Installation reference

Android Package Installation Reference

Instructions for installing APK, split APK, XAPK, ZIP and OBB packages on Android devices.

Installation reference

Install APK, split APK, XAPK and OBB files

The correct installation method depends on the package format. A standard APK can usually be opened directly, while split packages and archives require all related components to be installed together.

01

Single package

Install a standard APK

1

Open the downloaded file

Open the browser download list or a file manager, then select the .apk file.

2

Allow installation from the current app

On Android 8.0 and later, Android may ask you to allow your browser or file manager to install unknown apps. Enable permission only for the source you are currently using.

3

Review and install

Confirm the app name and requested permissions, select Install, and wait for Android to finish processing the package.

02

Multiple package components

Install base and split APK files

Split installations may contain a base APK plus architecture, language, screen-density or feature-specific APK files. Android must receive the complete matching set in one installation session.

1

Keep all package components together

Do not rename or separate files from the same download set. The base package alone may not contain all required resources.

2

Use a split-capable installer

Open the files with a trusted installer that supports split APK sessions, such as SAI or another compatible package installer.

3

Select the complete set

Include the base APK and every required configuration split, then start the installation as one operation.

03

Bundled archive

Install XAPK, APKS, APKM or ZIP packages

Archive formats may contain a base APK, split APK files, metadata and additional game data. The default Android installer cannot process most archive formats directly.

Compatible installer

Use an installer that explicitly supports the archive format. Open the archive from inside the installer and review the detected package components.

Manual extraction

Advanced users can extract the archive, identify the base and split APK files, then install them together. Any included OBB folder must be copied separately.

04

Expansion data

Install an APK with OBB data

1

Install the APK first

Complete the APK installation but do not open the app until its data files are in the correct location.

2

Extract the OBB folder

The extracted directory should normally use the app package name, for example com.example.game.

3

Move the complete directory

Copy the package directory into /Android/obb/ on internal storage.

Example final path /Android/obb/com.example.game/main.120.com.example.game.obb
05

Television devices

Install packages on Android TV or Google TV

Transfer by USB

Copy the package to a USB drive, connect it to the TV, then open it using a TV-compatible file manager.

Transfer over the network

Use a local file-transfer app or network share to send the file to the TV, then open it from a trusted file manager.

A phone APK may install but remain unusable if it requires touch controls or does not include a television launcher activity.

06

Windows, macOS and Linux

Install Android packages in an emulator

1

Check the emulator architecture

Confirm whether the virtual device uses ARM, x86 or x86_64 and select a matching package.

2

Import the package

Drag the APK into the emulator window or use its built-in installation command. Split packages require an installer that supports multi-APK sessions.

3

Check service requirements

Some apps require Google Play services, hardware-backed security, camera, telephony or other features that may not be available in the emulator.