Apktool is a utility for decompiling and recompiling Android APKs. It extracts DEX (Dalvik Executable) bytecode into smali — a human-readable representation of the DEX format.
To view .dex and smali files, I use the 920 Text Editor. It’s my personal favourite.
Prerequisite: Root access is required.
Step 1: Download Apktool from:
This is a zip file. Extract it to the root of your default storage — not inside a subdirectory.
For example:
- If your default write disk is phone storage:
/mnt/phonestorage/apktool/ - If it’s SD card:
/mnt/sdcard/apktool/
Step 2: Inside the extracted folder, you’ll find Apktool.apk. Install it.
Step 3: Open the app and allow root permission.
Step 4: Using a root-capable file manager (like ES File Explorer with Root Explorer enabled), navigate to:
/system/framework/framework.apk
Step 5: Copy framework.apk into your Apktool folder.
Step 6: Open Apktool, tap on framework.apk, and select Import as Framework.
Step 7: Drop any APK you want to decompile into your working folder. Tap on it and select Decompile All.
A new folder will be created containing the decompiled APK files — resources, smali code, and the AndroidManifest.xml.
Step 8: Make your changes to the decompiled files. When done, tap on the decompiled folder and select Recompile All.
Step 9: Before installing the modified APK, it must be signed. Tap on the recompiled APK and press Sign APK.
A new file will be created with a _sign.apk suffix. Install that file.
You now have a working APK workstation on your Android device. Doubts? Comment below!