Quick answer: To send a large APK file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. A typical app APK is about 80 MB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a APK file?
An APK is the installable package of an Android app. Developers send APKs to testers and clients, companies distribute internal apps this way, and people use them to install apps that are not on Google Play. Google Play itself now uses the App Bundle (.aab) format for publishing, which cannot be installed directly on a phone.
APK size depends on the code, libraries, images and bundled assets. Debug builds are usually bigger than release builds, and games with 3D assets can be hundreds of MB or more. Some apps come as split APK sets (.apks or .xapk) that need an installer app.
Extensions: .apk, .apks, .xapk, .aab.
How big are APK files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| A simple utility app | about 5 to 30 MB |
| A typical social or shopping app | roughly 50 to 150 MB |
| A debug build of a mid-sized app | roughly 50 to 200 MB |
| A 3D game with bundled assets | roughly 500 MB to several GB |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send a typical app APK (about 80 MB) as an attachment?
| App | Limit | Fits? |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail | 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| Outlook.com | 20 to 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| WhatsApp (document) | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Telegram | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Facebook Messenger | 100 MB per file | Yes |
| Discord (free) | 20 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Slack | 1 GB per file | Yes |
| WeTransfer (free) | 3 GB per transfer | Yes |
| Share Large Video Files | 20 GB per transfer | Send the link anywhere |
Limits from our file size limits by app table, checked against each service's help pages.
How to send APK files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop APK files on the upload box, or pick a whole folder. Up to 20 GB and 1000 files per transfer.
- Optional: add a password, a download limit or an expiry under More options.
- Copy the link (or show the QR code) and send it by chat or email. The recipient downloads the original file, byte for byte.
Tips for sending APK files
- Only install APKs from people you know and trust; an app package can contain harmful code.
- Send a signed release build to clients, and share its SHA-256 checksum so they can verify it.
- Increase the version code with each build so testers can install updates over the old one.
- Some services block app files, so a link that delivers the file unchanged is often easier than email.
How to open a APK file
Android installs APKs after the recipient allows "Install unknown apps" for the app they open it from (for example the browser or Files app). iPhone cannot install APKs. On Windows and Mac, developers use Android Studio's emulator or adb to install them on a device.
Frequently asked questions
How do I install an APK someone sent me?
Download it on your Android phone, open it, and allow "Install unknown apps" for your browser or Files app when asked. Only do this for apps from people you trust.
Can I send an APK by email?
Often not. Many email providers block app files, and larger APKs exceed attachment limits. Sharing a download link works better.
Can I install an .aab file on my phone?
Not directly. An App Bundle is for publishing to Google Play. Developers use bundletool to generate installable APKs from it.
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