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[How To]: Decompile / Compile .APK

Source Found
Brut.all of XDA has released the program APKtool which make the process of editing any APK file much easier, especially XML editing. Before you had to use a few different programs (Smali, hex editor, etc) to do the same thing. A future release is going to have the decompiler dump into an easy to import into Javabeans/Eclipse format.. so nice
Program and Usage link;
APKTool 1.2
Setup;
Before you start, download from the link above both the apktool-1.2.0.tar.bz2 and apktool-install-windows-2.2_r01-1.tar.bz2 and extract them to your windows folder.
Usage;
Decoding APKs;
Code:
apktool d <file.apk> <directory to output to>
Compiling APKs*;
Code:
apktool b <directory of decoded apk>
*The compiled apk will be saved to the sub directory "dist", which is in what ever directory you choose to compile.
Output structure;
Smali directory - The output of classes.dex, the code to the apk
Res directory - Your resources, the images and layout/structure xmls
Lib directory - Shared library files
Dist directory - The apk output of the "apktool b" command, if you didn't run it you won't have it.
Build directory - The compiled output of the "apktool b" command, like what you would see if you just extracted an apk file with 7zip. If you didn't run it you won't have it.
General info;
Once you have your edited apk from the Dist directory you'll need to sign it. I use Dave Da illest 1 of XDA's modified script for signing. Just place your apk, this should be the only apk in this folder, in the same folder that you extracted the auto-signer to and execute sign.bat. The script will output your_app_signed.apk, which is your signed and ready to load on your phone apk.
If you'd like to decompile/compile an apk file that doesn't have a classes.dex, like framework-res.apk, just place any classes.dex into the apk and it will decompile. If you don't do this apktool will through up an error. Just remember to pull the classes.dex out before you sign it.
Videos;
Editing an Apk file with APKTool;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXgYVHTcl6c
Editing a Jar file with APKtool;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAekeWiqHcY
Why?;
Localization / Translation
Themeing
Adding in features or taking them out
Impressing friends and family, lol
etc..
Issues;
I noticed that while the new version 1.2 works great on the framework-res.apk file, it seems to have issues with other System/app files like Settings.apk,Phone.apk, etc. For these files use version 1.1.1.
Hopefully this is helpful, I tend to ramble.
-Ften @ sdx-developers.com

http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=613
Post it here too, mate.

shokkapic said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=613
Post it here too, mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do, not having a good time at the moment as I can't seem to edit launcher.apk with this tool. Not sure why. basically I decompile, edit then compile but having issues when transferring it back to the phone.
EDIT: I just get a black screen when trying the new modified .apk file.

Why to create new threads, if apktool has its official thread here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=640592
andrewb84uk said:
Will do, not having a good time at the moment as I can't seem to edit launcher.apk with this tool. Not sure why. basically I decompile, edit then compile but having issues when transferring it back to the phone.
EDIT: I just get a black screen when trying the new modified .apk file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you get any errors in logcat?

Brut.all said:
Why to create new threads, if apktool has its official thread here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=640592
Do you get any errors in logcat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could not find it anywhere else and I did do searches for hours Brilliant tool!
See Attachment, I think it's this line
Code:
E/PackageManager( 138): Package com.android.launcher signatures do not match the previously installed version; ignoring!
However, not sure how to fix it.

andrewb84uk said:
I could not find it anywhere else and I did do searches for hours Brilliant tool!
See Attachment, I think it's this line
Code:
E/PackageManager( 138): Package com.android.launcher signatures do not match the previously installed version; ignoring!
However, not sure how to fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not an expert. But try to uninstall the previous launcher, before installing that one.

shokkapic said:
Not an expert. But try to uninstall the previous launcher, before installing that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will try it.
EDIT: Nope, uninstalled re-installed, still black screen.

andrewb84uk said:
I could not find it anywhere else and I did do searches for hours Brilliant tool!
See Attachment, I think it's this line
Code:
E/PackageManager( 138): Package com.android.launcher signatures do not match the previously installed version; ignoring!
However, not sure how to fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can't install Launcher just like that, because it's system app. You should do it through update.zip file.
Try to not use apktool, but just unpack Launcher.apk, remove META-INF dir, zip it back, sign and install. If you will get similar problems, then they can't be related to apktool (because you didn't even use it), but to something else.

Brut.all said:
I think you can't install Launcher just like that, because it's system app. You should do it through update.zip file.
Try to not use apktool, but just unpack Launcher.apk, remove META-INF dir, zip it back, sign and install. If you will get similar problems, then they can't be related to apktool (because you didn't even use it), but to something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I unzip it, remove META-INF dir, zip it back, sign + install and it works fine. It doesn't work when I edit 1 file by decompiling and compiling, sign, upload it fails but it also fails using APKManager.
EDIT: I have also tried using notepad++ / notepad to edit the xml both to the same issue.

