[Q] looking for the apk files that was downloaded from playstore - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi
I'm getting the new s 3 and I want to install all the same software I currently have on my s 2. Some of the software is no longer available in the play store so I'm trying to find out where the apk files that you download from the play store are downloaded to. So does anybody know the file path... Oh i'm running OS 4 ice cream

If you phone is rooted then you can go into root\data\app and find the apks. And again, if you're rooted then a better way is to just use Titanium Backup. If not rooted then redownload the apps.

Play store will display all the apps you have downloaded, if u r going to use the same Google id. This has helped a lot while changing roms.
Go backup is available in the market, it doesn't require root for backing up apks.

I can't see them in this directory
ninjasstolemytv said:
If you phone is rooted then you can go into root\data\app and find the apks. And again, if you're rooted then a better way is to just use Titanium Backup. If not rooted then redownload the apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't see them in this directory

tommyga said:
I can't see them in this directory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The folder is actually /data/app. Not root/data/app.
And if you don't have root, I don't think you'll be able to see anything in the folder. (or in the data folder at all, for that matter)

Under /data/app you'll find a few hundred folders, one for each app you have installed. They also may have been moved to the external sdcard if you chose to do so.
The best option, IMO, to have the APK files readily available is to install ES Explorer (free, available at the Play Store), and use to backup all the applications to the external sdcard. This way you can simply get all the ready-to-be-installed APK files from a single location, instead of having to iterate through each of the directories in /data/app (which is a PITA).
I use ES Explorer not only to backup all the APKs to a single location, but also to backup different versions of the same app, because ES Explorer suffixes the name of the APK with its version number.
A lot easier and quite more practical.
BTW, you don't need root to use that feature of ES Explorer.

Simonetti2011 said:
Under /data/app you'll find a few hundred folders, one for each app you have installed. They also may have been moved to the external sdcard if you chose to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There shouldn't be any folders in /data/app

pspec1 said:
Hi
I'm getting the new s 3 and I want to install all the same software I currently have on my s 2. Some of the software is no longer available in the play store so I'm trying to find out where the apk files that you download from the play store are downloaded to. So does anybody know the file path... Oh i'm running OS 4 ice cream
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this: Install "Wondershare MobileGo" to PC,after you have installed, connect your SGS2 with WiFi or USB cable to PC and export app. to PC. Then Connect SGS3 with WiFi or USB cable to PC and install the same app from PC to your phone...It is easy to do...

Simonetti2011 said:
Under /data/app you'll find a few hundred folders, one for each app you have installed. They also may have been moved to the external sdcard if you chose to do so.
The best option, IMO, to have the APK files readily available is to install ES Explorer (free, available at the Play Store), and use to backup all the applications to the external sdcard. This way you can simply get all the ready-to-be-installed APK files from a single location, instead of having to iterate through each of the directories in /data/app (which is a PITA).
I use ES Explorer not only to backup all the APKs to a single location, but also to backup different versions of the same app, because ES Explorer suffixes the name of the APK with its version number.
A lot easier and quite more practical.
BTW, you don't need root to use that feature of ES Explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the different methods I ended up use the explorer one.
Didn’t use ES Explorer as I had astro already installed so I used that.
One more function I didn’t know it had
Thanks again

Related

[Q] Location of Market apks ?

I have a rooted X10 mini pro. I just got a net connection on my mini pro and downloaded apps from Market.
Can anyone please tell me where the applications downloaded from market are stored ? ie- location of the .apk files.
I dont want to back up applications. I just want the base .apk file.
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
Amey006 said:
I have a rooted X10 mini pro. I just got a net connection on my mini pro and downloaded apps from Market.
Can anyone please tell me where the applications downloaded from market are stored ? ie- location of the .apk files.
I dont want to back up applications. I just want the base .apk file.
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Market installs the apps in /data/app and after installation it removes the temp installation files..
So is there no way to copy those .apk files before they are deleted ????
The apk is in /data/app just backup that one if you have to. The apk in that directory can be used over and over again to install on any phone you want.
I searched through astro but nothing is there in that directory ??????????????
The folder needs to be accessed with root permissions.
Via ADB shell or i believe there is an application called root explorer which does it with UI.
Astro, tools, backup - works for me
Thanks very much.....
One problem with this is, you only get common file names like
downloadfile-1.apk and so on. you wont get the app name on the file name. so everytime you copy it you have to run it and see what app that is.
That is one down matter. other than that its ok!

Directory for downloaded apk's?

