Do you need to change again to an earlier model of an app after an update? Luckily, there are websites that permit you to download older variations of an app in APK format to manually install any Android app without the need for Google Play Store. However, downloading APK information from unverified sources could be risky. This information takes a look at a variety of the finest web sites to securely download free APK recordsdata.
Tip: Google Play Store inflicting you problems? We show you the way to uninstall and reinstall it.
Is it Safe to Install Apps Outside Google Play?
Installing apps on Android utilizing APK information could be protected, but it is essential to be cautious when downloading APKs from unknown sources. According to a report by Symantec, APK information had been the second most typical supply method for cell malware in 2019, accounting for 23% of all cell malware attacks.
Additionally, you will need to remember that installing apps using APK files can bypass certain safety measures, such as the Google Play Store’s capacity to display for malicious apps. As a result, installing apps using APK recordsdata may increase the risk of downloading a malicious app if you supply them from shady sources.
It is usually secure to obtain APK recordsdata from websites that have been around for some time and have a great reputation. These websites usually have a tendency to have strict insurance policies in place to guarantee that the APK files they offer are secure and free from malware.
Many web sites that permit you to obtain APK files additionally provide virus scans to ensure that the recordsdata are free from malware. It is a good idea to take benefit of these tools to make sure the security of the APK file before you download and set up it. Alternatively, use a devoted APK scanning service in your telephone.
How Do You Install an App Using an APK File?
To install an app utilizing an APK file on Android, fiest obtain the APK in your system, then permit your device to install apps from unknown sources.
Open the downloaded APK file and evaluate and settle for any permissions requested by the app. Follow the prompts to complete the set up process.
1. APKMirror
APKMirror tops our record of free APK file downloaders in every facet, particularly in relation to security. All APKs uploaded to the net site are checked by staff before they’re published. The web site even compares the cryptographic signatures of updated app variations to their predecessors (to make sure the developers signed them). If APKMirror can’t validate an app, it won’t publish it, so that you won’t discover modified APKs, illegally downloaded apps, or cracked apps on the web site. APKMirror additionally hosts a large library of apps. The web site constantly provides new APK file releases and has almost every APK file you could want, every with different versions.
Pros
- Has every single app that you’ll find on Google Store
- Constantly releases APK information for brand new and up to date apps
- APK information for older app versions are also available
Cons
- Very fundamental search engine
- Categorization of APK information is considerably disorganized
Good to know: XAPK recordsdata are larger variations of APK recordsdata. Learn tips on how to install an XAPK in your Android device.
2. APKPure
When it involves discovering free, secure APK information, APKPure is one other wonderful option that’s additionally available as an Android app. Before publishing apps, APKPure makes use of SHA1 to validate them and guarantee their certificates are secure. In addition, it verifies that the brand new app variations have cryptographic signatures that match beforehand released variations, whereas new apps are compared to different software from the same developer. Under this safety commonplace, APKPure by no means publishes an app on the internet site if they’re even barely concerned concerning the app’s security or provenance. In addition, APKPure doesn’t provide any modified APKs. Instead, it pulls screenshots, app descriptions, and general metadata from Google to enhance website usability. APKPure even maintains an archive of earlier app releases.
Pros
- Large app library that includes apps not listed on the Play Store
- Works with region-locked apps
- Also obtainable as an Android app
Cons
- The app doesn’t work properly on some Android gadgets and is not straightforward to use
3. APK-DL
The key benefit of using APK-DL is that you’ll find apps that aren’t out there in your country’s Google Play Store. Another highlight of APK-DL is its search bar that lets you paste Google Play URLs for apps. The site provides you entry to the entire most lately launched apps. Since its APKs are distributed from the Google Play Store, there could be little to no room for suspicious malware. Also, it is considered one of the more user-friendly APK downloading websites, due to its clean, simple design. That’s not to say APK-DL doesn’t have drawbacks. For instance, downloading APK information from the web site may be fairly sluggish.
