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Apktool
What it is
Apktool is a free command-line utility for reverse engineering Android APK files on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It can disassemble application resources into a form close to their original structure, then rebuild an app after changes such as translation or permission edits. An analysis mode attempts to extract resources and the manifest for inspection without rebuilding. The installation guide uses wrapper scripts and requires Java 8 or later. Decode controls cover resource-resolution behavior, skipping resources or source disassembly, and choosing a framework directory. Build controls include selecting an aapt2 binary, adding a generic Network Security Configuration file, and disabling APK repacking. Apache licensing allows redistribution, modification, and integration into another project. Android devices are not officially supported because of aapt incompatibilities and java.nio issues on older builds. OEM-modified “Magic APKs” may not decode or build. Builds are unsigned; signature copying applies only to an original APK’s v1 signature scheme. Community help is available through GitHub Discussions, Stack Overflow, and IRC.
For and against
For
- Free plan with no paid tiers stated
- Disassembles resources near their original form
- Rebuilds apps after selected modifications
- Static analysis can extract resources and manifest
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS
Against
- Android devices are not officially supported
- Some OEM “Magic APKs” may not decode
- Built APKs are unsigned
- Requires Java 8 or later
The verdict
Apktool provides a free desktop workflow for inspecting, changing, and rebuilding Android APK files. Its device, compatibility, signing, and Java requirements matter when planning a workflow.
Who it suits
Apktool suits developers and analysts who need to inspect or modify Android APK resources from a supported desktop operating system. Java 8 or later is required.
Plans and prices
Apktool
No pricing tiers stated; requires Java 8 or later
Read 8 Oct 2026 · apktool.org
On the record
- Analyze
- Its analysis mode attempts to extract resources and the manifest for inspection without rebuilding.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Android device limitation
- The FAQ says Android devices are not officially supported because of aapt incompatibilities and issues with java.nio on older Android builds.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- APK compatibility
- The FAQ says APKs built with modified tools for specific OEMs, called “Magic APKs,” may not be decodable or buildable with Apktool.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Assemble
- It can rebuild apps after modifications such as translation or permission changes.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Build options
- Build options include using a specified aapt2 binary, adding a generic Network Security Configuration file, and disabling APK repacking.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Command line
- The official install guide provides wrapper-script installation steps for Windows, Linux, and Mac, and requires Java 8 or later.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Decode options
- Decode options include selecting resource-resolution behavior, skipping resources or source disassembly, and setting a framework directory.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Disassemble
- It can disassemble resources to nearly their original form.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Integration
- The FAQ says Apktool can be redistributed, modified, and integrated into another project under its Apache license.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Pricing
- The official site and documentation pages opened describe no paid plans or trial.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Apktool is a tool for reverse engineering Android APK files.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Signing limitation
- Apktool builds unsigned APKs, and its copy-original option can retain signatures only for the original APK signature v1 scheme.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The official site points users to GitHub Discussions, Stack Overflow, and IRC for community support.apktool.org · read 8 Oct 2026