Err... you know, your problem is for sure related to signing/installation and not to apktool. Key error line is here:
E/PackageManager( 138): Package com.android.launcher signatures do not match the previously installed version; ignoring!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
andrewb84uk said:
If I unzip it, remove META-INF dir, zip it back, sign + install and it works fine. It doesn't work when I edit 1 file by decompiling and compiling, sign, upload it fails but it also fails using APKManager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you explain, how is it possible, that you can properly sign rezipped apk, but you can't reapktoold' one? If you get signing issues, then this is totally irrelevant what apktool does. All files could be random binary strings as well cause they aren't even read.

This thread can be deleted or moved to the bin or where ever it needs to go!

idroid84 said:
Usage;
Decoding APKs;
Code:
apktool d <file.apk> <directory to output to>
Compiling APKs*;
Code:
apktool b <directory of decoded apk>
*The compiled apk will be saved to the sub directory "dist", which is in what ever directory you choose to compile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you soooo much!!! It took me hours of searching to find this post and once I did, I had my apk decompressed in under a minute!!! You da man

If your running windows XP here's a right click reg edit I made for making decompiling/compiling quicker-
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=935967

Hey guys... really trying to theme for the first time with xml files.
I have done modifying of png which are easy, but just lenghty and detailed.
So now that Gingerbread is out, some of the items have been moved to the xml files.
indeterminate was from 4 and now down to 3. but I want to increase to 8 to mimic honeycomb. Also the progress horizontal was once a png reference file now its in the systemui.apk xml too.
Anyhow short version.... anytime i edit more then 1 line at a time after decompiling, when trying to say it will ask to save as text.
Whats the best file editor for xml? or recommendations.

I use notepad++ on windows, you can also import your decompiled apk into eclipse and use that, it'll also report any errors or mistakes you might make.
Hope this helps.

Yeah I have been using that do and any time I compile and flash it just gives me boot loop.
Question about proper importing to eclips.
Whenever I just flat out decompile ... do my modification, go to recompile, it get errors. In apktool and apkmanager.
Should I extract the resource file and class dex out and then decompile. Cus when I have the resource file in the same directory....at least last nights attempt, apktool finale didn't give me an error and compiled.
I've done a decompile just from apk and imported to eclips and when I try to run, gives error.... "no style availiable" or something like that
Sent from my Droid using XDA App

Thank you!!!
Greetings.

fixing a broken abondon market apk
Could someone fix this app VirginmobileMinuitechecker . I think i found the problem . Virgin Mobile updated there site from logon www1 to www2 . I edited it from the open source and zipped it back up but i cannot get this compile program to run at all . here is the zip master . I made several attempts emailing jay goel but he his MIA .. the app will no longer log in because of the VM website recent changes . TIA
EDIT ,, NEVER MIND . i got it working and fixed that app . works like a charm now pretty good being i don't code for a living.. if you don't mind i posted the fixed app . you may move or delete if it is not proper . thank you for the tutorial .

[Q] editing/modifying .apk file

anyone who know how to edit or modifying the framework-res.apk, twframework-res.apk?? please....... give me an idea what should i do & i nid?? i want to modify a rom on to fit my brother style..

download sdk manager and then apk tool from google webiste... after this use ADB to get those framework files on ur computer then simply go in apk tool and decompile them... after that you can make any changes u want in it... after fiddling wid it recompile it usin any tool u r comfortable wid n den push it in ur cell

A lot easier will be to use apk manager.
Visit here http://apkmultitool.com/
Go to download section and download apk manager
Don't download apk multi tool as I think it has some bugs.
Extract... there will be folders describing what they are for.
put you apk in (put_apk_for_modding) folder
*some what like that I don't remember the exact folder name
Run script.bat you will see a cmd window having options to compile decompile...
1st select project using 22 option
Then decompile with option 9
Go to project folder find your project do necessary modification and then compile using option 11
Remember The option numbers may differ so check.
*Before that you must have java jdk 1.6 installed

Nice.... Sharing.... Bro
Sent from my GT-S6102 using xda premium

Millan.SIS said:
A lot easier will be to use apk manager.
Visit here http://apkmultitool.com/
Go to download section and download apk manager
Don't download apk multi tool as I think it has some bugs.
Extract... there will be folders describing what they are for.
put you apk in (put_apk_for_modding) folder
*some what like that I don't remember the exact folder name
Run script.bat you will see a cmd window having options to compile decompile...
1st select project using 22 option
Then decompile with option 9
Go to project folder find your project do necessary modification and then compile using option 11
Remember The option numbers may differ so check.
*Before that you must have java jdk 1.6 installed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whenever I try decompiling stock apps like mms.apk I get a buttload of errors. I've read around and it seems it has something to do with tw apps? Idk lol. What else do I need to setup?
Tapatalked.

