BLOG SUMMARY:
- APK files can be useful to get early access to beta versions of apps, roll back to older versions of apps, and access apps not available in your region.
- In this guide, we’ll discuss different ways to download APK files from Google Play Store to PC. This includes using a browser extension, APK websites, Google Play Store alternatives, and more.
Downloading apps from the official Google Play Store is a pretty simple process. Errors like “Not available for your device” or “Incompatible with your device” can interrupt it. Well, these messages mean you can’t install the apps, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them on your device.
Finding and downloading APK versions of those specific apps can help you install the applications manually. Moreover, if you’re an app developer, having APK files downloaded on your computer can help you understand the codes used in the development of an application.
Whatever your reason to download APK from Google Play Store to PC, read this article to learn multiple ways!
Quick Solution:
If you want to download Play Store apks to your PC, you can use an extension on your browser. This is the most effective way to download the APK files on your computer. APK extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox which can be found in their Chrome Web Store and Firefox Browser Add Ons respectively.
Is it legal to download APK files from Google Play Store to PC?
Well, downloading APK files from the Google Play Store to a PC is legal as long as the APK files are downloaded from official sources and for personal use only.
However, distributing or sharing APK files without the permission of the app developer is considered piracy and illegal. Additionally, it is important to note that if you wish to get APK from Play Store, not all APK files available online are safe and can contain malware or viruses that can harm your computer or device. Hence, it is always recommended to download APK files from trusted sources and to use antivirus software to scan the downloaded files before installing them on your device.
Top 4 Ways to Download APK Files From Google Play Store To PC (2024)
Try out the following workarounds and learn how to download APK files on a PC:
1. Use Browser Extension
If you tend to download APK files more than often, then you can consider getting a browser extension for your Firefox or Chrome. There are a lot of extensions available on both the browsers. You can install APK Downloader by developer CodeKiem. The extension is compatible with both Firefox and Google Chrome.
Note: The extension or add-on works fine with both Firefox and Chrome.
Chrome: APK Downloader
- To get the extension, go to Chrome Web Store- type APK Downloader in search box.
- Once you get APK Downloader, click it and then click Add to Chrome.
- Now that the extension is added, you have to enter your email address. (make sure that you enter the email address associated with Google Play Store). Moreover, it will ask you to enter a Device ID.
Note: If you don’t know your Device ID, you can download the Device ID app on Android and get the ID. With the Device ID, you will get a list of email addresses and their passwords, you can choose to use them to login to APK Downloader
- Go to Google Play Store and search for the app for which you want to download APK file on PC.
- When the app description page opens, click the ‘Install’ button and you will get ‘Download APK’ option. Click to initiate a download of the APK file.
2. Use A Website
- Getting an extension on your PC to download APK is for regular users but if you want to get an APK file not that often, then using a website is a better option. It is rather a less complicated process.
- All you need to do is go to Google Play Store and then navigate to the app.
- Copy the app URL address or link (you will get it from the address bar of your browser).
- Once you have copied, go to APKPure and paste the link in the search box at the upper-right corner of the webpage.
- You will be redirected to the page with the Download APK, green colored button to get the APK file on PC. Save it to the desired location on your PC.
You will get APK from google play on your PC. Whenever you want to install the app on your Android. Follow these steps:
- Locate Settings-> Security-> Unknown Sources
- Connect your Android phone to your PC with a USB cable. Your Android device will come up as a USB storage device.
- Transfer the APK files to your Android device to the desired location.
- Now, navigate to the location from the File Manager app on your phone. Tap on the APK file to initiate the installation. Follow the onscreen instructions to get it done.
3. Download Apps From Google Play Store Alternatives
Google Play Store is the official app store for Android, but it’s not the only platform that hosts a variety of applications and games. There are dedicated platforms like APKMirror, Aptoide, F-Droid, Uptodown, and more that allow users to fetch the APK files for the applications and games they wish to download. You can navigate any of the platforms mentioned above and download APK from Google Play to your PC in a couple of clicks.
You can head towards the Best Google Play Store Alternatives shared above to get your favorite apps or game’s APK files directly downloaded on your PC/Laptop.
4. Take the Help of Emulators To Download APKs From Google Play Store On PC
Well, this is one of the most convenient ways to download APKs on a computer. Simply, take the help of dedicated emulation tools for PCs and it will replicate the entire environment of your Android smartphone on your computer. You can even go through our previous guide on How to run Android Apps On Your PC With the Best Android Emulator Chrome Extensions. Hope it helps!
APK Downloads Made Easy: Get Android Apps on Your PC
In conclusion, downloading APK files from Google Play Store to PC can be a useful way to access older versions of apps, install them offline, bypass geographical and device restrictions, and back up your apps. With the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily download APK files from Google Play Store to your PC and enjoy the benefits. I personally prefer using emulator tools to enjoy the similar experience of a smartphone on a PC.
Do let us know your personal preference as well in the comments section below!
People Also Ask:
Q1. Can APK files harm my device?
To be honest, APK files can sometimes harm devices if downloaded from unreliable sources. A person with malicious intentions might have modified the very APK file you’re trying to download. And, later use it to inject malware, trojan horse, and other infections on your device. Hence, make sure you download APK files on your PC from trustworthy and authentic websites.
Q2. What are the benefits of downloading APK files from the Google Play Store to a PC?
There are several benefits of getting APK files on your PC:
- Hassle-free offline installation – If your Android doesn’t have an active Internet connection, you can simply download the APK file to your PC and transfer it to your Android & install it.
- Access older versions of the apps – Google Play Store only provides the latest version of an app, but sometimes older versions may be more suitable for your device. Using APK files, you can access previous versions of an app that are no longer available on the Play Store.
- Solid Backup – APK files can be used to back up your apps, allowing you to restore them later if needed.
- Bypass geo-restrictions – Some apps are restricted by geographic location or device type. Hence, by downloading the APK files to your PC, you can bypass these restrictions and install the app on any compatible device.
- Ditch annoying Google Play Store errors – Oftentimes, Google Play Store shows errors like “Download pending” & prevents you from downloading your favorite apps. In such cases, downloading APK files to your PC & transferring it to your phone can help you avoid these errors and install apps smoothly.
Q3. How do I find APK files on my Android device?
To find the downloaded APK file on your smartphone, locate the folder in your File Manager/Explorer app, by following the path – – /data/app/directory (for user-installed apps) and /system/app (for pre-installed apps).
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Ree Nhlankz
i like google store because it make things fastanon-e-mouse
The website procedure no longer works!Srishti Sisodia
Hi, Thank you for your comment. The steps mentioned are thoroughly tested and still works. Please try and if you face any difficulty, please tell us and we will help you.kato george andreas
then that means my pc has a big problem. it always asks me prove if am humanshiv maina
Wonderful, i used this into my pc, thanks .Ayyaz Sial
i like google store because it make things fastSrishti Sisodia
i like google store because it make things fast