Downloading APKs directly from the Play Store is only possible using specialized websites or web browser plug-ins and extensions with that function since the apps downloaded from there are installed directly without leaving any APK file behind. Here we show you both methods, but you should know that they are not 100% foolproof. Nevertheless, they are the ones that can yield the best results.
Several websites claim to be able to download APK files from the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, they can hardly guarantee that this is 100% true. Possibly, the best-known website and one of the few that claims to download exactly the same file available at any given time on Google Play is Evozi, where you are even encouraged to check the integrity of the file using an MD5 test.
To download APKs from this website, visit the page of the app you want in Google Play using a web browser. It is easier to do this directly on a computer, since on an Android device you will probably be forced to use the store's app when visiting the website, and it is not possible to copy the URL of the app you are looking for there.
Copy the URL or everything after the "=" symbol, this is the name of the package in the shop.
Copy the URL address or package name
Visit Evozi. Paste the copied text into the dialog box and click on Generate Download Link.
Paste the text into Evozi
Wait a few seconds and a download button will appear, click it, and the file will be downloaded to your hard drive.
Download link generated by Evozi
As far as browser plug-ins are concerned, the vast majority are developed for Google Chrome. Possibly, the most popular one is APK Downloader.
Once you have downloaded the Chrome add-on and it has been installed, visit the app's website in Chrome and copy the URL.
Copy the URL address or package name
If the add-on you have installed is enabled, you will see a red square icon in the top right corner of the browser. Click it. A menu will be displayed, choose APK Downloader.
APK Downloader menu
You will be redirected to a new tab where you can paste the URL you just copied. Do it, and click on Generate Download Link. Notice that you can select your Android version and device, this allows the service to download the compatible APK.
Paste the address and press the button
After a few seconds, that tab will reload and allow you to see the files that make up the app, you can download them by clicking on them.
Files included in the download
To be able to install the app, you will need Split APKs, an app capable of installing applications that have been split into several files, as in this case.
The last option is APK Extractor. This app does not allow you to download APKs directly from Google Play, but it does allow you to create an APK copy of any installed app. In other words, you could install the app through Google Play and then use it to get the APK file of it. To use it, click the green button right here to download and install the app.
Run the app, you will see a list with all the apps and tools installed in your device. Find the app you are interested in.
List of installed apps
Automatically, APK Extractor will create a copy of the APK in the directory specified in the settings.
Generation of the new APK file
These three methods should be enough alternatives to get what you want, but remember, we cannot guarantee 100% reliability. Keep in mind that each version of Android, each device, and each app, may require different things.
