How to Backup Android Apps as APK

When you factory reset your phone, uninstall an app, or switch to a new device, you lose all your installed apps — and some apps disappear from the Play Store. An APK backup preserves the exact app version you had installed so you can reinstall it anytime without internet or app store.

Quick Answer

Open AnExplorer → tap Apps or navigate to the app section → long-press any installed app → tap Backup or Save as APK → the .apk file is saved to your storage.

How to Backup an App as APK

1. Open AnExplorer
2. In the left panel, tap Apps (shows all installed applications)
3. Long-press the app you want to backup
4. Tap Backup → AnExplorer saves the .apk to Internal Storage/Backup/Apps/[AppName].apk
5. The file can now be shared, moved to USB, copied to another phone, or stored in cloud

Backup Multiple Apps at Once

1. AnExplorer → Apps
2. Long-press one app to enter selection mode
3. Tap other apps to add them to the selection
4. Tap ⋮ More → Backup selected
5. All selected apps are exported as APK files in one batch

Where APK Backups are Saved

Default location: Internal Storage/Backup/Apps/

You can change this in AnExplorer settings, or manually move the APK files after backup using the file manager.

What an APK Backup Contains

App data (your settings, game saves, etc.) is stored separately. To back up app data you need root access or a cloud sync tool. AnExplorer covers the APK itself.

Reinstall an APK Backup

To reinstall a backed-up app:

1. Navigate to the .apk file in AnExplorer (or wherever you saved it)
2. Tap the file
3. Android shows the app install screen — tap Install
4. If prompted: Settings → Security → Install unknown apps → allow for AnExplorer

APK Backup Before Factory Reset

Before resetting your phone, use this workflow:

1. AnExplorer → Apps → select all apps you want to keep
2. Backup all to /Backup/Apps/
3. Copy that folder to USB drive or cloud storage
4. Perform factory reset
5. After reset: copy APKs back and install them one by one via AnExplorer

Backup System Apps (Root Required)

Pre-installed apps (system apps) like carrier apps, bloatware, and OEM apps are stored in /system/app/ and /system/priv-app/ — not accessible without root. With AnExplorer's root file manager enabled:

1. AnExplorer → root mode → navigate to /system/app/
2. Copy the .apk file for any system app you want

Note: Root access is required. If your phone isn't rooted, you can only backup user-installed apps (from Play Store or sideloaded).

Bundle Formats (APKM, APKS, XAPK)

Modern apps on newer Android versions use split APK bundles:

AnExplorer can install all four formats — just tap the bundle file.

Sharing APK Backups

APK files can be transferred anywhere:

• To USB drive: Transfer to USB guide
• To another phone: Android to Android transfer
• Via FTP/SMB: Network → FTP/SMB Server → browse from PC

Legal Note

APK backups are legal for personal use — backing up apps you paid for or installed is permitted. Distributing APK files to others who haven't purchased the app may violate app store terms and copyright law.

Troubleshooting

AnExplorer shows no "Backup" option for an app

• Some system apps are protected and cannot be exported — this is enforced by Android
• Ensure you're long-pressing the app in the Apps section (not in a general folder)
• Grant AnExplorer Storage permission if not already done

APK installs but app won't run

• The APK architecture may not match your new phone (e.g., 32-bit APK on 64-bit device)
• Or the app version is old and requires a newer Android API level than your device provides

Related Guides

• Open APK Files — how APK installation works
• Transfer Files to USB — save APK backups to external storage
• Access Hidden Files — browse system directories