What is a .apk file?
A .apk file is an android package. Its registered MIME type is application/vnd.android.package-archive, which places it in the application or document family of formats.
Technically it is a specialised form of application/java-archive (the .ear format), so tools that understand that format can often read at least part of it.
APK is a binary format: the contents are not readable text, so opening it in a text editor shows scrambled characters.
APK file format details
| Extension | .apk |
|---|---|
| Format | Android package |
| MIME type | application/vnd.android.package-archive, application/x-alpine-package-keeper-package |
| Category | Application or document |
| Text or binary | Binary |
| Based on | application/java-archive |
| File signature | None fixed |
| Registered with IANA | No |
| Other extensions | None |
How to open APK files
| Windows | APK files (Android package) are made by specific software. The reliable way to open one is with the program that created it; a generic viewer will only show raw data. |
|---|---|
| Mac | The same applies on a Mac: look for a Mac version of the program that makes APK files. |
| iPhone and iPad | Phones rarely open this type of file directly. The viewer above can show what is inside it without installing anything. |
| Android | The same applies on Android. The viewer above shows the first bytes of the file so you can confirm what it is. |
Can you convert a .apk file?
TapToConvert does not convert APK files. The usual route is to open the file in the program that made it and use its Export or Save as option.
APK file FAQ
What is a .apk file?
A .apk file is an android package, with the MIME type application/vnd.android.package-archive.
How do I open a .apk file?
With the program that created it. The viewer on this page shows what is inside without installing anything.
Is a .apk file safe to open?
Treat it with care: APK files can contain code that runs on your computer. Only open ones from sources you trust. Viewing one with the viewer on this page is safe, because it only reads the bytes and never runs them.
What is the MIME type of .apk?
application/vnd.android.package-archive, and it is also seen as application/x-alpine-package-keeper-package. Web servers send this type so browsers know how to handle the file.
Is APK a text or binary format?
Binary. Its contents are not readable as text.
File type facts come from the IANA media type registry, the mime-db project and the freedesktop.org shared MIME database.