The APKS (Android Package Sets) format is used to distribute applications consisting of multiple APK files. This optimizes the application size for different devices, languages, and architectures. However, the standard Android installer does not support APKS, so special software is required for their installation. This guide will detail how to install APKS files on your Android device.
What is APKS and Why is it Needed?
APKS is an archive containing several APK files, each designed for a specific device configuration such as different screen resolutions, processor architectures, or languages. Using APKS reduces the size of the downloaded application because the device downloads only the necessary components.
Methods of Installing APKS:
Several methods exist for installing APKS files, but the most common and convenient is using the SAI (Split APKs Installer) application.
Installation Using SAI (Split APKs Installer):
SAI is a free application available on the Google Play Store that allows you to install APKS files.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download and Install SAI: Open the Google Play Store and search for “Split APKs Installer (SAI)”. Install the application.
- Download the APKS File: Find the APKS file you need and download it to your device.
- Launch SAI: Open the SAI application.
- Select “Install APKs”: On the SAI main screen, tap the “Install APKs” button.
- Select the APKS File: Locate the downloaded APKS file in SAI’s file manager and select it.
- Start the Installation: SAI will analyze the APKS file and prompt you to install the necessary components. Tap “Install”.
- Allow Installation from Unknown Sources if Necessary: If you are installing an application from outside the Google Play Store, you may need to allow installation from unknown sources in your device’s security settings. Go to Settings -> Apps -> Special access -> Install unknown apps -> Select the app you are using to install such as SAI.
- Wait for Installation to Complete: Once the installation is complete, the application will be available on your device.
Other Installation Methods:
Other installers like XAPK Installer can also install APKS. The installation process is similar to using SAI.
Troubleshooting:
- Installation Error: Check if you have enough space on your device. Ensure you have downloaded the correct APKS file. Try using a different version of SAI or another installer.
- Installation Issues on MIUI (Xiaomi): On Xiaomi devices with MIUI, you may need to disable MIUI optimization in the developer settings for correct installation. Note that disabling MIUI optimization may affect system performance and stability.
- Installation Issues on Meizu/Flyme: For Meizu/Flyme devices, using Shizuku or ROOT installation is recommended. ROOT access is required.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Is it safe to install APKS? Installing APKS from trusted sources is safe. However, be cautious when downloading files from unverified websites. Always verify the file source before installing.
- How does APKS differ from APK? APK is the standard format for an Android application installation file. APKS is an archive containing several APK files for different device configurations.
- Is root required to install APKS? In most cases, root is not required. Exceptions include certain cases on Meizu/Flyme devices or when using advanced methods.
- What if SAI shows the “INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK” error? This error often occurs due to a corrupted APKS file. Try downloading the file again from a different source. Also, ensure you have the latest version of SAI installed.
- Can I install APKS without using third-party apps like SAI? The standard Android installer does not support APKS. Therefore, using third-party apps like SAI is necessary.
- Does installing APKS affect the device warranty? Installing APKS from trusted sources should not affect the device warranty. However, installing from untrusted sources or using methods requiring root access may cause problems and void the warranty.
- Why is the downloaded APKS file size smaller than the installed application size? APKS contains only the necessary components for your device. After installation, SAI extracts and installs only the required APKs, saving space.
- How to uninstall an application installed from APKS? Uninstalling an application installed from APKS is the same as uninstalling a regular Android application: through the application settings or from the device’s home screen.
Advanced installation methods and additional information:
- Using apksigner to verify APKS signatures: For advanced users, the apksigner tool from the Android SDK allows verifying the digital signature of an APKS file. This can be useful for checking file integrity and authenticity. Using this requires an installed Android SDK and command-line knowledge.
- Installing APKS via ADB: ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a command-line tool for interacting with an Android device from a computer. Using ADB, you can install APKS using the adb install-multiple command. This method requires command-line skills but can be helpful when SAI does not work. You need to specify all APK files from the APKS archive.
- Differences in SAI operation on different Android versions: SAI may operate differently on various Android versions. For example, older Android versions may require enabling installation from unknown sources for each application individually, while newer versions do this globally.
- Installing APKS on Android TV: The process of installing APKS on Android TV is similar to installing on phones, but navigating the file manager with a remote can be challenging. Using a file manager with sideloading support or connecting a mouse to the Android TV is recommended.
- Installation features on devices with custom firmware: Devices with custom firmware such as LineageOS may have specific APKS installation features. In some cases, installing additional components or configuring firmware parameters may be necessary.
- Creating your own APKS: Developers can create APKS for distributing their applications using the bundletool from Android Studio. This optimizes application size for various devices.
Safety Tips:
- Avoid downloading APKS from torrents and file-sharing sites: These sources often distribute modified or infected files.
- Check the website’s reputation before downloading APKS: Use only verified and trusted sources.
- Pay attention to the permissions the application requests: If an application requests access to data it does not need to function, this could be a sign of malware.
