Original topic:

Apk

(Topic created: 05-22-2025 10:20 AM)
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Ellin
Supernova
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Galaxy S25
I would love someone to explain what is an APK, is it safe, and how do you download it? 
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Mujibar
Honored Contributor
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Galaxy S25
An APK is an Android installation file, like an EXE file on Windows.

Your other questions are loaded. What are you looking to install?
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Ellin
Supernova
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Galaxy S25
I saw that there is an update to the aod and they showed and APK and I've tried before to download one but I can't follow what to do
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Mujibar
Honored Contributor
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Galaxy S25
The AOD app update will be available in the Galaxy Store. You can update it from there.
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Robin621k
Honored Contributor
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Galaxy S25
Patience young grasshopper !
meself
Honored Contributor
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Galaxy S25
Wax on wax off Danielson
officialguy
Comet
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Galaxy S25
If you aren't absolutely certain about the source of an apk, I'd avoid it. It is the same as running a random program downloaded from a random site on the internet.
Robin621k
Honored Contributor
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Galaxy S25
APK stands for Android packet kit, APKs are apps that you sideload.
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meself
Honored Contributor
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Galaxy S25
Had tech support in the Tudor app use a pk for the galaxy store before
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Solution
usermzeJaY3BsM
Honored Contributor
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Galaxy S25

Like others have mentioned, APK files are the android version of installer files.  Most apps from the Play Store, and the Galaxy store are installed using signed apk files, ones that are downloaded and placed onto the device manually are prevented from being installed.  Based on your security it may ask if you are sure you want to install it, and will then temporarily disable the block if you say yes.  Other settings will either just allow the install, or block it entirely.
Also as others have stated, please be sure of your sources before installing these, as they can have malicious content with them (sometimes the actual app you want is there but malicious content also gets installed).  As for where to download these files, that is dependant on the app itself, most will not have a link on their websites, as they distribute through the storefronts, but some do store it locally.  I do not know if there is a site that just has APK's on it for downloading.