All Android users must be aware of the APK format for the apps on their devices. When downloading (or sideloading) an app from a third-party source, you need to download its APK file first. APK format is recognised by the Android platform and is used to install the app on your device. Similar to APK is another file format, called XAPK. XAPK files can also be used to install certain apps on your device. The only problem is that Android does not recognise this format on its platform. So, how does one go about installing an XAPK file on their Android device? Read this article to find out.
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Table of Contents
What is an XAPK file?
An XAPK file is not all that different from an APK file. The purpose of both these file formats is to install an app on your phone. The XAPK format is preferred for apps with a large APK file that exceeds the 100MP Google Play Store limit. An XAPK file consists of the original APK file and additional app data. This additional app data is stored in an ‘OBB’ folder within the file. You won’t find any XAPK files in the Google Play Store. You will have to resort to third-party marketplaces to download them.
How to Install an XAPK File on Android
Step 1: Download an XAPK file from a trusted third-party app marketplace.
Step 2: Launch Google Files or your phone’s native File Manager.
Step 3: Find the XAPK that you just downloaded. Tap the ellipses and select ‘Rename’.
Step 4: Chance the file extension from ‘.XAPK’ to ‘.ZIP’. By doing this, you are changing the format of the file to something that your phone can read.
Step 5: Tap the ZIP file and extract it to the folder of your choice.
Step 6: Open the folder where you extracted the XAPK/ZIP file. Tap on the ‘Android’ folder and copy the OBB folder within it.
Step 7: Paste this folder into your phone’s internal storage.
Step 8: Go back to the folder where you extracted the XAPK/ZIP file. Launch the APK file.
Step 9: Give your phone the necessary permission to install the APK file.
Step 10: Tap on Install. The APK file will be installed on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an XAPK file?
An XAPK file is a package that contains an APK file along with additional app data. XAPK format is meant for apps that exceed the stipulated file size.
How do I open an XAPK file?
Since Android does not recognise the XAPK format, you need to convert it to a ZIP file first and then open its contents. You can convert it into a ZIP file by changing its file extension from ‘.xapk’ to ‘zip’.
Are APK files safe?
APK files downloaded from trusted sources are safe to install on your device. Good marketplaces make sure that the files they host have the appropriate security certificates.
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Conclusion
This is how you can download and install an XAPK file on an Android device. While downloading a file from a third-party marketplace, make sure that it is trustworthy and does not have a history of pushing malware or other suspicious files. Refer to our list of the safest sites for APK downloads.
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