How to save the APK of an installed app on Android

If you've ever wanted to save the installation file of an app you already have on your phone, you've come to the right place. You can extract the APK from an app installed in Android can be useful in many situations, whether to make a Backup, share an application with another person without depending on the Google Play Store or avoid losing one specific version of an app after an update.

Although there is no native option on Android to extract APKs, there are several ways to do it easily and without the need for rootIn this article we explain how to save the APK of any application installed on your device and the most recommended tools to do so.

What is the purpose of saving the file? APK from an app?

Extract and save the file APK Uninstalling an installed app can be useful in many situations. Some of the most common reasons for doing so are:

• Make a backup: If an app disappears from the Play Store or stops working properly in future updates, having your APK will allow you to reinstall it.
• Share apps with other devices: You can send the APK to someone else to install it without having to search for it in the Play Store, especially if it is not available in their region.
• Restore previous versions: Some updates remove features or introduce bugs. With a copy APK, you can revert to the previous version whenever you want.
• Install apps on devices without Google Play: If you have a device without access to the Play Store, you can install applications using its APK files manually.

Methods for extracting the APK from an installed application

Although Android doesn't offer a native option to extract an app's installation file, there are several easy ways to do so. Below, we explain the most effective methods.

1. Use a specific application

There are several apps available on the Play Store that allow you to extract APKs in a simple way. One of the most recommended is MLManager, which offers a intuitive interface and allows you to save and share files APKs in a few steps.

To extract a APK MLManager, follow these steps:

1. Download and install MLManager from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and you'll see a list of all the apps installed on your phone.
3. Select the application you want to extract.
4. Push the button Extract to save the APK in the memory of your device.
5. If you want to share it, you can use the share option from the app itself.

Alternatively APK Extractor, which works in a similar way and also allows you to extract APKs of both user and system apps.

2. Use a file explorer

If you prefer not to install a specific application for this task, you can use a advanced file exploreras the ES File Explorer. This method is useful if you want to manually access the files APKs of the installed apps.

To do it with ES File Explorer:

1. Download and install ES File Explorer from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and swipe left to right to access the side menu.
3. Select option  APP, which will show you all installed applications.
4. Press and hold the app you want to extract the data from. APK.
5. Press on Backup. The file APK will be saved in the folder /sdcard/backups/apps.

From there, you can move the file to another location or share it with anyone you want.

Also, if you need save important files from other applications, you can follow similar methods to secure your data.

3. Extract APKs with a file explorer on PC

Another option is to connect your phone to your computer and use a file explorer to access the installed apps. You'll need a file manager that allows you to access the system apps folder.

To extract the files using this method:

1. Connect your mobile phone to the computer using a cable USB.
2. Open File Explorer on your PC and access your phone's internal memory.
3. Find the folder where applications are stored (/data/app o /system/app in some cases).
4. Copy the file APK of the desired app and save it to your computer.

This method may require root access on some devices, so it is not always feasible for all users.

If you are interested in learning more about file management on Android, you can visit the article on APK application settings for more useful information.

Is it safe to extract and share? APKs?

Before extracting and sharing files APKs, there are some security aspects you should consider:

• Avoid downloading APKs from unknown sources: extract a APK from an already installed app is safe, but downloading files APKs from third-party websites can be dangerous.
• Check the app permissions: Before installing a APK On another device, check its permissions to make sure it doesn't have access to sensitive data.
• Use trusted apps: If you opt for an app to extract APKs, choose popular and highly rated apps from the Play Store.

Save and extract APKs installed applications is a simple task thanks to tools such as MLManager o ES File Explorer. Whether it's sharing an app with a friend, making a Backup or restore a previous version, these methods will allow you to manage your applications more efficiently and without complications.

Related article:

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Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.

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