How to convert an AAB to an APK
Updated
To convert an .aab to an .apk, use Google's bundletool: run java -jar bundletool.jar build-apks --bundle=app.aab --output=app.apks --mode=universal with your signing key, rename app.apks to .zip, and extract universal.apk. That single APK installs on any Android device and can be shared by link.
Why you need to convert
Google Play wants an Android App Bundle (.aab), but an AAB can't be installed directly — Play generates device-specific APKs from it. To send a build to a tester outside Play, you need an APK. (AAB vs APK explained.)
1. Get bundletool
Download the latest bundletool-all.jar from the google/bundletool releases page on GitHub. You need Java installed. On macOS it's also available as brew install bundletool.
2. Build a universal APK
java -jar bundletool-all.jar build-apks --bundle=app-release.aab --output=app.apks --mode=universal --ks=release.keystore --ks-key-alias=upload --ks-pass=pass:YOUR_PASSWORD
- --mode=universal puts every language, density and ABI into one APK that installs anywhere.
- The --ks options sign the APK with your key. Without them, bundletool signs with the Android debug keystore if it finds one — fine for testing, but the app can't then be updated over a Play-installed copy.
3. Extract the APK
The .apks file is a ZIP archive. Rename it to app.zip (or run unzip app.apks -d out) and take universal.apk from inside.
4. Share or install it
Upload universal.apk at ipalinked.com and send the link — testers install it directly (they may need to allow unknown apps once). To install straight to a connected device instead, run java -jar bundletool-all.jar install-apks --apks=app.apks. Check the result with the APK analyzer.
Skip the conversion next time
In Android Studio, Build → Build Bundle(s) / APK(s) → Build APK(s), or ./gradlew assembleRelease, produces an APK directly alongside your AAB.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install an AAB file directly?
No. Android can't install .aab files; convert to an APK with bundletool or build an APK from your project.
What is a universal APK?
A single APK containing every ABI, language and screen density from the bundle, so it installs on any compatible device.
Do I need my keystore to convert?
Not to test: bundletool can sign with the debug keystore. Use your release key if testers will later update to a store build.