.