How to install APK games and programs with cache on Android

You do not need root access or a custom ROM to install a regular APK.

Before downloading, check the app’s requirements: Android version, architecture and available storage.

Installing an APK

1. Download the APK and open it from your browser or file manager.
2. If installation is blocked, tap Settings in the prompt and enable Allow from this source.
3. Return to the file and tap Install.

Android 8 and later. Permission is granted separately to each app you use to install APKs.

On older versions, use the Unknown sources switch in the security settings. Menu labels may vary.

What are game data files, and which ones do you need?

On game pages, “cache” means additional game data: graphics, audio and other assets. These files may be supplied separately, downloaded on first launch or included in the installation package.

Use the data files listed for the game version you have chosen.

If there are Adreno, Mali, PowerVR or Tegra versions, choose the one matching your device’s GPU. You can check it in CPU-Z. This distinction mainly applies to older games.

The @root label means that the app requires root access.

Choosing the right architecture

If the page offers several APK variants, choose one your device supports:

• arm64-v8a — for Android systems that support 64-bit ARM apps.
• armeabi-v7a — for Android systems that support 32-bit ARM apps.
• x86 and x86_64 — for compatible devices and emulators.

You can check the supported ABIs in AIDA64 or DevCheck.

The processor name alone is not enough: not every system on a 64-bit device supports both types of apps.

Installing a game with additional data

1. Download the APK and its matching data files.
2. Install the APK.
3. If the data comes in a ZIP or another archive, extract it.
4. Copy the files to the location specified on the game page.
5. Launch the game.

For OBB files, the final path usually looks like this:

Android/obb/package.name/file.obb

Do not add an extra folder between the package folder and the file. The .obb file itself usually does not need to be extracted or renamed.

If you cannot access the game data folder

Option 1. Use a Windows computer

1. Connect your phone with a USB cable, unlock the screen and select File transfer on the phone.
2. In Windows File Explorer, open your phone → internal storage → Android → obb or data, as instructed on the game page.
3. If the folder allows writing, copy the extracted data into it, keeping the folder named after the game’s package.

If the folder is hidden or copying is blocked, try the next option. USB access depends on the device and its firmware.

Option 2. Use ZArchiver and Shizuku on your phone

Shizuku lets a compatible file manager use additional system privileges without root. On Android 11 and later, you can start it through wireless debugging without a computer.

1. Install ZArchiver and Shizuku.
2. Enable Developer options and Wireless debugging. Pair Shizuku using the code from the debugging settings, then tap Start. See the step-by-step Shizuku setup guide.
3. In ZArchiver, open Settings → ROOT → Type of root access → Shizuku and approve the access request. Despite the section’s name, this method does not require root.
4. Return to ZArchiver and copy the game data to the location specified on the game page.

You need to start Shizuku again after restarting your phone. Access may remain restricted on some firmware versions. If this method does not work, check the ZArchiver developer’s instructions for your situation.

If you downloaded an XAPK or APKS file

This is an installation package that may contain several APKs and additional assets. Open it with an installer that supports the format. Simply renaming it to .apk will not work.

Troubleshooting

Package parsing error

Download the file again and check the Android requirements.

App not installed

Check available storage, architecture and whether you have all the required files. An update may also fail if its signing certificate differs from the installed version’s. Back up your progress before removing the old version.

The game cannot find its data

Check the file path, folder nesting and whether the data matches the game version.

The data or obb folder is missing

Install the app and check the path again. If access is allowed, you can create the required folder manually. On Android 11 and later, system restrictions may prevent this — see the methods for copying game data.

The game downloads more data

This is not always an error. The game may need updates or assets that are not included in the archive.

An old game will not install on a new phone

This may be caused by Android restrictions or a lack of support for 32-bit apps.

Not enough storage

Free up internal storage. Extraction and installation may require more space than the downloaded archive takes up. Not all games and devices support moving data to microSD.

What is root access?

Root access grants superuser privileges and broader access to the system. It is not needed for ordinary APK installation. The process for obtaining it depends on the model and firmware; there is no single method for every device.