Where do the apk's and whatnot get stored after I download them? I can't seem to find them in es explorer or root explorer.
Sent from my BNTV250 using Tapatalk
bjones72751 said:
Where do the apk's and whatnot get stored after I download them? I can't seem to find them in es explorer or root explorer.
Sent from my BNTV250 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're downloading through the browser, I believe they go to /sdcard/download
ckevinwelch said:
If you're downloading through the browser, I believe they go to /sdcard/download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The root/install apps are in system/apps - I'm still looking for the others
~ G
Other browsers will default to different locations. Miren, for example, will download to its sdcard folder.
Swyped from my B&N Nook Tablet.
I am having the same problem. I sideloaded the Amazon app, but it only opens if I go to the downloaded APK and reinstall it. It says I am replacing an installed app, i Okay, and it works just fine, until I close it. Search reveals nothing.
any thoughts?
Have you uninstalled and reinstalled the Amazon app?
Also, if you have access to a rooted device that has the app working correctly, use root explorer to grab the apk from data/app and put it into the same directory on your new device.
I have also had success just installing that apk. I have always used 'package installer'... never 'app installer'.

General Queries

Hello Friends, I have a basic general query.
Can .apk files saved on a computer be installed without the absolute necessity of a file management app/file manager?
I ask this because a friend of mine, believe it or not, has no form of internet access! She has Temple Run on her computer which she intends on installing on her Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830.
I suggested her to get ES File Explorer and that is when she informed me, she has no internet access. Yesterday, on 13 July 2012, she informed me that she has the .apk file of ES File Explorer as well but she has no clue how to install it on her device.
She has enabled Unknown sources to allow installation of non-Market applications.
Is there a way she can atleast install ES File Explorer, which will take care of her follow-up app installations? Will Samsung Kies to the job?
Thanking you all in advance and anticipating your responses.
She just needs to move the .apk from her computer (assuming she has one?) to the root of her sdcard. Then install like any other .apk file through file manager. Simple!
Sent from my MB865 using xda's premium carrier pigeon service
Apex_Strider said:
She just needs to move the .apk from her computer (assuming she has one?) to the root of her sdcard. Then install like any other .apk file through file manager. Simple!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Apex_Strider.
But does she need to have a file management app (such as ES File Explorer or ASTRO File Manager) installed on her device?
YLNdroid said:
Thank you Apex_Strider.
But does she need to have a file management app (such as ES File Explorer or ASTRO File Manager) installed on her device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, just simply plug in the phone and select "USB Mass Storage" option, locate the .apk file on the computer, copy to root of sdcard, eject the phone or select "Charge Only" and then use the built-in file manager to locate and install the .apk (or any .apk file for that matter) and install... easy as pie!
Sent from my MB865 using xda's premium carrier pigeon service
Apex_Strider said:
copy to root of sdcard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apex_Strider, you mean /sdcard, right? The .apk file must not be placed in a folder.
Thank you for being patient with my naive behaviour.
YLNdroid said:
Apex_Strider, you mean /sdcard, right? The .apk file must not be placed in a folder.
Thank you for being patient with my naive behaviour.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct, sir. Don't place in any of the folders within the sd card, but at the root of the /sdcard and you're all set!
Hello Friends, I am back with another general query.
How can I download a .apk file from the Google Play Store and save it on my computer? There are situations when I have no internet access and thus I intend on keeping basic apps such as HC-kTool, Temple Run, ES File Explorer, etc., ready at hand if and when I require them.
:silly:
Thanking you in advance and awaiting your replies.
YLNdroid said:
Hello Friends, I am back with another general query.
How can I download a .apk file from the Google Play Store and save it on my computer? There are situations when I have no internet access and thus I intend on keeping basic apps such as HC-kTool, Temple Run, ES File Explorer, etc., ready at hand if and when I require them.
