Is it possible to download an old APK for my app from Google Play?

Question

Over the last few months, I've published several revisions to my app. Unfortunately, I didn't keep copies of all the old APKs, and now I'd like to test upgrade from the old versions to my new version. Is there any way to download Google's copy of my old versions? The Google Play developer console shows my old APKs, but without a download link. I tried "Real APK Leecher", but that doesn't let you choose the APK version you want to download. And I'm not able to even temporarily reactivate the old version in the Developer Console since it complains that it's of an earlier version.

Answer 1

Now it is possible. They added "Manage Releases" tab to Google Play Developer Console. From Artifact Library under the Release Management tab, you can download your app's APK.

You need to have the necessary permissions to see the download button next to your artifacts. If in doubt, try the root account.

Answer 2

THE ANSWER IS OUTDATED. NOW THIS IS POSSIBLE, CHECK @tesla's AND @olleh's ANSWERS.

FOR THE NEW 2020 GOOGLE PLAY CONSOLE, SEE ANSWER FROM @IonicBurger

No, unfortunately.

The Android Developer Console is a real disaster, everywhere you look there is something that needs to be fixed or improved, being this issue you mention one of them. Unfortunately for the time being you're out of luck. Unless Google enables this, you cannot download old APKS's. I suppose you could recompile the old code, but I guess you don't have that either and that's why you are here :-)

Answer 3

Latest Update:

Go to

Developer Console => App releases => Production (Manage Production) => Release history => Select the version that you want => Click on Download button.

Your account should be granted with full permissions, otherwise the download button will be hidden.

Original Answer

Go to

Developer Console => Manage Releases => Artifact Library = > Archived Artifacts

You get the option to download the previous releases.

Update:

Go to

Developer Console => App releases => Artifact library => Check the version code/name you wanna download and click the download button at the right.

** Update: **

Developer Console => App releases => Production (Manage Production) => Download arrow.

Answer 4

And yet again - this question needs a newer answer, with the latest update of the Google Play Console, 2020.

The steps to now follow are, in the console, go to: App bundle explorer

On the top right corner, pick the artifact you want to download, then go to the Downloads tab. Scroll down to Assets, and look for the first entry in the table Original file. Click on the download icon to the right to download your APK or AAB file

Answer 5

It's possible nowadays .

See screenshot below for clear picture.

Google added "Manage" option inside "App Release" of Google Play Developer Console. From Manage tab, you can see Release History and download your app's APK.

VISUAL EXPLANATION:: See 2 step process below.

Step1: Go to Manage Step 2: Goto Release History Section -> Select version-> Download Apk

Answer 6

It's easy:

1- click on App bundle explorer, then select your desired version as shown:

2- Click on blue arrow in front of the version you want to download:

3- Select Download tab then click on download icon of apk:

Answer 7

Screenshot of tesla's correct answer. I had a little trouble finding the download icon:

Answer 8

It is possible to install old APK via link from Google Play Console. This way you install straight from Play Store rather than downloading the APK. This also works with app bundle which allows you to get optimized APK for your device.

1. In Google Play Console go to Development tools > Internal app sharing > Manage Testers
2. Add all testers you want to allow access to install old version of the app
3. If you upload app bundle you can go to Release management > Artifact library > Explore on the version you want.
4. The link shall be listed in Internal app sharing section. Here is the format if you cannot find the link (Be sure to replace to your applicationId and the versionCode for your app) https://play.google.com/apps/test/ applicationId / versionCode
5. When you click the link on you device for the first time play store will say Internal app sharing is not enabled.
6. To enable Internal app sharing open Play Store > Settings
7. Scroll all the way down and keep clicking on Play Store version to enable developer mode
8. Once developer mode is enabled you will see Internal app sharing switch in the settings once enabled you will be able install your app from the link.

FYI: I have seen some version not working if they were not released to production track. I am able to install all my production tracks also any active artifacts listed in Artifact library in Google Play Console. This should be enough if you are trying to test upgrade scenarios.

Answer 9

I'll show you with screenshots, step by step:

1. Go to Production:

2. Go to Releases tab and click on "View release details"

3. In "App bundles" part, click on arrow:

4. Into APK, click on "Explore Apk"

5. In Dowloads tab, click on "download" icon:

That's it.