What is .APK and .XAPK File?
What is .APK File?
Android Package (APK) is the package file format used by the Android operating system for distribution and installation of mobile apps and middleware. APK files are a type of archive file, specifically in zip format-type packages, based on the JAR file format, with .apk as the filename extension.
What is .XAPK File?
XAPK is a standard zip format which contains Android App Bundles, or installation package (.apk), OBB, cache asserts and other data files to make sure the app download to an Android and run successfully. Google Play Store has a limitation on the app file size, therefore for the app over 100MB, developers can use XAPK file format to allow users download the APK file on Android without corruption. There are two types of .XAPK files right now as below shows.
1. Google Play hosts the expansion files for your app and serves them to the device at no cost to you. The expansion files can be any format you choose (ZIP, PDF, MP4, etc.) and they usually contain additional resources required by your app.
To make it simple, XAPK = APK + OBB data + Cache + App Icon and Miscellaneous Info.
2. The other XAPK file format is made of Android App Bundle to generate and serve optimized APKs for each user’s device configuration. Each APK is a complete and independent version of the app, but they share the same application and package name, and be signed with the same release key. This new upload format of XAPK file allows users to get smaller, more optimized downloads because they download only the code and resources they need to run the app.
How to Install .XAPK File on Android?
Method 1: Method 1: Use APKFab APP to install .XAPK file directly
APKFab APP lets you safely install .XAPK files on Android phone and tablet with fast speed. It allows Android users to install, delete and manage .apk files and .xapk files in one place. Users can use APKFab APP to scan .apk files and .xapk files on the Android phone or the sdcard and install them quickly. Learn more about APKFab APP.
Step 1: Download APKFab APP on your Android phone or tablet.
Step 2: Download .XAPK file on Android phone.
Step 3: Open APKFab APP. Go to Management -> APK/XAPK list to find the .XAPK file, and then click on Install.
Step 4: The .XAPK file will be installed on the Android phone or tablet successfully.
Method 2: Install .XAPK File through File Manager
Step 1: Download the .XAPK file on Android.
Step 2: Locate the .XAPK file and rename the extension to .zip format.
Step 3: Extract the .zip file.
Step 4: Find the .obb file (usually named as “com.xxxxx.obb”) inside the file and copy it into the location: /sdcard/storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/.
Step 5: Install the .apk file and you are ready to run the app on your Android successfully!
Watch the video tutorial →