:silly:
Thanking you in advance and awaiting your replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need to install them to your device from the market, and then either use another app to backup the apk files to your sdcard, or if your rooted you can simply navigate to the /system/app folder and copy the apk files to the sdcard yourself
zacthespack said:
You will need to install them to your device from the market, and then either use another app to backup the apk files to your sdcard, or if your rooted you can simply navigate to the /system/app folder and copy the apk files to the sdcard yourself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you zacthespack, I was unaware Android apps could be "re-used" if needed, after installation. All this while I was under the self-created foolish presumption that an "installed" application cannot be copied and saved.
Thank you once again for educating me. I love this community.
YLNdroid said:
Thank you zacthespack, I was unaware Android apps could be "re-used" if needed, after installation. All this while I was under the self-created foolish presumption that an "installed" application cannot be copied and saved.
Thank you once again for educating me. I love this community.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your welcome, yes the apps are stored in there apk form and just run (much like a java program is compiled to a .jar and run)
A humble enquiry directed at the Superiors of the community. Can a forum for the Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus GT-S7500 be considered?
:fingers-crossed:
Thank you.
YLNdroid said:
A humble enquiry directed at the Superiors of the community. Can a forum for the Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus GT-S7500 be considered?
:fingers-crossed:
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That request should go in this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1660354
Sent from my M886 using Tapatalk 2
Hello Friends, I have another query.
Am I correct to presume the user installed apps are stored under /data/app? If so, using Root Explorer I can copy the apps and save them wherever I desire, right?
Also, can I rename these apps after I copy and save them to another location? For example, the HC-kTool app I downloaded from the Google Play Store, is stored as net.hellcat.droiddev.ktool-1.apk under /data/app. Can I rename it to whatever I desire, as long as it ends as .apk, after I save it to a different location?
:silly:
Thank you for bearing my stupidity. I look forward to your replies.
YLNdroid said:
Hello Friends, I have another query.
Am I correct to presume the user installed apps are stored under /data/app? If so, using Root Explorer I can copy the apps and save them wherever I desire, right?
Also, can I rename these apps after I copy and save them to another location? For example, the HC-kTool app I downloaded from the Google Play Store, is stored as net.hellcat.droiddev.ktool-1.apk under /data/app. Can I rename it to whatever I desire, as long as it ends as .apk, after I save it to a different location?
:silly:
Thank you for bearing my stupidity. I look forward to your replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES for all questions
Cannot locate an app
Hello Friends, I downloaded the npower app, https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDMsImNvbXBzb2Z0LmFuZHJvaWQubnBvd2VyIl0. from the Google Play Store, but it is not visible under /data/app.
Is there another location where apps get stored after installation?
YLNdroid said:
Hello Friends, I downloaded the npower app, https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDMsImNvbXBzb2Z0LmFuZHJvaWQubnBvd2VyIl0. from the Google Play Store, but it is not visible under /data/app.
Is there another location where apps get stored after installation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cannot install this app in my country to tell you the exact location of file. If you are using root explorer then use the inbuilt search fuction, root explorer will find it for you.
Sent from my GT-N7000
Hello all, I have another general query.
Is there a repository/database of stock firmwares for Sony mobile devices similar to Sam Mobile?
I will soon have a plethora of Sony mobile phones to fiddle around with!
:silly:
YLNdroid said:
Hello all, I have another general query.
Is there a repository/database of stock firmwares for Sony mobile devices similar to Sam Mobile?
I will soon have a plethora of Sony mobile phones to fiddle around with!
:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Friends, any suggestions?

