APKMirror Installer (Official)

The APKMirror Installer app is your go-to tool for installing a variety of file formats, including .apkm, .xapk, .apks, and standard APK files. It's designed to make the process of sideloading apps on your device smoother and more straightforward. If you ever encounter issues while sideloading a regular APK, APKMirror Installer steps up with a bonus feature: it shows you the exact reason for the installation failure, helping you troubleshoot with ease.

Understanding Split APKs

Back in mid-2018, Google introduced App Bundles at Google I/O, revolutionizing how apps are delivered dynamically. For a clearer grasp, we suggest checking out the AndroidPolice article, which breaks down the concept with helpful visuals. In short, prior to App Bundles, developers either bundled everything into a single, hefty APK or juggled multiple APK variants tailored for different devices. App Bundles shifted this responsibility to Google, which now splits apps into multiple chunks or "split APKs." A release might include a base APK and several splits, such as base.apk, arm64.split.apk, 320dpi.split.apk, en-us.lang.split.apk, and es-es.lang.split.apk. Unfortunately, installing these splits directly isn't possible, as tapping on them will only install the base APK, leading to crashes due to missing resources. This is where APKMirror Installer becomes invaluable.

What Are .apkm Files?

With the rise of split APK formats, APKMirror has developed the .apkm file format to ensure seamless and secure sideloading. An .apkm file essentially bundles a base APK with several split APKs. After downloading an .apkm file and using APKMirror Installer, you can view the file's contents and choose which splits to install, optimizing your device's storage. The development of APKMirror Installer and its supporting infrastructure was a significant undertaking, which is why the app and site are supported by ads. For those who wish to enjoy an ad-free experience, various subscription options are available, unlocking additional features as well.

Issues and Bugs

Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco MIUI Users

Xiaomi devices running MIUI pose a unique challenge as they've modified the Android component used by APKMirror Installer for split APK installation. A workaround involves disabling MIUI optimizations in developer settings, which should facilitate successful installations. For further details and discussions, check out this issue on GitHub: https://github.com/android-police/apkmirror-public/issues/116.

Other Issues/Bugs

Encounter any other problems? Please report them to our GitHub bug tracker. Keep in mind, APKMirror Installer is strictly a file manager utility, devoid of any direct app store functionalities like browsing websites or updating apps, in compliance with the Play Store's Terms of Service.