Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you need an older version of an app that is no longer available on the Google Play Store? Maybe the latest version is not compatible with your device or it has bugs that were fixed in an older version.
Whatever the reason may be, you can still download an old APK from Google Play and install it on your device. In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that.
What is an APK?
Before we begin, let’s first understand what an APK is. An APK (Android Package Kit) is the package file format used by Android operating system for distribution and installation of mobile apps. Every app on Google Play has its own unique APK file that contains all the necessary data for installation and running of the app.
Step 1: Find the Package Name
The first thing you need to do is find the package name of the app you want to download. The package name is a unique identifier for every app on Google Play Store. You can find it in the URL of the app’s page on Google Play Store.
For example, if you want to download an old version of WhatsApp, go to its page on Google Play Store and look at the URL. You will see something like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp&hl=en_IN
The package name for WhatsApp is “com.whatsapp”. Note it down somewhere as we’ll need it later.
Step 2: Find a Reliable Source
Now that we have the package name, we need to find a reliable source to download the old APK from. There are many websites out there that claim to have old versions of popular apps but not all of them are trustworthy. Some may have malware or viruses hidden inside them which can harm your device.
One reliable source for downloading old APKs is apkmirror.com. It’s a website that has a huge collection of APK files for different apps that have been verified for safety and security.
Step 3: Download the APK
Once you have found a reliable source, search for the app you want to download and select the version you want. Make sure to choose a version that is compatible with your device.
Click on the download button and wait for the APK file to download. It may take some time depending on your internet speed.
Step 4: Install the APK
Now it’s time to install the APK on your device. Before we begin, make sure that your device is set to allow installation of apps from unknown sources. To do this, go to Settings > Security > Unknown Sources and turn it on.
Next, go to your Downloads folder or wherever you saved the APK file and tap on it to begin installation. Follow the instructions on the screen and wait for the installation process to complete.
Conclusion
Downloading an old APK from Google Play may seem like a daunting task but it’s actually quite simple if you follow these steps carefully. Remember to always find a reliable source for downloading old APKs and make sure that your device is set up properly before installing them. Now go ahead and enjoy using your favorite apps in their older versions!