How to Install APK and OBB Files
1. What is .APK File?
An APK (Android Package Kit) file is the file format used by the Android operating system to distribute and install mobile apps, games, and other software. It is similar to the .exe format used by Windows or the .deb format used by Debian-based Linux distributions.
An APK file is essentially a ZIP archive that contains all the necessary components for an Android app to run, including:
- The compiled app code (e.g. .dex files)
- Resources and assets like images, audio files, etc.
- The app's manifest file describing its components
- Certificates for signing the app
- Libraries and other dependencies
When you install an Android app from the Google Play Store or other sources, you are actually installing an APK file. The Android system then extracts and runs the contents of the APK.
APK files can be created by compiling an Android app using tools like Android Studio. Developers can then distribute the APK directly or upload it to app stores like Google Play.
While APK files are the standard way to distribute Android apps, it's important to only install them from trusted sources to avoid potential security risks like malware
Allow installing third-party apps on your device
If you want to install the game or application through the APK, you must make sure the phone is allowed to install third-party apps. Do this by going to Settings » Additional Information » Privacy » Turn on Unknown sources
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How to install APK files?
Step 1: Download an APK game/app file from ModHello.com for your Android or tablet. Click to open the downloaded file.
Step 2: Click INSTALL and wait for the process to complete!
Step 3: Click Done to finish or click Open to open the file.
2. What is OBB?
OBB stands for "Opaque Binary Blob" and refers to a file format used by some Android apps and games.
Here are the key points about OBB files:
- OBB files are expansion files that contain additional data for an app, such as graphics, media files, and other large assets that cannot fit in the main APK file due to size constraints
- Developers could create up to two OBB expansion files per app, with a maximum size of 2GB each
- OBB files are typically stored in the shared storage folder on the user's device, in the directory "Android/obb"
- The app's main APK file references the OBB file to access the additional data it contains
- Users should not open or modify OBB files directly, as they are often encrypted and meant to be used only by the app
- As of August 2021, Google Play no longer supports OBB expansion files. New apps must use the Android App Bundle (AAB) format instead
So in summary, OBB files provided extra storage space for Android apps, but have been replaced by newer formats. They are not meant to be accessed directly by users.
If you see the OBB download link in posts on ModHello, then you need to download them.
How to Install an app with OBB data?
In the case of the application you want to install have an OBB, follow these steps:
- Download APK from ModHello and install (Don’t open it after installation - Click "Done" only)
- Download the OBB file and unzip it.
- Copy the folder you got to /SDCARD/Android/obb folder.
- Check & open the application.
For example, in case you want to install PUBG Mobile APK, you will need:
- Download the APK of PUBG from ModHello and install (Don’t open it after installation)
- Download OBB (com.tencent.ig.zip file) and unzip it, you will get the com.tencent.ig folder.
- Copy the folder com.tencent.ig to /SDCARD/Android/obb
- Checking and ensuring the full path of the .obb file will look similar to the following: /SDCARD/Android/obb/com.tencent.ig/main.11021.com.tencent.ig.obb
- After you have copied the OBB folder to the correct path, just open PUBG and fight.
3. Common Problems and Their Fixes
1. “App not installed” Error
If you get this error while trying to install the app, it may be for several reasons. Take each of the following measures:
- First, check that this is the only version of the app on your phone. You may have already installed an older version of the app back then so uninstall it first.
- Then, if the problem is still there, it is also possible that the Play Protect feature is turned on, please turn off Play Protect: Open the Google Play Store app - At the top right, tap the profile icon - Tap Play Protect - Tap Settings symbol at the top right - Turn Scan apps with Play Protect off.
- Lastly, if the problem is still there, it may be that your phone doesn’t support this APK file.
If all else fails, try to restart your device.
2. “Download failed because you may not have purchased this app” Error
If you get this problem, it means you were downloading an app with an OBB but you forgot the OBB. Then, you just need to download the OBB from ModHello.
But if you’ve copied the OBB correctly but the problem is still there, you may need to download the original version from the Google Play Store first and then uninstall it. After that, install the APK/OBB again.