How to Install APK, OBB, and XAPK Files

How to Install APK, OBB, XAPK, and ZIP files on Android, Android TV, and PC Complete guide to installing apps across the Android ecosystem.

Installing apps via APK, OBB, XAPK, or ZIP files (Sideloading) allows you to access games and tools not found on the Play Store. This complete guide covers installation methods for all your devices.

Table of Contents:

⚠️ Security Note: Only download installation files from trusted sources like Apkund. Malicious APKs can harm your device.

1. How to Install APK Files on Android

Step 1: Enable Unknown Sources

The method depends on your Android version:

  • Android 8.0 (Oreo) and later: When you tap the downloaded APK file, a prompt will appear. Tap Settings and toggle on "Allow from this source" for your browser or File Manager.
  • Android 7.0 and older: Go to Settings > Security and enable "Unknown Sources" globally.

Step 2: Install the APK

  • Open your File Manager or browser's Downloads folder.
  • Tap on the .apk file.
  • Press Install and wait for the process to finish.

2. How to Install Games with OBB Data

Some large games come with two files: an APK (installer) and an OBB (game data). You need both.

Step 1: Install the APK

Install the APK file first (as shown above), but DO NOT OPEN the game yet.

Step 2: Place the OBB File Correctly

This is the most important part. If done incorrectly, the game will stay on a black screen.

  • Download the OBB file (usually a .zip). Extract/Unzip it.
  • You will get a folder named something like com.developer.gamename containing a .obb file.
  • Move that entire folder to this path:
    Internal Storage > Android > obb

Tip: The final path should look like this:
/Android/obb/com.example.game/main.123.com.example.game.obb

3. How to Install XAPK and ZIP APK (Split APKs)

XAPK and ZIP APKs (APKS) contain the APK + OBB or Split APKs in one package. You cannot install them with the default Android installer.

Method: Use an XAPK Installer

  • Download an installer app (e.g., XAPK Installer or SAI - Split APKs Installer) from Google Play.
  • Open the installer app and grant "All Files Access" permission.
  • Locate your downloaded .xapk or .zip file within the app.
  • Tap Install. The app will automatically unpack and install everything for you.

4. How to Install APKs on Android TV

Step 1: Prepare the TV

Go to Settings > Device Preferences > Security & Restrictions and enable Unknown Sources.

Step 2: Transfer and Install

  • Method A (USB): Copy the APK to a USB drive, plug it into the TV, and use a File Manager (like FX File Explorer) to install.
  • Method B (Wireless): Install the "Send Files to TV" app on both your phone and TV to transfer the APK wirelessly. Then open the received file on the TV to install.

5. How to Install APK/XAPK on PC (Windows/Mac)

To run Android apps on a PC, you need an Emulator.

Step 1: Install an Emulator

Download a trusted emulator like BlueStacks, LDPlayer, or NoxPlayer.

Step 2: Install the App

  • Launch the emulator.
  • Drag and drop the APK/XAPK file from your Windows desktop directly onto the emulator window.
  • The emulator will automatically install the app.

6. Why You See "Re-install from Google Play" (License Errors)

If you have successfully installed an APK/OBB but receive a message like "Download failed because you may not have purchased this app" or "Please re-install from Google Play", this is due to Google Play App Licensing.

What is Google Play App Licensing?

This is a security feature used by developers to verify if the current user is authorized to use the app. When you open a game, it checks with Google servers to see if your account actually "bought" or downloaded the license.

Common Causes for This Error

When you sideload an app (install via APK), the license check often fails for these reasons:

Cause Description
Sideloaded APK The app detects it wasn't installed via the official Play Store and cannot find a valid license key on your device.
Missing Play Services Devices like Huawei phones or Custom ROMs without Google Mobile Services (GMS) cannot perform the license check.
No Internet The app cannot contact Google servers to verify your status on the first launch.

How to Fix?
This is a protection measure. If you encounter this on a free app, try installing it once from the Play Store to register the license, then reinstall your specific version. For paid apps, you must purchase them to pass the license check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I open the APK file?

This usually happens if the download was incomplete (corrupted file) or if "Unknown Sources" permission wasn't granted to the browser/file manager you are using.

What is the difference between APK and XAPK?

An APK is the standard Android installer file. An XAPK is a bundle that contains the APK file plus extra data (OBB) or Split APKs needed for the game to run.

Is it safe to install APKs?

It is safe as long as you download from reputable sources like Apkund. Always verify that the site scans its files for malware.