Is APKPure Safe?
In the world of Android apps, APKPure has made quite a name for itself. This online repository is teeming with freeware, shareware, and even some hard-to-find Android apps. But as an informed user, you might be asking yourself one important question: Is APKPure safe?
Android fans who seek alternatives to Google's Play Store often turn to APKPure. However, the site lacks stringent verification procedures which raises eyebrows about its safety profile. So it's not just about finding that long-lost app or discovering a cool new tool – it's about making sure your device and data stay secure in the process.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of APKPure's safety measures (or lack thereof), I can't stress enough how crucial it is to have trusted anti-malware software on your device. A good one I'd recommend? Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus for Android—it’s like your trusty shield in this wild world of apps!
Also, it's always good to use a VPN to ensure maximum protection. VPNs like NordVPN offer a malware protection feature called Threat Protection that ultimately protects your Android device from malicious content.
What is APKPure?
Have you ever found yourself in a position where the app you need isn't available on Google's Play Store? That's when third-party app stores like APKPure or Softonic come into play. Founded in 2014, APKPure has been a go-to alternative for many Android users worldwide seeking apps that are otherwise restricted or unavailable in their region.
APKPure is essentially an online repository of different Android applications and games, allowing users to download various APK (Android Package) files directly onto their devices. It's a platform that provides an extensive library of free and paid apps alike, which aren't always accessible through official channels like Google Play Store.
You might be wondering: "Is it safe to get my apps from APKPure?" I'd say, it depends. While all the apps listed on APKPure are checked for authenticity before being published - ensuring they're original and unmodified - there's no guarantee these checks catch every potential risk.
A case in point: In 2021, it was discovered that the APKPure app store was infected by a malicious module downloading Trojans onto Android devices. Although this issue has since been resolved with newer versions (3.17.19 or later), such instances indicate how potential threats can slip through even after initial verifications.
So, if you're contemplating using APKPure for your downloads, make sure to stay updated with the latest version of the app to benefit from any security fixes implemented post-incident. Yet remember – while generally considered safe-ish by many users – there are no additional security check layers at play here beyond verifying originals and modifications.
That said, if safety is your topmost priority when installing new apps (as it should be!), consider sticking with big official players offering built-in protection services like Softonic's Security Check or Google's Play Protect, to provide you some peace of mind knowing they're regularly scanned for harmful behavior.
How to Download and Install Apps from APKPure
Let's dive straight into how you can download and install apps from APKPure. If you've decided to proceed with APKPure, make sure you're running the latest version of the service (3.17.19 or newer) for optimal security measures.
Here's your step-by-step guide:
- Make sure to have an Antivirus installed on your Android phone (We recommend Avast).
- Open your web browser and visit the official APKPure website.
- Use the search bar at the top of the site to find the app you want.
- Click on the app’s name or icon to view its dedicated page.
- Look for a big green button that says “Download APK”. This will start downloading your chosen app.
- Once downloaded, swipe down from the top of your screen to view notifications and tap on the file name ending in ‘APK’
- A prompt will appear asking if you want to install this application - click ‘Install’
- After installation is complete, open up your new app!
“However, the site lacks stringent verification procedures which raises eyebrows about its safety profile.”
Your talking about the Google Play store right?
Nowhere is safe these days, only a fool believe otherwise.
As for APKPure, we go there to get copies of games that we purchased from google that they have later removed from the their store [b] and our devices against our wishes[b].
Are you talking about APKPure APP Store version 3.17.19 or newer? Because I don’t understand why then you explain how to download apks from the apkpure website…
You recommend Avast? Last I checked, Avast for pc is trash tier, one above Norton & McAfee. Is Avast on Android actually okay? I’m highly sceptical.
APK is definitely not safe, it’s controlled by a Chinese entity (China SocialCredit Number: 91430100MA4RD8D041) and there is clear information that it’s actually controlled by Tencent and was recently sold to a Chinese interactive entertainment company Huya (https://www.bianews.com/news/flash?id=175154).
It’s worth noting that the APKMirror has similar problems. You can never upload apps developed by Taiwanese who support or are connected to the local political party, the DPP, such as Taiwan Plus (com.tw.taiwanplus). When a month had passed since my submission and I still hadn’t gotten a listing I wrote to them but received no response.
I would advise everyone to be wary of any third party app stores unless you have no access to Google Play like I do.
Sorry about the mistype, the first line should be “The APKPure is definitely not safe.”.
Most of those APK websites even for modded APKs are safe. It’s just that westerners are too paranoid and brainwashed and in their inferiority complex to appear technically savvy, they try to make everything foreign look scary and unsafe.
Don’t life too seriously, nobody’s getting out alive anyways. Cringe article.
Found APKpure’s Android app to be a bit of a nightmare, though.
I agree with John G., apkpure allows you to download older versions that are no longer officially functional on a higher Android version. They often work very well.
It’s quite annoying to have paid for apps that you can no longer install on a new phone.
No android antimalware/antivirus app has ever stopped any android malware, it’s the most useless thing you can install on your phone.
apkcombo and apkmirror are the only ones I use for my apk needs.
The Hypatia anti-malware app is offered at F-Droid. It is claimed to be the world’s first FOSS malware scanner. I don’t know if it’s any good, though.
I try and stick with only what is available at F-Droid, such as it is…..
Having used it for a while, it’s not really effective. Sure it might find something but most malware is not going to be caught. It recently also through up a bunch of false positives with zero byte files – all having the same hash. That appears to be fixed now. What I’m really looking for is something that detects threats to the baseband with silent SMS… Oh wait, root access required for that, oh well.
APKpure is one of the few sites that allows to download old versions or even deprecated apps. :]
Please, do have a nice welcome to Ghacks, @Christian González :D
Christian might be Martins boss, at Softonic. A decent writer also.
True that he might be. As long as his posts avoid promoting Softonic and remain focused on technology, why not?