How to download an APK file from Google Play Store

If your Android device is short on space, or you want to work around country restrictions, then you can simply download and install APK files directly from Google Play to your computer and install it on your device later. Effectively, youcan store an APK collection on your hard drive or cloud storage, then dip into it when you want to grab an app. Here's how to download APKs to your PC.

• What to do when Google Play isn't working

• Google Play Store errors and how to fix them

There are a couple of ways you can download a Google Play APK to your PC. You can use a Chrome extension or a website that will generate a specific download link for you - we've covered both methods for you below. You can even download paid APKs if you have already purchased them on the Play Store, but take a look at the excerpt from GooglePlay's Terms & Conditions at the very bottom of this tutorial to see their take on the subject. If you're likely to download lots of APKs, then getting yourself an extension for Chrome or Firefox is probably a good idea. For this tutorial we're going to be using CodeKiem's APK Downloader extension version 2, which supports both Chrome and Firefox browsers.

• Download APK Downloader extension for Chrome

• Download APK Downloader add-on for Firefox

This is one of many APK Downloader extensions available for Chrome. © ANDROIDPIT/CodeKiem

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• Once you've added the extension to your desktop browser, you need to enter your email address, which will be stored in the Chrome extension associated with your Google Play account, and also your device ID for later requests.

The Chrome extension needs your email address and Device ID to function. © ANDROIDPIT

• To get your device ID, download an app called Device ID, which will bring up your Android ID when you open it. You should also use one of the e-mail addresses listed in Device ID- along with its associated password - to log into APK Downloader.

Device ID

Use the simple app, Device ID, to find out our aid (Android ID) to log into APK Downloader. / © ANDROIDPIT

• Once you've done this, go to the Play Store and find an app you want to download to your PC. You'll notice that next to the 'Install' or 'Buy' button, there is now a 'Download APK' option. Click it to download the app you want. 

• Enable 'Unknown sources' in your phone's security settings (Settings > Security > Unknown sources) to transfer APKs from your PC.

• Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable. The necessary drivers should install automatically and your phone should show up like a USB storage device.

You will need to enable 'Unknown sources' in your phone's security settings. / © ANDROIDPIT

• Next, copy the APK you downloaded to your PC onto your phone (this is called ''sideloading''). I'd recommend an obvious location like the Downloads folder.

• Go to the Downloads folder on your phone using its File Manager app, then tap the APK you just transferred over. It will request your permissions then install itself to your device.

• For your peace of mind and security, disable ''Unknown Sources'' when you’re done.

If you're a more casual APK downloader then a Chrome extension is probably not really necessary. Instead, you can just visit a dedicated site for generating APK download links whenever you need to.

• Go to the Play Store and find the app you want to download.

• Copy the app's URL address from the browser's address bar.

• Next, go to a site like Evozi's APK Downloader (Evozi also has a Chrome/Firefox extension) and paste the app package name (or the whole Google Play URL if you're lazy) in the box at the top of the page.

You can generate unique download links every time you want to grab an APK.  © ANDROIDPIT

• Hit the blue button to generate the download link and save it to your computer.

• Sideload the APK to your phone/tablet and install it as above.

You should note that using these methods to access apps in the Google Play Store may technically be against the Play Store's terms of service (we're not entirely sure), so use this process at your own risk.Download APK file using a browser extensionInstall APK file on your Android deviceDownload APK file from Google Play using a websiteGoogle's Terms & Conditions