If your Android device is short on space, or you want to work around country restrictions, then you can simply download and install APK files directly from Google Play to your computer and install it on your device later. Effectively, you can store an APK collection on your hard drive or cloud storage, then dip into it when you want to grab an app. Here's how to download APKs to your PC.

There are a couple of ways you can download a Google Play APK to your PC. You can use a Chrome extension or a website that will generate a specific download link for you - we've covered both methods for you below. You can even download paid APKs if you have already purchased them on the Play Store, but take a look at the excerpt from Google Play's Terms & Conditions at the very bottom of this tutorial to see their take on the subject.

Download APK file using a browser extension

If you're likely to download lots of APKs, then getting yourself an extension for Chrome or Firefox is probably a good idea. For this tutorial, we're going to be using CodeKiem's APK Downloader extension version 2, which supports both Chrome and Firefox browsers.

• Once you've added the extension to your desktop browser, you need to enter your email address, which will be stored in the Chrome extension associated with your Google Play account, and also your device ID for later requests.

• To get your device ID, download an app called Device ID, which will bring up your Android ID when you open it. You should also use one of the e-mail addresses listed in Device ID – along with its associated password – to log into APK Downloader.

• Once you've done this, go to the Play Store and find an app you want to download to your PC. You'll notice that next to the 'Install' or 'Buy' button, there is now a 'Download APK' option. Click it to download the app you want.

Install APK file on your Android device

• Enable 'Unknown sources' in your phone's security settings (Settings > Security > Unknown sources) to transfer APKs from your PC.
• Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable. The necessary drivers should install automatically and your phone should show up like a USB storage device.

• Next, copy the APK you downloaded to your PC onto your phone (this is called 'sideloading'). I'd recommend an obvious location like the Downloads folder.
• Go to the Downloads folder on your phone using its File Manager app, then tap the APK you just transferred over. It will request your permissions then install itself to your device.
• For your peace of mind and security, disable 'Unknown Sources' when you’re done.

Download APK file from Google Play using a website

If you're a more casual APK downloader then a Chrome extension is probably not really necessary. Instead, you can just visit a dedicated site for generating APK download links whenever you need to.

• Go to the Play Store and find the app you want to download.
• Copy the app's URL address from the browser's address bar.
• Next, go to a site like Evozi's APK Downloader (Evozi also has a Chrome/Firefox extension) and paste the app package name (or the whole Google Play URL if you're lazy) in the box at the top of the page.

• Hit the blue button to generate the download link and save it to your computer.
• Sideload the APK to your phone/tablet and install it as above.

Google's Terms & Conditions

You should note that using these methods to access apps in the Google Play Store may technically be against the Play Store's terms of service (we're not entirely sure), so use this process at your own risk.

“3.3 You agree not to access (or attempt to access) Google Play by any means other than through the interface that is provided by Google, unless you have been specifically allowed to do so in a separate agreement with Google. You specifically agree not to access (or attempt to access) Google Play through any automated means (including use of scripts, crawlers, or similar technologies) and shall ensure that you comply with the instructions set out in any robots.txt file present on the Google Play website.” - Google Play Terms of Service

Do you like to download APKs to your PC for safe-keeping? Let us know in the comments.

Updated by Robert Zak on July 16, 2015

'I prefer to download some apps for my Android phone on my computer when I come across some nice apps recommended during my website viewing. But when I'm finished with my work and want to try those apps, I don't know how to install them to my Android phone. It would be a shame to discard them all. Thanks! '

You really don't need to discard those apps downloaded on your computer, and there is an easy way for you to install them all to your Android phone with only one click.

All you need is an powerful Android app installer: Wondershare MobileGo . When you're a Mac user, please try Wondershare MobileGo for Android Pro (Mac).

Note: In the following guide, I'll show you how to install/export/uninstall APK files on your Android phone or tablet with the help of this powerful Android app installer for windows - Wondershare MobileGo. For Mac users, you can also take the similar steps when using Wondershare MobileGo for Android Pro (Mac).

Click here to play the video tutorial about how to install/export/uninstall apps with this Android app installer.

Run this app installer for Android on your computer. Then, connect your Android phone or tablet to the computer with a USB cable, or through Wi-Fi. Just choose the way you like. And then go to 'Apps' tab, where you can install apps from PC, uninstall apps from your Android phone, even export apps to your computer.

Install your apps from PC to Android

Here you can know how to install app on Android via PC. In the primary window, all your installed apps are listed in the 'Apps' panel. Click 'Install' to import all APK files you downloaded or shared by your friends either to the SD Card or Phone Storage. Then all the files will be installed to your Android phone one by one. When it finishes, you'll find all apps are properly installed on your phone.

Export your apps from Android to PC

Not only installing apps from your computer to Android phone, you can also use this Android app installer to export your apps on your phone to the computer. It's very easy. Select the apps that you want to export, and then hit on 'Export' and choose a place to store them. OK. They have been exported to your computer now and you can share them with your friends easily.

Uninstall your apps on Android

If you want to manage your apps and only leave your favorite ones, you can clear all the unwanted apps with one click. Select the ones that you want to remove, and hit on 'Uninstall' . Then all the selected apps will be completely removed from your phone. You can choose to uninstall them one by one, or uninstall them all at one time.

What's more, this best software for installing Android application on laptop computers can do more, such as download Android apps via computer, back up and transfer your Contacts, SMS, music, movies and photos between your phone and the computer. It's really a great assistant for your Android phone/tablet. Just download it now and make it easy to manage your Android content!