.APK File Recovery

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .APK file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

APK File Recovery

What is a .APK file?

An APK file is an app created for Android, Google's mobile operating system. Some apps come pre-installed on Android devices, while other apps can be downloaded from Google Play. Apps downloaded from Google Play are automatically installed on your device, while those downloaded from other sources must be installed manually.

What Are Common Causes of ".APK" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".APK" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".APK" file while cleaning up storage space or organizing files.
  2. System or app crashes: If the system or an app crashes while installing or updating an ".APK" file, it can lead to file corruption or loss.
  3. Incomplete downloads: If the ".APK" file download is interrupted or incomplete, it may not work properly or fail to install.
  4. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can corrupt or delete ".APK" files, making them unusable.
  5. File system errors: Errors in the file system, such as disk errors or file corruption, can cause ".APK" files to become lost or damaged.
  6. SD card issues: If the ".APK" file is stored on an SD card, issues like card corruption or removal without proper ejection can result in file loss.
  7. Factory reset or device formatting: Performing a factory reset or formatting a device without backing up ".APK" files can lead to their loss.
  8. App updates: Sometimes, updating an app can cause conflicts or compatibility issues with existing ".APK" files, resulting in their failure or removal.
  9. Storage device failure: If the storage device where the ".APK" file is stored fails or becomes inaccessible, the file can be lost.
  10. User error: Mistakenly moving or renaming the ".APK" file, or improper handling of the file, can cause it to be lost or fail to work.

It is always recommended to regularly backup important ".APK" files to prevent loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".APK" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".APK" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".APK" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".APK" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".APK" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".APK" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".APK" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo android Package File image file file?

Programs that open ".APK" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Google Android SDK Google Android SDK
BlueStacks BlueStacks
Corel WinZip 23 Corel WinZip 23
7-Zip 7-Zip
WinRAR 5 WinRAR 5
Genymotion Genymotion
NoxPlayer Nox NoxPlayer Nox
Mac
Google Android SDK Google Android SDK
Apple Archive Utility Apple Archive Utility
Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe 16 Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe 16
Genymotion Genymotion
BlueStacks BlueStacks
NoxPlayer Nox NoxPlayer Nox
Linux
Google Android SDK Google Android SDK
Genymotion Genymotion
Android
Google Android Google Android

Additional Information

  • File type: Android Package File

  • File extension: .APK

  • Developer: Google

  • Category: Executable Files

  • Format: Zip

  • Mime-type: application/vnd.android.package-archive

  • HEX: 50 4B 03 04

  • ASCII: PK

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:32 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .APK files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the common issues that can cause an .APK file to become corrupt or damaged, and how can I repair it?

    There are several common issues that can cause an .APK file to become corrupt or damaged:

    1. Incomplete or interrupted file download: If the .APK file is not downloaded completely or the download process is interrupted, it may result in a corrupt file.
    2. File transfer errors: When transferring the .APK file from one device to another, any errors or interruptions during the transfer can lead to file corruption.
    3. Malware or virus infections: If the .APK file is infected by malware or viruses, it can become corrupted and may not function properly.
    4. Operating system or hardware issues: Problems with the operating system or hardware of the device can also cause .APK file corruption.

    To repair a corrupt or damaged .APK file, you can try the following solutions:

    1. Re-download the file: If the issue occurred during the download process, try downloading the .APK file again from a reliable source.
    2. Check for file transfer errors: If the file was transferred from another device, ensure that the transfer process was error-free. If any errors occurred, try transferring the file again.
    3. Scan for malware or viruses: Run a thorough scan on the device using an up-to-date antivirus software to check for any infections. If any malware or viruses are detected, remove them and then try opening the .APK file.
    4. Repair using an APK repair tool: There are some third-party tools available that can attempt to repair corrupt APK files. These tools can analyze and fix any issues within the file structure. However, be cautious while using such tools as they may not always be reliable and could potentially cause further damage.

    If none of these solutions work, it is advisable to seek assistance from the developer or support team of the application associated with the .APK file. They may be able to provide specific guidance or a replacement file if necessary.

  • Are there any specific software tools or techniques available for repairing a corrupted .APK file?

    Yes, there are a few software tools and techniques available for repairing a corrupted .APK file. Here are some options:

    1. APK Editor: APK Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to edit and modify APK files. It can also be used to repair corrupted APK files by opening the file and saving it again.
    2. Android Debug Bridge (ADB): ADB is a command-line tool that comes with the Android SDK. It can be used to install, uninstall, and debug APK files. You can try reinstalling the corrupted APK file using ADB to fix any issues.
    3. APKTool: APKTool is a popular tool for reverse engineering and modifying APK files. It can also be used to repair corrupted APK files by decompiling the file, fixing any issues, and then recompiling it back into an APK.
    4. Online APK repair tools: There are also some online tools available that claim to repair corrupted APK files. These tools usually require you to upload the corrupted file, and they attempt to fix it automatically. However, be cautious when using online tools and make sure to scan the repaired file for malware before using it.

    It's important to note that not all corrupted APK files can be repaired, especially if the corruption is severe. In such cases, it may be necessary to obtain a clean version of the APK file from a trusted source.

  • What are the potential risks or limitations involved in attempting to repair an .APK file, and how can I mitigate them?

    There are several potential risks and limitations involved in attempting to repair an .APK file, and mitigating them can be challenging. Here are a few:

    1. File Integrity: Repairing an .APK file may alter its integrity, potentially causing it to become corrupt or non-functional. To mitigate this risk, always create a backup of the original .APK file before attempting any repairs.
    2. Security Risks: Modifying an .APK file can introduce security vulnerabilities, making it easier for malicious actors to exploit the application. It is crucial to ensure the repaired .APK file is secure by scanning it with up-to-date antivirus software.
    3. Compatibility Issues: Repairing an .APK file might introduce compatibility issues with different devices or operating systems. To mitigate this risk, thoroughly test the repaired .APK file on various devices and OS versions to ensure it functions correctly.
    4. Legal Implications: Repairing an .APK file might violate copyright or intellectual property laws. Ensure you have the necessary rights or permissions before attempting any repairs on someone else's .APK file.
    5. Lack of Expertise: Repairing .APK files requires technical expertise and knowledge of the Android platform. Inexperienced attempts may worsen the situation. If you lack the required expertise, it is advisable to seek professional help or consult relevant documentation and forums.
    6. Unpredictable Results: The repair process may not always yield the desired outcome, and the repaired .APK file may still exhibit issues or not function as expected. It is important to set realistic expectations and be prepared for the possibility of unsuccessful repairs.

    To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to:

    • Work on a copy of the original .APK file, preserving the original intact.
    • Use reputable tools or software specifically designed for .APK file repairs.
    • Thoroughly research and understand the repair process before attempting any modifications.
    • Test the repaired .APK file on multiple devices and OS versions to ensure compatibility.
    • Keep backups at each stage of the repair process to revert if needed.
    • Consult with experts or seek professional assistance when unsure or lacking expertise.
    • Respect copyright and intellectual property laws when working with .APK files.
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