Apktool is an app for editing, compiling and decompiling APK files on Android. In essence, it lets you reverse engineer an APK file to extract all the information from the app, allowing you to, for example, find out if it's hiding some kind of malicious activity, or simply to verify its code.
Decompress APK files
One of the most useful features of Apktool is that you can decompile the entire code of an APK file. You can view the source code (assuming it isn't too complex) and its internal structure. This is useful not only to analyze the legitimacy of an APK but also to learn how to develop apps using other apps as a reference.
Modify and recompile
In addition to being used for security analysis and to look for possible bugs or suspicious behavior in an app, Apktool is widely used to develop mods and patches for apps and games. With these, additional features can be added to games, and hidden elements can be unlocked. In the case of a ROM, it is also possible to modify system apps and other apps to improve performance on the device. It also allows you to localize apps to other languages and add them directly in the APK. After modifying the code with the changes you wanted to make, you can recompile the APK, although the signature will be different.
How to use Apktool on Windows
When you download Apktool, you get two files: apktool.bat and apktool.jar. Both should be copied to the C:/Windows folder. After that, you'll have to go to Command Prompt (CMD) and execute the command "apktool" followed by the action you want to perform on a particular file.
Download the Apktool APK and use one of the best tools for modifying and unzipping APK files on Windows.
