Check an APK before installing it on Android

Use Check an APK to inspect a downloaded Android installer before deciding whether to install it. This is separate from the Start scan of installed apps; no account is required.

Choose and check the file

1. Open Menu → Check an APK.
2. Tap Choose APK file. In Android’s file picker, choose one complete .apk file from Downloads or another accessible folder. You do not need to install it first.
3. Wait for the check to finish. Keep this screen open until the result appears.
4. Read the result, file and package details, and the Definitions last updated time.

Understand the result

• No threats detected: the selected file did not match the available detection rules. This is not a guarantee that it is safe or will install successfully.
• Threat detected: the file matched a threat definition. Do not install it while you investigate the detection.
• Potential permission risk: the declared permissions deserve attention. Legitimate apps can need these permissions; this is not confirmed malware.
• Check not completed / Check interrupted: no safety conclusion was made. Update the threat database, choose a complete accessible APK, and retry.

Supported files and limitations

• One complete APK, up to 512 MiB, per check.
• APK bundle containers such as .apks and .xapk, and separate split APKs, are unsupported. Renaming an extension does not convert the file.
• A check covers only the selected file, not missing components or code an app might download later.
• The result is based on static app information, signatures and permission rules. The APK is not run.

If the check cannot finish

Use Update threats list on the APK screen if definitions are missing or outdated. After updating, return and select the file again. If a cloud or file-provider document is inaccessible, save a complete copy to Downloads and select that copy. A damaged file should be downloaded again from its trusted source.

Leaving or cancelling the check can interrupt it. If Android closes the process, reselect the APK to check again. There is no background scan-completion alert for this separate file checker.

What happens to the file and result

This feature checks the file on your device and does not upload the selected file or its metadata. It uses a temporary private working copy; the original is not modified, deleted or installed. The working copy is normally removed when checking finishes or is cancelled.

APK checks do not use installed-app Exclusions and do not create Reports or Quarantine entries. Save a screenshot if you need to keep the result. If you decide to delete the download, use your file manager.

For an uncertain detection, contact Support with the file/package name, detection text and a screenshot. For apps already installed, run a normal app scan.