Hi. I just found out that apk files are kept in the device after installation of the app.
I just recently downloaded a file explorer app and I found out that the apk files of the free games which I downloaded and installed from android market are kept in this folder:
/mnt/asec (I'm using Samsung Galaxy Ace)
There are individual folders for each game, and in each folder are a lib folder and the apk file. For example:
Fruit Ninja folder (which is found in mnt/asec folder) contains a lib folder and an apk file.
Fruit Slice folder (which is also found in mnt/asec folder) contains a lib folder and an apk file.
My question is, is it ok to delete these apk files? Will the games still work?
Also, can I send these apk files to someone else via bluetooth so they may download the apps without having to visit android market?
yeah you can delete the apk file after installing any app for it to still function, I do it all the time. Yes you can send the apk file to your friend so they can install it. If you're still cautious, try doing a trial run with one apk file...send it to your friend first, then delete, see if it works.
The .apk files are like setup files for windows. Once installed, you don't need the apk, especially if you are backing up with Titanium or similar backup program.
follow up question
Hi. Thanks guys.
Is everything from the android market ".apk"? Is it possible that some have a different extension? I downloaded a dictionary app, I can't be sure but I think it's a .zip file.
Thank you.
pakattack
I tried to delete the apk file. It cannot be deleted.
However, I copied it to my sd card, uninstalled the app, re-installed it using the one already in my sdcard, and it installed just fine.
I still want to be able to delete the apk file that is in the system though (/mnt/asec).
Any ideas or do I just have to deal with it?
sending .apk signed with another device
PakAttack1994 said:
yeah you can delete the apk file after installing any app for it to still function, I do it all the time. Yes you can send the apk file to your friend so they can install it. If you're still cautious, try doing a trial run with one apk file...send it to your friend first, then delete, see if it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with deleting it won't be a problem but sending to a friend?
sometimes I think there would be a message stating that its not sign
correctly.. correct me if I'm wrong Thank You
WillShaka, like I said, I tried to delete it. I can't. Not allowed.
I don't know why. I'm using ES File explorer
not sure if this works but have you tried unmounting the sd and delete?
WillShaka said:
I agree with deleting it won't be a problem but sending to a friend?
sometimes I think there would be a message stating that its not sign
correctly.. correct me if I'm wrong Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, and I don't mean to veer out of topic (this question is often ignored in Q&A forum), if I use Odin to upgrade my stock firmware instead of using Kies, will it erase all my data? I have a feeling it will...
WillShaka said:
not sure if this works but have you tried unmounting the sd and delete?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried it. Doesn't work, but thanks for suggesting. =)
Yes, you can delete the APK after installation. But the APKs in /system/app/ need to stay where they are to function appropriately
MarlonKaye said:
Also, and I don't mean to veer out of topic (this question is often ignored in Q&A forum), if I use Odin to upgrade my stock firmware instead of using Kies, will it erase all my data? I have a feeling it will...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MarlonKaye said:
Just tried it. Doesn't work, but thanks for suggesting. =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes odin your phone would wipe out all the user and data status.
your welcome sorry I couldn't help
All-In-One Toolbox App
MarlonKaye said:
WillShaka, like I said, I tried to delete it. I can't. Not allowed.
I don't know why. I'm using ES File explorer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the All-In-One Toolbox app to automatically find and delete all .apk files. It also has an automatic backup and restore function for apps.
So my daragon city and messenger are in the apk files I don't know if its backed by another zip folder my tablet is the amazon fire so if I deleted the apk files that is downloaded for an android would my appe still work the same
Dont really know where to put this question.
I cant download any file (even in android market) because I uninstalled ( with root) the preload app called Downloads.
Is a basic app and I couldnt find it on the web. I uninstalled it because I thought it was unnecesary, (ES File Explorer)
So its a noob error. What can I do? I was thinking if anybody can share the APK
thx !
