Step-by-Step Guide: How to Update APKs Manually

Updating APKs manually ensures you always have the latest features, bug fixes, and security enhancements for your favorite apps. Unlike apps from the Google Play Store, APKs installed from third-party sources don’t update automatically, so you need to do it yourself.

At APKek, we make sure you get safe and up-to-date APKs. This guide will walk you through the best way to update APKs manually without losing your app data or running into installation errors.

Why Should You Update APKs?

If you’re using an outdated APK version, you might be missing out on:

New Features & UI Improvements – Get access to the latest tools and design updates
Bug Fixes – Say goodbye to annoying crashes and glitches
Security Patches – Protect your data from vulnerabilities
Better Performance – Faster and smoother app experience

Unlike Play Store apps that update automatically, APKs require manual updates—but don’t worry, it’s easy! Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Check for an Updated Version

Before updating, verify whether a new version of the APK is available.

How to Check for APK Updates:

Visit APKek.io and search for the app.
Compare the latest version number with the one installed on your device.
If there’s a newer version, download the latest APK file. Tip: Some apps display their version info inside the app settings, so you can cross-check before updating.

Step 2: Prepare Your Device for Installation

Since APKs are installed outside the Play Store, Android requires special permission to allow installation.

Enable “Install Unknown Apps” (If Not Already Enabled)

Open Settings on your device.
Go to Security & Privacy → Install Unknown Apps.
Choose the app you’ll use to install the APK (e.g., Chrome, File Manager).
Toggle “Allow from this source”.

Why is this step important?
Without enabling this, your device will block APK installations for security reasons.

Step 3: Install the Updated APK

Now that your device is ready, let’s install the latest version.

How to Update Your APK Manually:

Open your Downloads folder and locate the new APK file.
Tap the file and click Install.
If prompted, confirm that you want to replace the existing version.
Wait for the installation to complete—it should take just a few seconds.

That’s it! The app is now updated without losing any of your settings or data.

Step 4: Verify & Optimize the App After Updating

After installation, follow these steps to ensure everything runs smoothly:

Open the app and check for new features or design changes.
If the app lags or crashes, clear its cache:

• Go to Settings → Apps → Select the App → Storage → Clear Cache
  If the app doesn’t open at all, try uninstalling and reinstalling the latest version.

Bonus: Automate APK Updates with Updater Apps

If you frequently install APKs, using an APK update checker can save you time. Here are some useful tools:

APKUpdater – Automatically finds new versions of installed APKs.
App Manager – Helps manage and track APK updates manually.
Aptoide – An alternative Play Store with built-in update notifications.

Tip: Always download updates from trusted sources like APKek.io to avoid malware.

Final Thoughts: Stay Updated, Stay Safe!

Updating APKs manually is simple, but safety comes first. Always check for updates from trusted sources like APKek.io to avoid downloading harmful or fake versions.

Ready to update your favorite apps? Visit APKek.io for the latest, safest APKs!

Happy downloading!