How to save installed Android apps as APK files

[Karlston]

APK Extractor is a free application for Google's Android operating system that you may use to save installed Android apps as APK files on the device.

 

The installation of Android applications is pretty straightforward, especially so if you install them from Google Play or another application store.

 

It may happen that you want to save an Android APK installation file to your device for safekeeping or backup purposes. There are several potential reasons for that: making sure that you save a particular version of an application or wanting to move the installation file to other Android devices or even your PC or computer.

 

Tip: Check out APKUpdater, it keeps your sideloaded Android apps up to date

Save installed Android apps

 

APK Extractor is available as a free and paid version. The free version comes with advertisement, the paid version removes it and is available for €1.04 currently (what is with that price?).

 

The application uses two different ad formats: a single unit at the top of the application list, and overlay ads that tend to get in the way.

 

The application displays all installed applications and (most?) system applications in a long list on start. You may use the built in search to find a specific Android application quickly.

 

An option in the settings divides the applications into user-installed apps and system apps. You may switch between the two categories using the menu at the top.

 

Saving works by tapping on the application in the interface. APK Extractor saves the Android application to the local device; the save path is highlighted when you save Android apps. You may change the save location in the settings if you prefer a different location for extracted Android applications.

 

A long-tap on any application enables the selection mode. Use it to select multiple applications for saving in one go. There is also a handy select all option to save all applications automatically but you need to make sure that there is enough storage space on the device for that.

 

The menu that is displayed next to each application displays the installed version and options to look up information or share it. Info opens the App Info page on the Android device that reveals required permissions, data usage, and other information.

 

Share saves the application to the device and opens the share options afterward making it easy to share the file using messaging applications or to online storage services.

Closing Words

APK Extractor is a useful application for Android that lets you backup Android applications locally. The process is straightforward and not complicated at all.

 

Inexperienced users may have difficulties accessing the saved Android apps on their devices, but that is not the fault of this application. It is easy enough to open the files manager to access the path the APK files are stored in or transfer them to another device.

 

The overlay advertisement is annoying but since you may not use the app regularly, it is not that much of a negative.

 

Source: How to save installed Android apps as APK files (gHacks - Martin Brinkmann)