How To Get Source Code (JAVA & XML) From An Android APK File

Tutorials & Methods
1

The Android APK files are compressed files which consist of Java files, Xml file and some other necessary files. So first we need to extract them. The source code will be extracted in two files separately Java & Xml. The procedure for this shown below. This procedure is not so very easy. It is a tricky process, you will need some tools to perform this process. Follow the steps below after successfully installing that tools. You will also need an .apk file which you want to edit or extract.

Steps To Extract Source Code (JAVA & XML) From An Android APK File
Pre -Requisites
First of all you need to download the following things as stated under:
Dex2Jar (For JAVA Code)
Java Decompiler (For JAVA Code)
APK TOOL
APK Install

Steps to Extract Source Code (Java)
Extract all the pre - requistics files.
Download your apk file and paste it on your desktop.
Rename your application (.apk to .zip) i.e. (ex: 1hackus.apk to 1hackus.zip)
Now extract the 1hack.zip file.
Extracting 1hack.zip file
Extracting 1hack
Open the 1hack folder, there you will find the classes.dex file.
Classes.dex file
Copy the classes.dex file and paste it in Dex2jar folder.
Classes.dex file
Now open the command prompt (Run → Cmd → Enter). There locate the cmd to your folder (ex: cd C:\Users\Shoeb Ahmad Fareed\Desktop\dex2jar-0.0.9.15)
Enter a command “dex2jar classes.dex” → Enter
Automatically classes_dex2jar.jar file will be created.
Classes.jar file
Now to go to Jd-Gui folder (Dex Compiler) → Open jd-gui.exe
Go to File → Open File and Locate the classes_dex2jar.jar file from Dex2jar folder
All the source will be displayed. Go to File → Save all sources
By this you will get the source code of your application
Jar to source code (DexCompiler)
Steps To Extract XML Files
Create a XML folder on desktop. In that folder paste Apk tool, Apk install and android apk (techiesnet.apk) in that folder. (See the screenshot below)
Extracting XML files
Now open command prompt → Locate your XML folder using the command “cd C:\Users\Shoeb Ahmad Fareed\Desktop\XML” → Enter
There write the command “apktool d Techiesnet.apk” → Enter
(Note: Replace Techiesnet with your application name)
Once all the process is completed. A folder with your application name will be created containing All the XML files.
cmd
As now you have got both android source code (java) and (XML). Combine them, and you can easily import the folder in your Android Development Tools using your Android_Manifest.xml file.
We think, you enjoyed the topic.

15 Likes
2

thanks @TheSpecialOne
APK studio tries to combine the tools into a single setup which I think is a fast way to accomplish this

2 Likes