If you’re an Android user, you’re probably familiar with the term APK. It stands for Android Package Kit and is the file format used to distribute and install applications on Android devices.
But have you ever wondered where an APK adds install to? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question.
What is an APK?
Before we dive into where an APK adds install to, let’s first understand what it is. An APK is a package file format used by the Android operating system for distribution and installation of mobile apps. It contains all the necessary files needed for an app to be installed on an Android device, including code, resources, assets, certificates, and manifest file.
Where does an APK add install to?
When you download an app from Google Play Store or any other third-party app store or website, you’re essentially downloading its APK file. But where does this file get installed on your device?
When you tap on the “Install” button after downloading an app’s APK file, it gets saved in your device’s internal storage or external SD card (if your device supports it) in a folder named “Android/data”. This folder contains all the data related to apps installed on your device.
Once the installation process begins, the APK file gets unpacked and installed in a folder named “data/app”. This folder contains all the installed apps’ data files along with their corresponding packages.
Why do some apps require additional permissions?
Some apps require additional permissions during installation as they need access to certain features of your device such as camera, microphone, contacts list etc. These permissions are requested by the app developer during development and are included in the app’s manifest file which is part of its APK package.
It’s important to note that not all apps require additional permissions during installation. In fact, some of them may not even require any permission at all.
Conclusion
In summary, when you download an app’s APK file and tap on “Install”, it gets saved in your device’s internal or external storage in a folder named “Android/data”. During installation, the APK file gets unpacked and installed in a folder named “data/app”. Some apps may require additional permissions during installation, which are included in the app’s manifest file.
Understanding where an APK adds install to is important for troubleshooting certain issues related to app installation and for gaining knowledge about how Android devices work. Now that you know where an APK installs to, you can better manage your device’s storage and make informed decisions when installing new apps.