How can I open apk file on Android and PC?

[Buchheitpaul]

I downloaded apk file. I followed the instruction because they basically just said " tap to download". I downloaded the file but when I follow the next step to open the file. It displays "can't open the file". I tried on both PC and Android, but the same error came up.

 

[svim]

It might help if you provided some more details for context. Where did you download this apk file from? What purpose did you want it for?
Generally, just installing random apk files from miscellaneous web sites is a very questionable thing to do. Do so only when you intend on installing a specific app and be sure to verify the source. Just experimenting by doing what some otherwise vague direction on a web site tells you to do could result in compromising the security and privacy of your device.
As for being able to open that file on a PC, keep in mind that apk files are Android specific. Some files like an mp3 or a txt file are more universal where any operating system supports them, but some files like apk for Android, exe for Windows, or dmg for Mac are native to their own operating system platforms.
On your Android device, how did you try to open that apk file? Were you using a file manager app?

 

[mikedt]

Well a PC(Windows or Linux) doesn't know what to do with an Android APK file, because it's not for those OSs. However if Android isn't opening and installing it, could be the APK is corrupted, or truncated, or is maybe incompatible with that version of Android.

 

[Buchheitpaul]

It might help if you provided some more details for context. Where did you download this apk file from? What purpose did you want it for?
Generally, just installing random apk files from miscellaneous web sites is a very questionable thing to do. Do so only when you intend on installing a specific app and be sure to verify the source. Just experimenting by doing what some otherwise vague direction on a web site tells you to do could result in compromising the security and privacy of your device.
As for being able to open that file on a PC, keep in mind that apk files are Android specific. Some files like an mp3 or a txt file are more universal where any operating system supports them, but some files like apk for Android, exe for Windows, or dmg for Mac are native to their own operating system platforms.
On your Android device, how did you try to open that apk file? Were you using a file manager app?

I tried to download some apps on google play but It always has notification " your device is not compatible". My friend suggested me to download apk instead. I just searched for some apk files on the internet and downloaded them. They instructed to download "es file manager" ( I am not sure that it is file manager app u mentioned or not). I opened " internal storage" in the es file manager and then opened the " download" folder, but there was nothing ( in their instruction, there must be apk file inside but mine's not)

 

[mikedt]

I tried to download some apps on google play but It always has notification " your device is not compatible".

Maybe your Android phone, tablet, TV box, etc. really is incompatible with these apps? Need more details, like what is your device, and what are these particular apps?

My friend suggested me to download apk instead. I just searched for some apk files on the internet and downloaded them. They instructed to download "es file manager" ( I am not sure that it is file manager app u mentioned or not). I opened " internal storage" in the es file manager and then opened the " download" folder, but there was nothing ( in their instruction, there must be apk file inside but mine's not)

Was that an ad or something you clicked on? ES File Explorer is monetized via ads, tracking, and data mining. Because there's $$$ every time someone installs ES via their affiliate tracking

 

[svim]

Yeah, I'd also recommend you avoid the ES File Explorer app. At one time it had a very good following but that was years ago. Now it has devolved into just an average file manager app that also does a lot of data mining as a background service. There are lots of very good alternatives available these days, there's no need to install a privacy-challenged app when there are safer and better options.
If you're seeing an 'your device is not compatible' message, instead of trying to circumvent that you might want to look into just why. What app is it, what phone model do you have, and what version of Android is it currently running? All those things pertain to incompatibility issues.
And just another reminder, just downloading an APK file from some anonymous web site is a very risky thing thing to do. Your friend is not doing you any favors.

 

[LukeShaw]

What kinds of the APK file did you download? Is it a normal apk file, apk+obb, or apk bundle? Different apk files have their own methods to download. If it's a normal one, all you need to do is enable unknown sources and tap the download button. If it's apk+obb, you need to decompress the file using File Manager File Explorer. About the apk bundle, it's a bit trickier. It requires both ES File Manager and Split APKs installer tool. For more detailed information and step-by-step instructions, I recommend visiting the blog page on apktovi site.

 

[LOveWerks]

Hello to you... if you've read the answers to your thread starter, then you will be safer.

If you meet people in the know here, or at XDA, you can be assured that you can trust the information, as well as the .apk download... ask anyone who uses these, and you will find my assessment to be truthful as well.

If you're a novice, try F-Droid and Github. F-Droid is very trustworthy, but at other sites like AC, Github and others - you can get the SHAFT of BRICKDOM if you aren't careful... especially in apps like Discord, or any virtual box app for PCs.

I got started 'doing the root thing' back in early Gingerbread right here in AF, a DECADE ago. But ever since ICS 4.0, the so-called "TOS" from ops like Google changed. I would get trusted .apk files, and prior to root in a Samsung, for example, I used Odin to get files in; prior to getting TWRP to replace my phone's bootloader, that is... and brother, I bricked phones many times. Many times. But...

Chat up MoodyBlues, @ocnbrze or Revenant Ghost - as most of us are great traffic cops - and you will see that wherever we tell you to go and get good files... you will be safe (if you follow directions EXACTLY). Rave on with your Android, & be careful out there with Bat Corona -

LW