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General questions about Android apps and where they are stored

jimdays

Newbie
Nov 20, 2015
26
1
I'm used to Windows. When I get new software, I always store the original install file (exe) on a USB memory stick
where I can access it if need be. My question is: with Android, for example if I go to the Google Play Store and get an app (either a free app or pay app), is it easy to find and access the install file (apk) and store it on a USB memory stick? If so, how do I do this (find the original apk file in the Android device)? Let me give a specific example.
There is an app called Radio Rip. The link is here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spartacusrex.radiorec&hl=en
As you can see, this app is about $3.00. Unlike a typical Windows application, I guess there is no trial version of this app. You just pay the $3 and get it. If you like the app, great, if not, you only lost $3. I got the app. I noticed there are some misspelled words in the interface (a hard pill for me to swallow). But to some degree, the app does work. I am able to record a few radio stations that I like. So I would like to find the install file (apk). If the Android device has a major problem and I lose the software, I could just re-install the app from a backup apk file.
 
Last edited:
There really isn't a need to do this.

Got to menu>settings>backup & reset and make sure backup for your account automatic restore is on. Then, any device you use with that account (gmail address) will give you the option on first boot to reinstall all your apps directly from the play store.

If, however, you want to backup all your apps locally you can use Helium or Titanium (if rooted) to backup your stuff.

As for the misspellings, it's probably because the developer isn't a native English-speaker. Just let them know and they can correct it with an update. :D
 
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Thanks for the reply. OK, according to what you said, there is no way to just use an Android file manager and locate the install file (apk) that corresponds to the app just gotten from the Play Store. I don't want to root the phone, so I will look look into Helium (as you mentioned above).
 
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Without root your options are very limited. Even so, it's a total PITA to try and restore everything from backups and external files. I reset and flash my phones quite frequently and the restore option works so seamlessly i don't even bother with local app backups any more. Of course all my important data like contacts, pictures, email, texts, etc. are always backed up anyway so i know there's much less risk with resets.
 
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As you can see, this app is about $3.00. Unlike a typical Windows application, I guess there is no trial version of this app. You just pay the $3 and get it. If you like the app, great, if not, you only lost $3.
The majority of Android apps do have free and pay-for versions, and 'typical' Windows applications are proprietary and most Windows users continue to use 'free' applications in violation of their ToS. (WinZip being a good example.)
Note that Google does refund any purchased app within two hours of purchase. I've purchased a couple of apps that I uninstalled after a few minutes of trying them out and both times the money I paid was automatically added back into my account without my having to do any interaction with Google Play.
 
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