How to install an XAPK file?

An XAPK file format, which assists in installing apps on Android devices, contains an APK file and an OBB (Opaque Binary Blobs) file with additional data. Users should always download XAPK files from a trusted website to avoid being an open target.

The number of steps that are necessary to install an XAPK file includes:

1. Download and locate the XAPK file on your system.
2. Rename the file extension from XAPK to ZIP. E.g., if the file is “app. xapk”, change it to “app.zip”.
3. Unzip this file in any folder in the system.
4. An APK file, an Android folder and a PNG file will be in the extracted folder.
5. There should be another folder inside the Android folder when you open it. Copy this folder to Internal storage > Android > OBB.
6. After that, return to the extracted folder and tap the APK file to install it normally. Allow the file manager to install applications from untrusted sources if prompted.

Google has made it very challenging for third-party file managers to make modifications inside the Data and OBB folders for devices running Android 11 and higher.

If the user can’t copy the OBB folder using the file manager on an Android phone, there are two other alternatives possible. It includes using the Files by Google app or the stock file manager. If everything fails, users may attach their phones to a computer and transfer the files using Finder on a Mac or File Explorer on Windows.

The main advantage of using the XAPK file is that there is no need to download the OBB file repeatedly. Instead, users can copy the identical OBB file to different devices and function similarly.

Separate installer applications are also available for installing XAPK files, but these third-party applications are unreliable. In addition, they may compromise privacy and deliver unwanted adware. To avoid malware, only download apps from the built-in app store.

Hexnode UEM also simplifies the distribution of enterprise apps using an XAPK file format on Android devices. The IT admins can push the enterprise apps to the devices remotely by uploading them either in APK or XAPK file format.