# apk.sh

> Bash script that automates repetitive Android app analysis chores around apktool: pulling an installed package from a device or emulator, decoding resources and disassembling dex code, and rebuilding the decoded directory into an APK. Split APKs from app bundles are combined into a single APK when pulled, and the script can also prepare a copy for Frida instrumentation.

- Type: Tool
- Targets: App
- Category: Android tools
- Relationship: Foundation tool
- Sources reviewed: 2026-10-19
- Added to the catalog: 2026-10-31
- Original resource: <https://github.com/ax/apk.sh>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/ax/apk.sh/blob/2a1ed25e861dacfb4fec1aef7b099813abff24ed/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/apk-sh/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/apk-sh/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/apk-sh/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- Latest release at review: v1.1.3, published 2026-01-26, which matches the reviewed main commit. It is a single Bash script; the README lists apktool, apksigner, unxz, zipalign, aapt and adb as requirements.
- On first use the script creates a hidden apk.sh folder in the home directory and downloads the tools it needs there, including the latest apktool release and Android build tools, so a network connection and a Java runtime are needed.
- Input is an APK or an installed package the user is authorized to analyze; pulling requires adb access to the device or emulator. Rebuilt APKs are modified copies, not the original package.
- GPL-3.0.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/ax/apk.sh/blob/2a1ed25e861dacfb4fec1aef7b099813abff24ed/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/ax/apk.sh/blob/2a1ed25e861dacfb4fec1aef7b099813abff24ed/README.md#L121-L130>
3. <https://github.com/ax/apk.sh/blob/2a1ed25e861dacfb4fec1aef7b099813abff24ed/apk.sh>
4. <https://github.com/ax/apk.sh/blob/2a1ed25e861dacfb4fec1aef7b099813abff24ed/LICENSE>
5. <https://github.com/ax/apk.sh/releases/tag/v1.1.3>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.