XAPK vs APK: What's the Difference and How to Install Them on Android?
If you are an Android user, you might have come across two types of files that can be used to install apps on your device: APK and XAPK. But what are they, how are they different, and how can you install them? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
Introduction
Android is an open-source operating system that allows users to customize their devices and install apps from various sources. Unlike iOS, which only allows apps from the official App Store, Android lets you sideload apps from third-party websites or app stores using installation files called APKs.
xapk vs apk
What is an APK file?
An APK (Android Package Kit) file is a standard format that contains all the necessary components of an app, such as code, resources, assets, certificates, and manifest. It is similar to an EXE file on Windows or a DMG file on Mac. An APK file can be installed on any Android device that supports it, as long as you have enabled unknown sources in your settings.
What is an XAPK file?
An XAPK (eXtended Android Package Kit) file is a newer format that contains additional data for larger apps or games, such as graphics, sounds, or videos. It is similar to a ZIP file that contains an APK file and an OBB (Opaque Binary Blob) file. An OBB file is a data file that stores extra information that is not part of the APK file. An XAPK file can be either a bundle of multiple APK files (Split APKs) or a single APK file with an OBB file (APK + OBB).
How are XAPK files different from APK files?
The main difference between XAPK and APK files is that XAPK files are larger and more complex than APK files. They are used for apps or games that require more than 100 MB of data, which is the limit imposed by Google Play Store for uploading apps. XAPK files are not recognized by Android as installation files, so you cannot install them directly using the default package installer. You need to use a third-party app store or installer, or manually extract and copy the files to the right folders.
How to install APK files on Android
Installing APK files on Android is a simple process that only requires a few steps. Here's how you can do it:
Enable unknown sources
Before you can install any APK file on your device, you need to allow your device to accept apps from unknown sources. This is a security measure that prevents malicious apps from harming your device. To enable unknown sources, go to Settings > Security > Unknown Sources and toggle it on. You might see a warning message that tells you about the risks of installing apps from unknown sources. Tap OK to proceed.
Download the APK file from a trusted source
Next, you need to download the APK file that you want to install from a trusted source. There are many websites or app stores that offer APK files for various apps or games, but not all of them are safe or reliable. Some might contain malware or viruses that can harm your device or steal your data. To avoid this, make sure you download APK files from reputable sources that have positive reviews and ratings. You can also scan the APK file with an antivirus app before installing it.
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Tap on the APK file and follow the instructions
Once you have downloaded the APK file, you can tap on it to start the installation process. You might see a pop-up window that asks you to confirm the installation. Tap Install and wait for the app to be installed on your device. You might also see a list of permissions that the app requires to function properly. Review them carefully and tap Accept if you agree. Once the installation is complete, you can open the app from your app drawer or home screen.
How to install XAPK files on Android
Installing XAPK files on Android is a bit more complicated than installing APK files, but it is not impossible. There are two main methods that you can use to install XAPK files on your device: using a third-party app store or installer, or renaming the XAPK file to ZIP and extracting it manually. Here's how you can do both:
Use a third-party app store or installer
The easiest way to install XAPK files on Android is to use a third-party app store or installer that supports XAPK files. There are many apps that can do this, such as APKPure, Uptodown, or XAPK Installer. You can download these apps from their official websites or from Google Play Store. Once you have installed one of these apps, you can use it to browse, download, and install XAPK files on your device. The app will automatically extract and copy the APK and OBB files to the right folders and install the app for you.
Rename the XAPK file to ZIP and extract it manually
If you don't want to use a third-party app store or installer, you can also install XAPK files manually by renaming them to ZIP and extracting them yourself. This method requires more steps and technical skills, but it gives you more control over the installation process. Here's how you can do it:
Download the XAPK file from a trusted source and save it to your device's storage.
Rename the XAPK file extension to ZIP using a file manager app.
Extract the ZIP file using a file extractor app.
Copy the APK file to your device's storage.
Copy the OBB file (or folder) to the Android/obb folder in your device's storage.
Enable unknown sources in your settings if you haven't done so already.
Tap on the APK file and follow the instructions to install the app.
Conclusion
XAPK and APK are two types of files that can be used to install apps on Android devices. XAPK files are larger and more complex than APK files, as they contain additional data for apps or games that require more than 100 MB of data. APK files are simpler and smaller than XAPK files, as they contain only the essential components of an app. To install XAPK files on Android, you need to use a third-party app store or installer, or rename the XAPK file to ZIP and extract it manually. To install APK files on Android, you only need to enable unknown sources and tap on the APK file.
We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between XAPK and APK files and how to install them on your Android device. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below. And don't forget to share this article with your friends who might find it useful!
FAQs
What is the advantage of using XAPK files over APK files?
The advantage of using XAPK files over APK files is that they can contain more data for apps or games that require more than 100 MB of data, which is the limit imposed by Google Play Store for uploading apps. This means that users don't have to download additional data after installing the app, which saves time and bandwidth.
What is the disadvantage of using XAPK files over APK files?
The disadvantage of using XAPK files over APK files is that they are not recognized by Android as installation files, so they cannot be installed directly using the default package installer. Users need to use a third-party app store or installer, or manually extract and copy the files to the right folders, which can be complicated and risky.
How can I tell if a file is an XAPK or an APK?
You can tell if a file is an XAPK or an APK by looking at its file extension. An XAPK file has an .xapk extension, while an APK file has an .apk extension. You can also check the file size and content. An XAPK file is usually larger than an APK file, and it contains an APK file and an OBB file (or folder) inside it.
Can I convert an XAPK file to an APK file?
Yes, you can convert an XAPK file to an APK file by renaming the XAPK file extension to ZIP and extracting the APK file from it. However, this might not work for some apps or games that require the OBB file to run properly. In that case, you need to copy the OBB file (or folder) to the Android/obb folder in your device's storage as well.
Can I install XAPK files on other devices besides Android?
No, you cannot install XAPK files on other devices besides Android, as they are not compatible with other operating systems. XAPK files are designed for Android devices only, and they require specific folders and permissions to work. If you want to install apps on other devices, such as iOS, Windows, or Mac, you need to use different formats that are supported by those devices.
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