Find and remove unwanted .apk file

[stu_the_scot]

Hi everyone, basic android user using a nexus 4 on 4.4.2.

Managed to download an .apk file through what turned out to be a dodgy gym website.

It is visible through astro file manager as a recent download but I cannot find it using Astro or Total commander file manager apps. I have also tried searching the phone by mounting it my linux pc and searching there.

The app has not installed as it was not obtained through google play and displayed a parse error when it tried to install. Ideally, I would like to remove the apk but my questions are...

Can I search for apk files from non google play sources on my android phone without rooting it?

would a factory reset delete the file as I presume it is in the file system root and therefore untouchable.

and if it hasn't actually installed what risk is it to the device?

The file is called mub2342asdf.apk, nothing is coming up on google. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance folks!

Stu

 

[funkylogik]

If its installed you'll find it in app manager mate. If not it should be in your chosen download folder (probably "downloads" ) and it can't do any harm unless its installed :thumbup:

 

[stu_the_scot]

Hey, thanks for the reply.
Definitely not in downloads folder and not picking up on any scan which I presume it would if it was in a folder like that. Definitely not installed due to parse error and not listed in app manager.
Good times, thanks very much.
Stu

 

[Hadron]

Hi Stu, and welcome to AF

If it's been downloaded from a website it won't be in the /system area. In fact if you are not rooted it can't have been written there! However, I'd not go to the effort of a reset to clear it - it should be possible to remove without that.

If it was downloaded through a website I'd expect it to be in your browser's default download location (which will depend on your browser, but is commonly /sdcard/Download). But then I guess you've looked there.

Do you have another download manager on your phone? I just installed Astro, and was disappointed that long-pressing on the recent downloads didn't give me any options, but the built-in "Downloads" app in my HTC let's me select and delete files directly from the download list.

If it's not installed it is no risk to the device, but I can understand you wanting to remove it.

 

[stu_the_scot]

Hi and thanks,

I don't have another download manager but having found the same problem with astro (that you cant delete from the recent tab) so I downloaded Total commander as it gives better access however i was still unable to find the file.
I did think about clearing the cache but realised this would only take the download information out of the recent section of astro - e.g. no difference whatsoever on the actual phone.

It will probably stick in the back of my mind for a few days that it is there but if its unlikely to cause any harm or problems I can learn to live with it. As you say, its a lot of effort to rebuild over it when at the moment the phone is working fine.
Thanks again for your advice.

Stu

 

[funkylogik]

I'm a huge fan of ES File Explorer if you fancy trying another one mate. I wouldn't worry though unless you're short on storage :beer:

 

[WoohooGuy]

I'm a huge fan of ES File Explorer if you fancy trying another one mate. I wouldn't worry though unless you're short on storage :beer:

I totally agree with Funky, ES File Explorer is hands down the best android file manager. I own astro, bought it before I discovered ES FE.

Give it a try.