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What happens on my device when I install an app from Google Play?
- Thread starter cutedroid
- Start date
Crashdamage
Android Expert
Depends on the app. Where files go will vary. How many places files go will also vary. But all files will not be installed in a single folder.
funkylogik
share the love peeps ;)
The actual apk file goes to /data/app :thumbup:
nickdalzell
Extreme Android User
paid apps go to some mystery location though. i still haven't been able to find paid apps stored in /data/app, which, when Play goes all wonky and incorrectly deems your device incompatible with a certain game, you cannot simply take the game that's installed on another device and copy it over if it's paid. with alternative stores, the APK package (not the installed app, but the downloaded package that is stored just before install) is saved in the download folder. this makes working around such problems easy. it also helps save data/internet bandwidth if you want to install it on all your devices, saving three downloads for three products to one download and use Bluetooth or an SD card to install to three and download only once. Google, are you listening?
Crashdamage
Android Expert
I think the OP was asking where installed individual files go, not just where downloaded .apk package files go. IOW such as /usr, /lib, /data etc.
I'm not gonna divulge any details about paid apps. That would be a no-no.
I'm not gonna divulge any details about paid apps. That would be a no-no.
funkylogik
share the love peeps ;)
You can find payed apps easily but I won't go into detail and they refuse to copy/share anyway :thumbup:
chanchan05
The Doctor
This is one of the cases for me that non-advanced users should just go, does it matter? It works anyway. LOL. Same for me personally. I really usually don't care to which folder they go as long as they work. If there's a problem that's when I start contacting the devs and ask them myself. So far, in my experience, the only time when I have to actually care what each folder contains in my installations is when I'm modding Bethesda games. LOL.