I want to install two versions of the same app in my android phone... but its not possible as both of them are having the same package name ....so if there exist any method so that i can change the app package name??....
hemant_jeengar said:
I want to install two versions of the same app in my android phone... but its not possible as both of them are having the same package name ....so if there exist any method so that i can change the app package name??....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you begin you need to install these two apks
1. Apk Editor.apk
2. Apk editor patch.apk
Installing same application twice
Now after downloading these two apks.
First, install Apk Editor and then the Apk editor patch.
Now open Apk editor and browse to the apk of the application you want to install.
Long press the apk and select "Clone".
Now change the name of the apk and press ok.
Now open your regular file manager and install the apk as you would normally
Source: http://swapmyapp.com/how-to/run-multiple-instances-of-one-app/
Google has the best answers!
Newyork! said:
Before you begin you need to install these two apks
1. Apk Editor.apk
2. Apk editor patch.apk
Installing same application twice
Now after downloading these two apks.
First, install Apk Editor and then the Apk editor patch.
Now open Apk editor and browse to the apk of the application you want to install.
Long press the apk and select "Clone".
Now change the name of the apk and press ok.
Now open your regular file manager and install the apk as you would normally
Source: http://swapmyapp.com/how-to/run-multiple-instances-of-one-app/
Google has the best answers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone knows of a solution for marshmallow?
Opening apk editor only gives empty folder.
Hallo,
I have a Gigaset QV 830 Tablet and rooted it a few month ago. With Tiatanium Backup (I think), I deleted accidently the Download Manager.
So now, Google Play Services do not work anymore. I think, it must be the DownloadProvider (or DownloadProviderUI(?)) akp file, which is missing, its not here anymore.. I don't know, where or how to get this file, so that I could install Download Manager again. Thank you in advance!
You'll have to find a stock based rom or someone else with your tablet that is rooted to extract the apk from. Once you have it, you will need a root enabled file manager to put the app back in the correct folder and set the permissions to 0644.
Hello,
thank you for your answerr. Hmm, I am only asking myself, where to find someony with Gigaset QV830 rooted Tablet, who could send me the apk file. I will take a look, ...
Do you still need that all
Sent from my N9500 using XDA Free mobile app
On my previous phone I had installed Cyanogenmod 10.2.1.3-serranoltexx. This ROM contains a built-in browser "com.android.browser" (version 4.3.1.). I like this browser and I also want to install it, or a newer version, on my brand new rooted phone. Unfortunately I couldn't find it in the play store. Does anyone probably know where I can find the browser-APK?
I found the browser-APK in the cyanogenmod 10.2.1.3 zip-file and made a copy on the sdcard. But while installing I got the following error: "App not installed. An existing package by the same name is already installed”. I’ve searched on the root directory but I can’t find a file or app with the same name…
Is it possible to install the APK e.g. by renaming the package name? Or is there another work around to install the browser-APK?
NL_henk said:
On my previous phone I had installed Cyanogenmod 10.2.1.3-serranoltexx. This ROM contains a built-in browser "com.android.browser" (version 4.3.1.). I like this browser and I also want to install it, or a newer version, on my brand new rooted phone. Unfortunately I couldn't find it in the play store. Does anyone probably know where I can find the browser-APK?
I found the browser-APK in the cyanogenmod 10.2.1.3 zip-file and made a copy on the sdcard. But while installing I got the following error: "App not installed. An existing package by the same name is already installed”. I’ve searched on the root directory but I can’t find a file or app with the same name…
Is it possible to install the APK e.g. by renaming the package name? Or is there another work around to install the browser-APK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. You can install these browser apk by changing name and package name of app. You need to sign these apps too.
You can use apk editor app to change package name and it automatically sign your app.
Ashwinrg said:
Yes. You can install these browser apk by changing name and package name of app. You need to sign these apps too.
You can use apk editor app to change package name and it automatically sign your app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! Do you also have some tutorial or website with more information?
I renamed the apk and all package names. Now I tried to recompile the APK, but I got an error: "Resource is not public".
How can I fix this?