Downloading applications on your Android is relatively straightforward, all thanks to the Google Play Store, which hosts millions of applications for various categories. This includes games and apps related to optimization, security, photography, productivity, and more. But what if you want to have their APKs downloaded on your device?
Well, if you’re an Android developer and want to explore codes used in the development of an application, you certainly need the application’s APK file. In this guide, we’ll focus on how to download APK from Google Play Store on a PC.
Why would I want to install an APK File?
Besides fulfilling the technical needs of an Android developer, there are a couple of reasons you might want to download the APK from the Play Store on a PC.
- You want to get the latest version of the app instead of waiting for a staged rollout on the Google Play Store.
- If an app is unavailable in your region, downloading the APK file from different platforms may help you install the application on your device.
3 Ways to Download APK Files From Google Play Store To PC
Try out the following workarounds and learn how to download APK files on a PC:
You might want to read: Get Sorted With The Best Android Apps of All Times (Free/Paid)
1. Use Browser Extension
If you tend to download APK files more than often, then you can consider getting a browser extension for your Firefox or Chrome. There are a lot of extensions available on both the browsers. You can install APK Downloader by developer CodeKiem. The extension is compatible with both Firefox and Google Chrome.
Note: The extension or add-on works fine with both Firefox and Chrome.
Chrome: APK Downloader
- To get the extension, go to Chrome Web Store- type APK Downloader in search box.
- Once you get APK Downloader, click it and then click Add to Chrome.
- Now that the extension is added, you have to enter your email address. (make sure that you enter the email address associated with Google Play Store). Moreover, it will ask you to enter Device ID.
Note: If you don’t know your Device ID, you can download Device ID app on Android and get the ID. With the Device ID, you will get a list of email address and their passwords, you can choose to use them to login to APK Downloader.
- Go to Google Play Store and search the app for which you want to download APK file on PC.
- When the app description page opens, click ‘Install’ button and you will get ‘Download APK’ option. Click to initiate a download of the APK file.
2. Use A Website
- Getting an extension on your PC to download APK is for regular users but if you want to get APK file not that often, then using a website is a better option. It is rather a less complicated process.
- All you need to do is go to Google Play Store and then navigate to the app.
- Copy the app URL address or link (you will get it from the address bar of your browser).
- Once you have copied, go to APKPure and paste the link in the search box at the upper-right corner of the webpage.
- You will be redirected to the page with the Download APK, green colored button to get the APK file on PC. Save it to the desired location on your PC.
You will get an APK from google play on your PC. Whenever you want to install the app on your Android. Follow these steps:
- Locate Settings-> Security-> Unknown Sources
- Connect your Android phone to your PC with a USB cable. Your Android device will come up as USB storage device.
- Transfer the APK files to your Android device to the desired location.
- Now, navigate to the location from File Manager app on your phone. Tap on the APK file to initiate the installation. Follow the onscreen instructions to get it done.
3. Download Apps From Google Play Store Alternatives
Google Play Store is the official app store for Android, but it’s not the only platform that hosts a variety of applications and games. There are dedicated platforms like APKMirror, Aptoide, F-Droid, Uptodown, and more that allow users to fetch the APK files for the applications and games they wish to download. You can navigate any of the platforms mentioned above and download APK from Google Play to your PC in a couple of clicks.
Bottom Line
We hope this guide assists you in the entire process of “how to download apk files on PC.” Our personal recommended way is to use a browser extension like APK Downloader by APK Combo to download APK files quickly on your computer easily. You can also head towards the Best Google Play Store Alternatives shared above to get your favorite apps’ or game’s APK files directly downloaded on your PC/Laptop.
You can easily download APK files to your PC from Google Play Store. Try these workarounds and let us know if you face any issues while performing any steps.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Can APK files harm my device?
To be honest, yes! APK files can sometimes cause damage to your device. It usually happens when the APK file you’ve downloaded contains malware or malicious codes. So, it’s highly recommended that you download APKs from reputed app stores and run the files through an online virus scanner before installing the application on your smartphone.
Q2. Are APK files legal?
Absolutely! It’s perfectly legal to download APK from Play Store on a PC. It’s just like any common file format like EXE or ZIP.
Q3. How do I find APK files on my Android device?
To locate the APK files on your Android smartphone, all you have to do is:
- For installed apps – Look for the APK file under /data/app/directory/
- For pre-installed apps – Look for the APK file under /system/app folder
These folders can be easily accessed from your File Management, or File Explorer application can easily access these folders.
NEXT READ:
- 10 Best Android Apps To Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages
- How to Run Android Apps on Windows 11
- Run Android Apps On Your PC With Best Android Emulator Chrome Extensions
- Five Ways To Swiftly Catch Hold Of Hidden Android Apps