How to Extract the APK From the Google SDK

The Android APK file located on your Android device is the packaged source code files for the software you download and install on the cell phone or tablet. With a rooted device, you can extract the APK file using the Google SDK. The SDK system is installed on each device and a computer used to create Google Android apps. You use this feature to extract the APK and edit the open-source code.

Things You'll Need

• Rooted Android
• USB cable
• Google Android SDK

Instructions

1. Connect your Android device to a computer with the Android SDK installed using the USB cable that came with your device.

2. Click the Windows "Start" button and type "cmd" into the text box. Press "Enter" to open the Windows command line.

3. Type "cd C:\android-sdk-windows\tools\" and press "Enter." This command points the command prompt to the utility you need to extract the APK. Type "adb shell" and press "Enter" to start the utility.

4. Type "su" in the utility command prompt and press "Enter." After the system logs you in, type "cd data/app" and press "Enter." This folder contains your Android app files.

5. Type "ls" and press "Enter." All of your install apps are displayed. Choose the app you want to extract and type "adb pull /data/app/phone.apk name.apk" where "phone.apk" is the name of the APK file listed. The APK is extracted and stored on your computer.