Pros
- Let you obtain apps from different nations with no VPN
- Gives you access to probably the most recently-launched apps
- User friendly
Cons
- Slow downloads
- Infested with ads
Tip: Apps not working correctly in your Android device? Try these fixes to solve the problem.
4. Aptoide
Aptoide is available as both a net site and an Android app and could be accessed in over 30 languages, making it accessible to a wider vary of people. An essential advantage is that it allows you to easily roll again to a previous model of an app through the cellular app. When it comes to identifying malware, Aptoide employs a three-stage verification system. Each app is tested, then Aptoide’s Quality Team conducts a guide inspection of every app. Finally, user evaluate metrics are also factored in to price an app’s security. On the downside, Aptoide relies on advert income to monetize its platform, so you’ll usually see extra advertisements when using Aptoide compared to other app shops.
Pros
- Available in various languages
- Offers a “Request App” feature
- APK file downloads for apps no longer out there on Google Play
Cons
- Both website and app feature ads
- No customer support
5. APKMonk
APKMonk is a popular APK obtain web site amongst gaming fanatics and is essentially targeted on offering APK recordsdata for a wide variety of cellular games. It additionally allows you to explore video games based mostly on classes corresponding to Adventure, Board, Card, Racing, Trivia, and so on. Apart from that, APKMonk is protected to use, as it collects the app’s metadata and photographs from the Google Play Store and hyperlinks the applications to their original listings. It additionally regularly scans for viruses and removes any suspicious apps. As with other trusted websites to download APK recordsdata, APKMonk allows you to download several earlier variations of an app. You may even get some of the paid Google Play apps at no cost on APKMonk, but it’s not advisable so that you just can obtain them.
Pros
- Excellent APK downloader for mobile games
- Clean and well-organized UI
- Lets you obtain older versions of apps
Cons
- Not that helpful for non-gamers
- Doesn’t auto-update apps like Google Play does
6. F-Droid
F-Droid has a reputation for being one of the safe channels to download APK files. Since its launch in 2010, F-droid has hosted more than 4000 FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) apps, and because it operates independently from Google, it’s a popular alternative for custom ROMs, similar to LineageOS and GrapheneOS. When it involves security, F-Droid verifies the authenticity of every app using cryptographic signatures and reproducible builds, guaranteeing that they aren’t malicious or tampered with. Plus, all app signing is finished on a dedicated, air-gapped, offline machine. Additionally, F-Droid allows customers to simply set up and manage updates for the apps they have installed, which helps ensure you have access to the latest version of your favourite apps with the latest safety fixes and new features.
Pros
- Uses The Onion Router (Tor) to enhance privacy
- Open-source software presents flexibility
- Apps don’t have hidden costs
- Suspicious recordsdata are instantly flagged
Cons
Tip: battery draining quick in your Android phone? Apps running within the background could presumably be the wrongdoer. Learn the method to cease them from running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain APK files for paid apps and use them for free?
Even though it’s potential to download APK information for paid apps for free, it is generally not legal to do so and could be considered a violation of the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) to use these apps without paying for them. Many builders depend on app sales as a income, and pirating apps by downloading them from unauthorized sources deprives them of this earnings.
There are some respectable ways to acquire paid apps at no cost, corresponding to by way of app giveaways or promotions, however these are typically supplied by the builders themselves or by way of official channels, such as the Google Play Store.
Can I safely use APK recordsdata for apps that are not available in my country?
It’s attainable to obtain APK information for apps that are not available in your nation. They are usually not restricted by geographical location, so you must be capable of obtain an APK file for an app that’s not available in your nation so lengthy as you might have a reliable supply.
However, you will want to be aware that some apps could not operate correctly if they are not used within the country for which they had been designed. This could be as a end result of variations in language, currency, or different elements.
Image credit: All alterations and screenshots by Ojash Yadav.
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