Command-line and GUI tools that decompile Android Dex, APK and related files into readable Java source code.
51.6K+238 this week5.9KJavaApache-2.0Well maintainedUpdated 5 days ago
iBotPeaches/Apktool
A command-line tool for reverse engineering closed Android APK files, decoding resources to near-original form and rebuilding them after changes.
- Stars
- 27,032
- Forks
- 4,227
- Open issues
- 75
- Last commit
- 5 days ago
What is it?
Apktool decodes third-party Android apps into a project-like directory structure, recovering resources and smali code to nearly their original form. After modifications, it can rebuild the directory back into an installable APK. It also supports stepping through smali code during debugging.
The tool automates repetitive tasks such as building and packaging, which makes working with decompiled apps less manual. Typical uses include localizing an app, adding features, or adding support for custom platforms.
The project states that it is not intended for piracy or other illegal uses, and asks users to respect the authors of the apps they modify.
Key features
- 01Decodes APK resources to near-original form
- 02Rebuilds modified project directories into APK files
- 03Supports step-by-step debugging of smali code
- 04Uses a project-like file structure for decoded apps
- 05Automates repetitive tasks such as building APKs
Use cases
- Localizing a closed-source Android app into another language
- Adding or changing features in an existing APK for personal study
- Studying how a third-party app's resources and smali code are organized
- Adding support for custom Android platforms or devices
Quick start
- 1
Download Apktool from the Downloads page
- 2
Read the How to Build guide on apktool.org to build from source
In collections
Topics
FAQ
- What is Apktool?
- A command-line tool for reverse engineering closed Android APK files, decoding resources to near-original form and rebuilding them after changes. Apktool decodes third-party Android apps into a project-like directory structure, recovering resources and smali code to nearly their original form. After modifications, it can rebuild the directory back into an installable APK. It also supports stepping through smali code during debugging.
- Is Apktool free to use? What license does it have?
- Apktool is open source under the Apache-2.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
- Is Apktool still maintained?
- Actively maintained. The last commit to Apktool was on Nov 2, 2026.
- What can I use Apktool for?
- Localizing a closed-source Android app into another language Adding or changing features in an existing APK for personal study Studying how a third-party app's resources and smali code are organized Adding support for custom Android platforms or devices
- How do I install Apktool?
- Download Apktool from the Downloads page Read the How to Build guide on apktool.org to build from source
- Where can I get Apktool?
- The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/iBotPeaches/Apktool
Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.
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