Post the errors...

Ah well, thought it was a general thing. I'll try again tomorrow and post the errors.
Tapatalked.

[q][devs]viewing xml in android

guys help,
i still cant view XML files for android
here's the software i got:
Eclipse Classic (latest)
Latest Java Runtime
Android SDK (Latest for GB)
Android Platform Tools
Android Dev't Tools for Eclipse
Notepad ++
APK Multitool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
still cant view them, all i get is [null] and wierd symbols in NP++
sorry if i posted here, but i tried everywhere
google, to xda, to search button, even my dog's house!
cant also view it in hex, pretty wierd

I'm not sure...apk multitool or apk manager should work to decompile xml files.

Latest JRE with apk-tools work on my pc. Forget other tools but as long i remember my 1st time to decompile dont have SDK and eclipse.
SGY FAQ Thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675474

savie said:
Latest JRE with apk-tools work on my pc. Forget other tools but as long i remember my 1st time to decompile dont have SDK and eclipse.
SGY FAQ Thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675474
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reinstalled JRE 2 times already still no luck
some awfully wierd is going on
even if i change the encoding in NP++ it still wont work

[Share Latest Apktool 4.2.2/Guide/Tutorial/] How to Decompile/Compile/Sign Apk/Jar

How to Decompile, Recompile & Sign apk
This Guide/Tutorial for Windows user
Requirement :
1. Android SDK, you can download from here (this including Java)
2. Download Latest Apktool 4.2.2 (Including Sign & baksmali) from here (this Support All apk from GB/ICS/JB 4.1.2/4.2.2)
3. Notepad++ for your tool editing xml/smali you can download from here
If you already download/Installed Android sdk/java & Notepadd++ you just download Latest Apktool 4.2.2
Download Latest Apktool, extract to :
Windows XP : C:\Document and setting\folder your computer name
Windows 7 : C:\user\folder your computer name
copy your apk & framework-res.apk/SemcGenericUxpRes.apk/framework 2 to same folder with apktool
Now you can start Editing apk
Example Editing Walkman
Open Command Prompt (CMD)
to decompile :
Code:
apktool if framework-res.apk
apktool d semcmusic.apk ( can be whatever name you give to your apk )
Some Original system apps need installed framework 2 like on stock ROM (SemcGenericUxpRes.apk)
Example
Code:
apktool if framework-res.apk
apktool if semcgenericuxpres.apk
apktool d semcmusic.apk ( can be whatever name you give to your apk )
You can start editing as you want
to recompile :
Code:
apktool b -f -d semcmusic.apk ( can be whatever name you give to your apk )
If done, you can exit CMD
open original SemcMusic.apk using Winrar or 7zip go to folder semcmusic>dist, open semcmusic.apk using Winrar or 7zip
Drag & drop folder META-INF & Lib in original apk to Modified apk, set compression to store and click ok
to sign :
Move apk modified from folder semcmusic>dist to same folder with apktool
Open Command Prompt (CMD)
Example
Code:
java -jar SignApk.jar testkey.x509.pem testkey.pk8 semcmusic.apk semcmusic_signed.apk ( can be whatever name you give to your apk )
NOTE : Sign apk only for apps 3rd Party but you can use for system>app but not all apps
to zipalign :
Open Command Prompt (CMD)
Example
Code:
zipalign -fv 4 semcmusic_signed.apk semcmusic_signed_zipaligned.apk

How to Decompile/Recompile Jar/Editing classes.dex
Copy Jar file to same folder Apktool
Example
framework.jar
to decompile :
Open framework.jar using Winrar or 7zip and extract classes.dex
Drag & drop classes.dex to Quick-Baksmali (CMD)
if done, you can find folder classes-out
now you can start editing smali file using Notepad++
to recompile :
Drag & drop folder classes-out to Quick-Smali (CMD)
if done, you can find New file "new-classes.dex"
rename file to classes.dex
Open framework.jar using Winrar or 7zip
Drag & drop file classes.dex modified to framework.jar using Winrar or 7zip set compression to normal

Credits :
Thanks to Brut.all for apktool
Thanks to Yorzua for Sign apk tool/file
Thanks to Team Reject for Quick baksmali/smali file
NOTE : If you get error when compiling, don't blame me lolz it's your mistake when editing apk

