What is an APK file?

An APK file, short for Android Package Kit, is the package file format used by the Android operating system for distribution and installation of mobile apps and middleware. Essentially, it is an archive file that contains all the elements necessary for an app to install and run on an Android device. An APK file includes the app’s code, resources, assets, certificates, and manifest file. When a user downloads an app from the Google Play Store or another source, they are actually downloading an APK file, though this process occurs behind the scenes. Users can also manually install APK files (a process known as “sideloading”) to install apps not available on the Google Play Store, though this practice requires turning off certain security features on the device and can expose the user to risks if the APK is from an untrusted source.