.apk files
.apk file
Android Application Package
An Android app installer — a zip of code and resources.
What opens a .apk file
- Windows
- BlueStacks (emulator), Android Studio emulator, 7-Zip (to inspect contents)
- macOS
- Android Studio emulator, BlueStacks Air
- Linux
- Android Studio emulator, Waydroid
What a .apk file is
APK is the package Android installs apps from, structurally a ZIP file with a manifest, compiled code and resources. Installing one outside the Play Store requires enabling install from unknown sources, and sideloading is the main route by which Android malware spreads. On a PC there is no native way to run one: Microsoft ended Windows Subsystem for Android in March 2025, so an emulator such as BlueStacks or Android Studio is now the answer, while 7-Zip will happily open the archive to look inside.
Converting it
A .apk file is commonly converted to .zip or .aab. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.
Details
- Extension
- .apk
- Full name
- Android Application Package
- Category
- Programs and installers
- MIME type
- application/vnd.android.package-archive
- Created by
- Format
- Binary
Common questions
- How do I open a .apk file?
- On Windows use BlueStacks (emulator); on macOS use Android Studio emulator; on Linux use Android Studio emulator. An Android app installer — a zip of code and resources.
- What is a .apk file?
- Android Application Package. APK is the package Android installs apps from, structurally a ZIP file with a manifest, compiled code and resources. Installing one outside the Play Store requires enabling install from unknown sources, and sideloading is the main route by which Android malware spreads.
- Can I convert a .apk file?
- Yes. It is usually converted to .zip or .aab, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.
Related pages
- .exe — Windows Executable A Windows program. It runs code, which is why it is also the classic way to get
- .msi — Windows Installer Package A structured Windows installer that the OS installs and can cleanly uninstall.
- .dll — Dynamic Link Library Shared Windows code that programs load — not something you open or run.
- .sh — Shell Script A text file of Unix shell commands, run by bash, zsh or sh.
- .deb — Debian Software Package The installer format for Debian, Ubuntu and their derivatives.
- .jar — Java Archive A zip of compiled Java classes — a library, or a runnable program.
- .bat — Windows Batch File A plain-text list of Command Prompt commands that runs when you double-click it.
- .pkg — macOS Installer Package A macOS installer that runs a guided setup, rather than a drag-and-drop app.
- .ps1 — PowerShell Script A script for Windows PowerShell — Microsoft's modern automation shell.
- .ipa — iOS Application Archive An iPhone or iPad app package — installable only through Apple-sanctioned channe
- .rpm — RPM Package The installer format for Fedora, Red Hat, openSUSE and their relatives.
- .appimage — AppImage Portable Application A whole Linux application in one file that runs without being installed.
Sources
- Media Types Registry — IANA
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place