Great Guide Rizal. I am sure many were asking for it.

great tut but can you add some screens/screenshots

auni said:
Great Guide Rizal. I am sure many were asking for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, yeah some user confusing editing apk, so i share latest apktool with easy guide
Mtakween said:
great tut but can you add some screens/screenshots
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Later i will add screenshot for this tutorial

thx nice guide
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app

No doubt.. Its a great guide for some one like me.... Will sit today night and going to learn.... Thanks a lot..
From My Xperia S With XTX7 ROM

now bookmark it!! thanks dude!! :good:

thanks
Thanks for the credits, buddy
nice share there

Great guide Rizal. Decent English too. Lol. Proud to be Sundanese..
In my opinion, there are other more simplified tools that utilized apktool better (I use apkmultitools and vts (virtuous ten studios)) but people needs to know the basic right..
And I think, you need to put the java\bin directory in Path in windows system variables (or Java_home in win8). And it's better (I think) to put sdk directory (adb, fastboot), apktool and the smali jars files in the Path too, so that users can access from any folders/directory.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2

WahyuAndri said:
now bookmark it!! thanks dude!! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:thumbup:
Yorzua said:
Thanks for the credits, buddy
nice share there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your support my friend
m1st3r1 said:
Great guide Rizal. Decent English too. Lol. Proud to be Sundanese..
In my opinion, there are other more simplified tools that utilized apktool better (I use apkmultitools and vts (virtuous ten studios)) but people needs to know the basic right..
And I think, you need to put the java\bin directory in Path in windows system variables (or Java_home in win8). And it's better (I think) to put sdk directory (adb, fastboot), apktool and the smali jars files in the Path too, so that users can access from any folders/directory.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I know, but some user will confusing lolz, this apktool is latest version so will work for apk 4.2.2, old version doesn't work
:thumbup:
Sent from my Xperia V using Tapatalk 2

I've seen other guides say that resources.arsc should be copied from the old apk and stored in the new one.... is that necessary?

thanks =)

THANKS:good::laugh:

Why So Serious? said:
I've seen other guides say that resources.arsc should be copied from the old apk and stored in the new one.... is that necessary?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anybody shed any light on this?

Hey rizal, following your decmpile/recompile method, the apk wont install, signature problem.

zhuhang said:
Hey rizal, following your decmpile/recompile method, the apk wont install, signature problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some problems when signing the apk. The workaround for this: use some tools (ticklemyandroid does good jobs) to completely signing the apk (I've done this when modifying systemui.apk), you can also learn from it (learn some of its codes). Or just move files that u've modified from the modified (recompiled) apk to original apk (7zip is your friend)
Why So Serious? said:
I've seen other guides say that resources.arsc should be copied from the old apk and stored in the new one.... is that necessary?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it's necessary. But keep in my mind my post above. So it's like u keep the old resource but put the modified (and compiled) files to the original.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2

m1st3r1 said:
There are some problems when signing the apk. The workaround for this: use some tools (ticklemyandroid does good jobs) to completely signing the apk (I've done this when modifying systemui.apk), you can also learn from it (learn some of its codes). Or just move files that u've modified from the modified (recompiled) apk to original apk (7zip is your friend)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just moving with normal compression?

zhuhang said:
Just moving with normal compression?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Just move it to one 7zip window to another one...
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2

framework files for recompiling apks

Hi.
I downloaded apktool, added it to my windows path and installed java runtime
I unpacked an apk using 7zip amd modified the contents. I am stick in recompiling the modified contents to an apk, as I don't know how to setup the framework files, or even where to get them from. I want this apk to install under los15.1 with android 8.1
Thanks!

Don't decompile using 7zip
onlyLyon said:
Hi.
I downloaded apktool, added it to my windows path and installed java runtime
I unpacked an apk using 7zip amd modified the contents. I am stick in recompiling the modified contents to an apk, as I don't know how to setup the framework files, or even where to get them from. I want this apk to install under los15.1 with android 8.1
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Extracting apk using any zip extractor wont give you full access to apk content to edit it so use apktool for decompiling too
follow the steps
0. download latest java se
https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
1. download apktool (search on xda or google for latest version) or from below link
https://ibotpeaches.github.io/Apktool/
2. follow the install instructions given in below link
https://ibotpeaches.github.io/Apktool/install/
3. now paste your apk file to apktool folder
4. open cmd there as admin
5. to install framework
apktool if appname.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6. to decompile apk
apktool d appname.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
7. to recompile
apktool b appname
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FOR MORE HELP YOU CAN BROWSE THIS LINK
https://ibotpeaches.github.io/Apktool/documentation/