How to download APK files from Google Play

Android Platform is definitely one of most widely used operating system in most mobile devices nowadays, alongside with this is the vast creation and development of applications used for this system. Android application package (APK) is the default package file format of the Android Apps and the biggest source of this file format is the Google Play Store (aka Android Market) which serves as the official application store for the Android operating system. This site allows users to browse and download any applications, either free of charge or at a cost.

Since all free of charge applications are available worldwide, users around the globe can easily install any applications directly in their mobile devices using the Google Play App. However, installing any applications using this app does not give the user the opportunity to download the actual APK file. For some reasons, having the actual APK file is important for the users as back up and for offline installations.

There are several methods of downloading APK files from Google Play, using third party softwares, web extensions or by any websites that provides download scripts.

METHOD 1: WEBSITE DOWNLOADING

There are 3 popular sites that helps you download APK files directly from Google Play. These are easy to use websites for secure direct APK Downloads, all you have to do is enter the Package name or the Google Play URL of a certain app you want to acquire. To prevent piracy, this sites only allows you to download FREE apps.

1. EVOZI APK DOWNLOADER WEBSITE
   
   Navigate the website apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
   
   
   
   
   In the labelled box, enter the Package name or the Google Play URL of a certain app you want to download (e.g. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.orca or simply com.facebook.orca). Click "Generate Download Link" and click the generated download button.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As easy at it is, you can download the app in just several clicks. Currently this website is able to generate around 1400 new apk files per day. If you ever encounter an error downloading you can forcibly fetch the app by checking the Force refetch apk file option under the Request Update button.
   
   
2. APK LEECHER WEBSITE
   
   This website also works just like Evozi APK Downloader, simply navigate apkleecher.com/ and enter the Package name or the Google Play URL of a certain app you want to download in the labelled search box  (e.g. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.orca or simply com.facebook.orca).  Click "Generate Download Link" and click the generated download button.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. APK-DL WEBSITE
   
   Same function as the first two mentioned websites, apk-dl.com lets you download apk files by entering the Package name or the Google Play URL of a certain app and hit enter, you will be directed to download page page with much more detailed Information of the app you are downloading.
   
   

METHOD 2: USE IN-BROWSER EXTENSIONS

There are quite a few number of in-browser extensions developed for downloading APK Files from Google Play. In Mozilla Firefox Browser, there are two available extensions up to date:

1. APK Downloader by CodeKiem 
2. APKFtech APK Downloader by APKFetch.

The APK Downloader by CodeKiem requires your Gmail account, its password and an GSF ID in order to work (to simulate the request to Google Play Store). While APKFtech APK Downloader by APKFetch is said to be unstable based reported issues that the extension is not working sometimes.

In Google Chrome Browser, there are three available extensions:

1. Direct APK Downloader by thuongtranvan
2. APK Downloader Appsofto by Appsofto
3. 1Mobile Downloader by 1mobile

The Direct APK Downloader by thuongtranvan also requires your Gmail account, its password and your mobile device ID in order to work (to simulate the request to Google Play Store). The APK Downloader Appsofto by Appsofto is providing a direct download link without asking any requirements to work just like the mentioned websites above you just have to enter the Package name or the Google Play URL of a certain app you want to download (e.g. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.orca or simply com.facebook.orca). The 1Mobile Downloader by 1mobile works the same as well.

As per testing this in-browser extensions, I have come up to the most easiest way of acquiring APK files form the Google Play, it is by using the APK Downloader Appsofto by Appsofto on Google Chrome.  All you have to do is add the extension to your chrome browser:

After adding the extension, you can now download the APK files of any FREE apps on Google Play by entering the Package name or the Google Play URL of a certain app you want to download (e.g. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.orca or simply com.facebook.orca).

The extension will automatically generate the Download button right after you key in the Package name or the Google Play URL.

The 1Mobile Downloader by 1mobile works the same as the APK Downloader Appsofto extension, it doesn't need any requirements to download, just paste  the Package name or the Google Play URL then click on the "Generate Download Link" then you're good to go.

METHOD 3: USE THIRD PARTY SOFTWARES

You can download software like APK Downloader from Cnet Download developed by Connectme. The interface of this software is simple, and the process of downloading the APK Files is just the same as shown above:

NOTE:
Considering this as a helpful and useful tips, you should also be aware that such methods are violating the Google Play Store's Terms of Service under rights and restrictions policy.