How to Install XAPK Files on Android?

Ever come across a .xapk file while trying to install an app on your Android phone and wondered what it is? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Unlike the more common .apk files, which most Android users are familiar with, .xapk files pack in extra data like graphics or media, making them a little more complex.

But here’s the good news: installing .xapk files isn’t as tricky as it seems. With a few simple steps, you’ll have them up and running in no time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you can get your apps installed without any headaches.

But before diving into the guide, let’s learn a little more about .xapk files so that we have better context while dealing with them.

What Even Are XAPKs?

XAPK files are a different way to install Android apps, especially for larger ones that need extra resources beyond what a regular APK file can handle. Basically, they’re like a compressed package that includes both the main APK file and any additional data the app might need, such as graphics or media. This extra data usually comes in a file called an OBB.

One of the main reasons XAPK files exist is because Google Play limits APK files to 100MB. So for bigger apps, developers often have to split them into multiple downloads, which can be a hassle for users. XAPK solves this by bundling everything together, so you just download and install everything in one go.

The catch is that XAPK files aren’t supported by Google Play. That means you usually have to download them from third-party websites or app stores. Because of that, it’s super important to only grab XAPK files from trustworthy sources to avoid any security risks.

In general, XAPK files are popular with gamers or people who want apps that might not be available in their region or have been removed from the Play Store. They make the whole process of installing larger apps way easier by packaging everything into one neat file.

To install XAPK files on your Android device, follow this detailed guide covering everything from prerequisites to the installation process. XAPK files are essentially APK files bundled with additional data, making them a convenient option for installing apps, especially games that require extra resources.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, ensure you have the following:

1. Make sure your device is running Android 6.0 or higher.
2. Download the XAPK file you wish to install from a trusted source.
3. You may need a file manager app to navigate and manage files on your device. You can download one from the Google Play Store if you don’t have it already.
4. For easier installation, consider downloading any reliable XAPK Installer from the Google Play Store. For this guide, I’ll be using a well-known and easy-to-use file manager: ZArchiver.

Step 1: Enable Installation from Unknown Sources

1. Go to your device’s settings by tapping on the gear icon.
   
2. Scroll down and select Security, Privacy or Special App Access, depending on your Android version and vendor. I am using stock Android.
3. Look for an option labeled Install unknown apps or Unknown sources and tap on it.
   
4. This will give you a list of apps. You can then individually allow them to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. In my case, since I am using ZArchiver to install the XAPK file, I will allow it to install apps on my device.

Step 2: Download and Prepare the XAPK File

1. Use a trusted website to download your desired XAPK file. For this guide, I have downloaded the Roblox XAPK from APKPure.
   
2. Open your file manager app and navigate to the Downloads folder where your XAPK file is saved.

Step 3: Install Using ZArchiver (Recommended Method)

1. If you haven’t already, download the ZArchiver app from the Google Play Store.
   
2. Launch the app and allow any necessary permissions.
3. Navigate to the folder containing your downloaded XAPK file.
   
4. Tap on the XAPK file and select Install.
   
5. Confirm any prompts that appear to start the installation process.
   
6. Once installed, you can open and use the app as usual.

Manual Installation (Alternative Method)

If you prefer not to use ZArchiver, you can manually install an XAPK file:

1. Long-press on the XAPK file in your file manager and select Rename. Change the extension from .xapk to .zip.
   
2. Use a file extraction app like RAR (available on Google Play) to open the ZIP file.
   
3. Extract its contents to a folder of your choice, or you can simply choose the ‘Extract here’ option to extract the ZIP file contents into the same folder where the ZIP file is.
   
4. Inside the extracted folder, look for an OBB folder (If it does not exist, skip to the last step). This folder contains additional data needed for some apps or games. Copy this OBB folder.
   
5. Navigate to Internal Storage > Android > OBB and paste the copied OBB folder here.
   
6. Go back to the extracted folder and locate the APK file. Tap on it to start the installation process and follow any prompts that appear during installation.
   

After completing either method, you should find your newly installed app in your app drawer. Tap on it to launch and enjoy!

Just follow these steps, and you’ll be able to install any XAPK file on your Android device without any hassle. If you run into any issues or need help, don’t hesitate to ask!