No internet access / FIle Manager, can you install apk file from Terminal Emulator?

Let's say you don't have internet access at the moment.
Let's say all you have is fresh install of CyanogenMod 9, which for some reason, does not come with a File Manager :face palm:
Let's say you have an apk file on your SD card.
How would you install the apk file? Terminal emulator, using which commands or another way?
By the way, ASTRO File Manager vs. ES File Explorer, which one and why?
- Put your apk file to sdcard (ex: es.apk)
- open internet browser
- type "file:///sdcard/es.apk" then press Go
Sent from MARVEL JellyScream
I just figured this out on my own and it worked:
How to install app called Example Name.apk from Android phone's Terminal Emulator:
This shows you how to change directory to SD card ; list contents ; change directory to folder called Google Play which contains file to be installed called Example Name.apk
cd sdcard/
ls
cd "google play"/
ls
su
pm install "Example Name.apk"
Yep there are many way to install apks
Sent from MARVEL JellyScream
Wow...exactly what I wanted to know.
Thanks for this! :cyclops:
No Explorer/No Playstore
This is a shameful noob problem. Can someone help me please? :fingers-crossed:
I deleted my file explorer app so I can't execute apks from my SD. Also I can not download them from Play Store because it crashes (probably cuz I deleted this system file that has something to do with managing Google Accounts. Currently, I only have the following Google apps installed - Google Backup Transport, Google Contacts Sync, Google Play Store, Google Services Framework)
I rooted my Sony Xperia Arc with the brilliant, super easy rooting kit found here
Putting down my phone details in case they are required -
Model: LT15i
Android: 4.0.4
Kernel: 2.6.32.9
Build: 4.1.B.0.587
Should I just try installing a ROM otherwise?
Thank you so much for reading!
Just in case anyone else comes by here.
If I were you (months ago), I would have reinstalled the exact same ROM, directly over the ROM.
Or, I would have installed GAAPS. Or I would have connected a cable and dropped the files I needed, like a playstore.apk onto the phones internal memory, and then executed it through the browser. file:///path/*.apk
I was going over ADB from my PC, via usb debugging.
System app is just copy to your system/app folder.
and set permition to 644 (rw-r--r--)
Adb push *.apk /system/app
Normal apk is
Adb install *.apk
ZenInsight said:
Just in case anyone else comes by here.
If I were you (months ago), I would have reinstalled the exact same ROM, directly over the ROM.
Or, I would have installed GAAPS. Or I would have connected a cable and dropped the files I needed, like a playstore.apk onto the phones internal memory, and then executed it through the browser. file:///path/*.apk
I was going over ADB from my PC, via usb debugging.
System app is just copy to your system/app folder.
and set permition to 644 (rw-r--r--)
Adb push *.apk /system/app
Normal apk is
Adb install *.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this, but my pc using win8 i can using adb, and file:///sdcard/ not apply with myphone.
I try terminal to mount sdcard, and it working
installing google play store
hungpd00532 said:
This is a shameful noob problem. Can someone help me please?
I deleted my file explorer app so I can't execute apks from my SD. Also I can not download them from Play Store because it crashes (probably cuz I deleted this system file that has something to do with managing Google Accounts. Currently, I only have the following Google apps installed - Google Backup Transport, Google Contacts Sync, Google Play Store, Google Services Framework)
I rooted my Sony Xperia Arc with the brilliant, super easy rooting kit found here
Putting down my phone details in case they are required -
Model: LT15i
Android: 4.0.4
Kernel: 2.6.32.9
Build: 4.1.B.0.587
Should I just try installing a ROM otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too experienced a similar problem.....but i have not installed a custom rom .....my sd card formatted unfortunately...
i have no play store and file manager...
i tried many alternatives
went to default internet application and install apps through playstore or some other android stores
tried adb bundle using windows
and finally WIPE DATA AND RESET from recovery mode in my rooted phone and got my playstore back
but be carefull every other apps,data in your phone will be erased(conntacts,call logs,messages)
Tried this method and it shows error
asdot said:
- Put your apk file to sdcard (ex: es.apk)
- open internet browser
- type "file:///sdcard/es.apk" then press Go
Sent from MARVEL JellyScream
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
I tried your browser method and it gives me the following error-
net::ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND
What shall I do? I have no wifi connection and I installed Android 5.0.2 GAAPS iso on my Samsung NC10 netbook
help me to install app.
i had rooted my device and deleted all the system apps like google play store, default browser, file manager, default launcher and used third party application. But when i reset my device everything is gone and i can't access play store, default browser, file manager, default launcher to install other apps. No please help me to install apps. (i can access to setting,alarm, galary, youtube and superuser using google search):
my device is Samsung galaxy tab 2
android version 4.2.
please help.
I tried to use wondershare mobile go app installer but my usb is not working.
Gapps
http://opengapps.org/
You need to select the correct platform, ARM, and correct Android version and variant, I prefer micro, definitely not full.
You need to know how to install this from your sdcard before booting in.

[Q] How to access the whole file system?

Hi,
I wanted to see the whole file system of my phone. I have already rooted it.
This is what I want to do :
I have installed an app. by the name "Printershare". It is, as the name says, for printing. When I connect a printer to the phone, it downloads some driver pack from the internet. I want to check what it downloaded (All the files everything in the 'Driver Pack'). But when I connect my phone to my system, using samsung kies, I can only access the phone data and not the data internal to the apps.
Is there any way of accessing everything on the phone?
NOTE: Phone is already rooted.
Thanks
-Sahil
Download a file manager on your phone like ES File Explorer or something similar. Those usually allow you to browse to root directory after gaining superuser privileges.
Or if you want to just view them you can install terminal emulator and do a
Code:
cd /
Well via a pc I dont think there is a method to access system partitions...but if you use ES file explorer ..you will be able to access all your system files through your phone itself....but be careful not to delete any important files in the system good luck
hope this helped
use adb shell
sadeshmagic said:
Well via a pc I dont think there is a method to access system partitions...but if you use ES file explorer ..you will be able to access all your system files through your phone itself....but be careful not to delete any important files in the system good luck
hope this helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for ur reply
That really helped..
One more question...Where would the application data be stored, I mean in which folder??
I explained the problem in more detail in my first post on this thread.
Thanx
sahilh14 said:
Thanks for ur reply
That really helped..
One more question...Where would the application data be stored, I mean in which folder??
I explained the problem in more detail in my first post on this thread.
Thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the app you installed is a normal apk file....and I mean if you installed it like normal....some of the app data will be in the data folder of your root ....that means you need to go back up to the root folder...then you will see a folder called data....go into that folder and you will see many folders....there are two important folders....one again is named data...the other is named app....but please if you dont know what you are you better not go in...as there maybe risks to the system....
/data/app
/data/data
these are the two pathways of the folders
good luck...hope this helps
SIII data folder
SIII application data folders are here
/sdcard/Android/data
and
/sdcard/Android/obb
obb is common used by large HD games like those from gameloft.
tigerporc said:
SIII application data folders are here
/sdcard/Android/data
and
/sdcard/Android/obb
obb is common used by large HD games like those from gameloft.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. that's external data. app data is in /data/data

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