Download APKs from Google Play: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Save the APK file from any Play Store app to your computer or Android

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: August 28, 2025 Fact Checked

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Using an APK Downloader

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Using an APK Extractor

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Using Nova Launcher

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Q&A

Want to download APK versions of your favorite Google Play Store apps? Although the Play Store doesn't give you the option to download APKs directly, you can use a free APK downloader to save and install APK files from Play Store URLs. This wikiHow guide will teach you two easy ways to download and extract APK files for Google Play apps on your computer or Android phone or tablet.

Downloading an APK from the Play Store

You can use a free downloader like APKcombo to download APKs from the Play Store.
You can also extract an APK file from an app you've already downloaded using free tools like App APK Extractor & Analyzer and Nova Launcher.
You'll only be able to download APKs for free apps.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using an APK Downloader

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Sign in to the Play Store on your computer. One way to download an APK file for a Play Store app is to use an APK downloader tool like APKCombo. Start by going to play.google.com in your computer's web browser and signing in with your Google account.
- Once you download an APK file for a Play Store app with this method, you can easily transfer it to your Android.
- You can only download APKs for free apps—it's not possible to get a paid app's APK.
To search for an app, type its name into the Search bar and press your keyboard's Enter key. When you find the app, click its name to open its details page.

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Click the address bar, then press Ctrl + C (PC) or Cmd + C (Mac) to copy it.
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Go to APKCombo's website and click App Downloader. You'll see this link at the top of the site.
- Alternatively, you can use a different APK downloader website. The steps will be very similar regardless of your chosen APK downloading site. A quick Google search will provide a wide selection of third-party APK downloaders.
To do this, right-click or Ctrl + click the "Name or Package Name or Play Store URL" field and select Paste.
If you want to download an APK file from the Play Store for a specific device, architecture, or Android version, you can choose your preferred options from the menus before downloading. This locates the app you want to download and generates a link for saving the APK file.
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Click the download icon next to the APK. The icon looks like a downward-pointing arrow above a horizontal line. This saves the selected app's APK to your computer.
- You can now transfer the file to your Android from your Windows PC or Mac.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using an APK Extractor

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Although you can't download an app's APK directly from the Play Store, you can extract and generate an APK from any Play Store app using a free Android app called App APK Extractor & Analyzer. Just search for app apk extractor in the Play Store—the app was developed by Yasiru Nayanajith.
For example, if you want to have an APK of Snapchat, install Snapchat on your Android.^{[1]
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When you launch App APK Extractor & Analyzer, you'll see a list of apps on your Android. You can filter the list by User, System, or All to find the app you're looking for. Once you tap the app, a pop-up will appear.
This generates an APK file name and prompts you to save it to your Android.
This saves the APK of the selected Play Store app to your Android.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Nova Launcher

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Nova Launcher, which is mainly a replacement for your Android's default launcher, comes with the ability to extract the APK from any installed app. You can install Nova Launcher from the Play Store.
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Set Nova Launcher as your default launcher. During the installation process, you'll be prompted to change your default launcher to Nova Launcher–be sure to choose that option for now. You can also change your default launcher in your settings:^{[2]
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- Open your Settings and select Apps.
  - Tap Default Apps or Choose default apps, depending on your Android model.
  - Tap Home app.
  - Select Nova Launcher.
You'll find this icon on your Home screen.^{[3]
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You may have to scroll down a little to find it.^{[4]
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Options for pop-up actions will appear.
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Enable "Save APK" and tap Done. When you enable this option, you'll see the option to save an APK of an app when you long-press its icon on your home screen or app drawer.^{[5]
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- You can enable "Save APK" for apps on your home screen, in your app drawer, or both.
- Once you save your changes, return to your home screen.
Now that this feature is enabled, you can use this option to save the APK of any installed app to the location of your choice.

Community Q&A

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Question

After copying the app to your clipboard from Play Store, what next?

DarkWolf2244

Community Answer

It doesn't copy the app itself, it copies the Play Store link to the app. As the article says, go to Evozi APK Downloader on your web browser, paste the link in the box, click the blue button and then the green button. This saves the APK to your device.

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Question

Why does Google make downloads so difficult in the first place?

DarkWolf2244

Community Answer

Downloading an app or game from the Play Store is not difficult at all! Google has attempted to streamline the steps taken to install an app. You just have to hit "Install". This article covers downloading the APK file which contains the app, which is not necessary to install an app normally.

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Question

I bought the universal IR remote controller of Havells Crabtree and it has a specific app of Digitap but all is working but not showing my brand remote just have an option of the brand. What to do?

Michael B. Havel

Community Answer

If the Digitap app for your Havells Crabtree universal IR remote controller doesn't show your brand, try updating the app, checking brand compatibility, manual configuration, or contacting support for assistance.

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