How to install XAPK files on Android

If you're an Android user, you're probably familiar with the term APK , but did you know there's also something called XAPK? This guide explains what XAPK files are and how you can install them on your device.

What is XAPK file?

Android users often turn to the Google Play Store when they need to install new apps. However, not all apps can be found in this location. For example, you won’t find apps that are only released in certain regions of the world. That’s where APKs (and XAPKs) come in: they let you install just about any app you want on your device.

• What is the difference between APK and XAPK files?

APK stands for Android Package. This is the file format that Android uses to distribute and install apps, so an APK comes with all the elements the app needs to properly install on your device, with no additional content involved.

XAPK files can also be described as package containers for Android apps. However, they cannot be sideloaded onto your phone like APKs. Furthermore, XAPKs typically contain more data than APKs. The easiest way to understand this concept is to think of an XAPK as a compressed file that includes a regular APK and a folder containing additional app data (in OBB format).

How to install XAPK files on Android

Before you install an XAPK file on your phone, you need to download it. Since you can’t download them from the Google Play Store, you need to be careful about where you download them. We recommend APKPure, which offers a dedicated app through which you can install these files directly. Of course, you can also use a File Manager app to do the installation.

Note : Installing XAPK files from untrusted sources can harm your device, giving hackers the opportunity to carry out malicious intentions.

Using APKPure

1. Download APKPure on your phone and install it.

2. Open the app and use the search bar to find the app in question. The article is searching for Asphalt 9 .

3. Go to the game page. You will notice at the top that this is an XAPK file; it has been tagged as such.

4. Click the Install button at the bottom. As expected, this is a large file.

5. Wait until APKPure download is finished, then install XAPK. It may take a few seconds.

Note : Grant “install unknown apps” permission if prompted.

6. Once the process is complete, press the “Open” button to launch the app or game.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to download and install your app through APKPure, you can download a dedicated XAPK installer instead. Some good options include XAPK Installer and Uptodown, which are available through the Google Play Store.

Through File Manager application

If you don't want to install another app on your device just to install XAPK files, you don't have to. Another way is to force your Android device to treat XAPK files as APK files using the steps below.

1. Open File Manager on your phone (default app or third-party file manager). This guide uses File Manager.

2. Go to the Downloads folder to find your XAPK file.

3. Press and hold the file in question.

4. Select “Rename” from the bottom.

5. Delete the XAPK extension at the end of the file and replace it with ZIP.

6. Long press on the file, then click on the three dots in the lower right corner. Select “Extract” from the context menu.

7. Choose where to extract the folder. The article recommends that you create a new folder first.

8. Go to the mentioned folder and tap to open. It should contain the APK file and the Android folder (where the OBB file is hidden).

9. Copy the folder “com.pubg.krmobile” containing the OBB file.

10. Go to Android internal storage located in the OBB folder. It should be in “Storage/Android/OBB”.

11. Copy the folder to Android OBB folder.

12. Go back to the APK file and install it as usual.

How to uninstall XAPK file

If you want to remove an installed app from your Android device or if the app starts malfunctioning, uninstall the app as usual. To be on the safe side, make sure you delete the OBB folder via File Manager.

Tip : If an Android app you installed via an XAPK file is malfunctioning, you can try some troubleshooting steps before choosing to uninstall it.