Why can't I open an apk file I downloaded?

[Shynes_Bright]

Hello,

I am extremely new to this...this is my first apk file actually. I downloaded the file, followed the instructions exactly (don't laugh) as they basically just said "type this link into your browser". The file downloaded with no problems but when I tapped it to continue to the next step of installation an error came up saying "Can't open file". I have also transferred the file to the phone from laptop to see if that would help...still can't open the file. I have a Droid Turbo 2 running Andriod 6.0 Marshmallow.

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated! Thank you!

 

[anon(632115)]

You got to start somewhere Welcome to Android Central. APK files are compressed files like zip or rar files and used to install apps. By default, Android only allows installation of apps from Google. This is to protect you from downloading apps that could compromise your device. Google Play apps install automatically but a file manager is required to install apks from other sites.
Go to Google Play and get Astro File Manager or ES File Explorer and install.
Go to Settings, security, and allow installation of unknown apps.
I'm not sure if there is a file manager on your device. Skip the first step if there is

 

[Shynes_Bright]

Yes, we do...I use to think I was tech savvy back in the day when things were simple Thank you for your response! I'll try this!!

 

[Shynes_Bright]

That worked like a charm! Thank you so much!!

 

[anon(632115)]

You're welcome

 

[Srimaharshi manchem]

You got to start somewhere Welcome to Android Central. APK files are compressed files like zip or rar files and used to install apps. By default, Android only allows installation of apps from Google. This is to protect you from downloading apps that could compromise your device. Google Play apps install automatically but a file manager is required to install apks from other sites.
Go to Google Play and get Astro File Manager or ES File Explorer and install.
Go to Settings, security, and allow installation of unknown apps.
I'm not sure if there is a file manager on your device. Skip the first step if there is

I'm facing this issue only after updating android studio to 2.3. Is there any connection to that ?

 

[pkcable]

Some apps simply won't work on some phones. However before you give up try a couple things, reboot the phone. Try going to settings, apps, google services, and clear cache in there.

 

[CubingMink]

Some apps simply won't work on some phones. However before you give up try a couple things, reboot the phone. Try going to settings, apps, google services, and clear cache in there.

I did that, but it just said "file type not supported"

 

[Mike909090]

You got to start somewhere Welcome to Android Central. APK files are compressed files like zip or rar files and used to install apps. By default, Android only allows installation of apps from Google. This is to protect you from downloading apps that could compromise your device. Google Play apps install automatically but a file manager is required to install apks from other sites.
Go to Google Play and get Astro File Manager or ES File Explorer and install.
Go to Settings, security, and allow installation of unknown apps.
I'm not sure if there is a file manager on your device. Skip the first step if there is

I am trying to use a file I downloaded from internet (I know it's safe, don't worry) and I got that message so I got Astro File Manager. In what folder can I find it?
Also I noticed this thread was from 2 years ago.

 

[jerry Joe]

Android app files are .APK extension which are not supported by windows these can only be open in android phones.

 

[Rukbat]

Well ... they can be opened in Windows, but they can't be used to install an app. They're just .zip files with the extension renamed, so they can be opened in any zip program (or renamed to .zip). But you'll just see some files and some folders - they're not useful in Windows. (Except to modify them, if you know what you're doing.)

 

[svetme]

Can open APK with a zip app on my smartphone?

 

[mustang7757]

Can open APK with a zip app on my smartphone?

Which phone?
What app your trying install with APK file?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! APK files by definition will run and install themselves by simply opening them. You shouldn't need a separate app to open an APK file.

 

[mustang7757]

Welcome to Android Central! APK files by definition will run and install themselves by simply opening them. You shouldn't need a separate app to open an APK file.

Sometimes you need a APK installer app

 

[B. Diddy]

Sometimes you need a APK installer app

Oh, I've never encountered that. Would that be for much older apk files?

 

[mustang7757]

Oh, I've never encountered that. Would that be for much older apk files?

For bundles , I'll show you screenshot I use APK installer app

 

[B. Diddy]

Thanks for that, I didn't know about app bundles.

 

[mustang7757]

Thanks for that, I didn't know about app bundles.

No problem
I do enough of these lol