A Comprehansive Guide to Optimize APK File Size
App developers often face a large issue. That trouble is the scale of the APK report. A large APK can gradual down downloads. It can take more area on a smartphone. It may lead customers to uninstall the app. So, it is very crucial to reduce the dimensions of the APK. How to Optimize APK File Size will help you learn how to do it grade by grade. We’ll use simple phrases and short sentences to make it easy.
Let’s get started.
Why APK File Size Matters?
First, allow’s speak about why APK size matters. When a person wants to download an app, they check the dimensions. If it’s too big, they may skip it. Many customers have restrained statistics. They don’t need to spend an excessive amount of on downloads. Also, storage area is restricted on cellular phones. If the app is just too huge, users will uninstall it. Google Play Store also ranks lighter apps higher. Smaller APKs load quicker and use less reminiscence. That gives customers a better experience.
So, optimizing the APK file is not just good. It is necessary.
Use Android App Bundles:
The first step to lessen length is to use Android App Bundles. This is a format by way of Google. It replaces the APK format. It breaks the app into components. So, whilst a user downloads your app, they get most effective what they need. For instance, they get the code for his or her tool kind, language, and display size. Not the whole thing. This saves a lot of area. And the exceptional part? Google Play does it for you. You just upload your package, and Google handles the relaxation.
How to Use It:
- In Android Studio, visit Build > Build Bundle(s) / APK(s) > Build Bundle(s)
- Then upload the .Aab document to the Play Console
Simple, right?
Remove Unused Resources:
Your app might also have images, sounds, or files you don’t use. These files upload to the APK length. So, do away with them.
Sometimes we upload check pictures or unused code. Don’t forget to delete those before release.
Tools to Help:
- Lint: Detects unused sources
- Android Studio’s Analyze > Inspect Code: Finds unused files and code
- ProGuard (with R8): Removes unused code and instructions
Always clean your project before the final build.
Compress Image Assets:
Images soak up lots of space. Compressing them is a amazing way to keep area.
There are two ways to do this:
Use Tools:
Use tools like:
- TinyPNG or ImageOptim for PNG and JPG
- WebP Converter to change photos to WebP format
WebP files are a whole lot smaller and still appearance proper.
Use Vector Drawables:
If your photos are icons or shapes, use Vector Drawables. They are small in size and scale properly on all screens.
Avoid the use of huge PNG documents if not wished.
Optimize Code with ProGuard or R8:
ProGuard is a tool that shrinks, optimizes, and obfuscates your code. It removes unused classes, fields, and strategies.
R8 is the more moderen version and is now constructed into Android Studio.
How to Enable R8:
- Add the following to your
gradle.properties:
android.enableR8=true
- Then in
build.gradle, make sure minify is enabled:
buildTypes {
release {
minifyEnabled true
proguardFiles getDefaultProguardFile(‘proguard-android-optimize.txt’), ‘proguard-rules.pro’
}
}
This reduces the APK size and also hides your code.
Use Resource Shrinking:
Even after the usage of ProGuard or R8, some resources may additionally still now not be used. Android gives Resource Shrinking to eliminate the ones.
How to Enable:
- Enable both minifyEnabled and shrinkResources in your build.gradle:
buildTypes {
release {
minifyEnabled true
shrinkResources true
}
}
It will remove unused XML, images, and strings.
But be careful. Test your app after shrinking. Sometimes it removes something you need.
Avoid Redundant Libraries:
Some apps use too many libraries. This can make the APK size very big. Before adding a library, ask:
- Do I really want this?
- Can I write this code myself?
- Is there a lighter opportunity?
Only add what is needed.
Also, some libraries have options to import only parts of them. For example:
implementation ‘com.google.android.material:material:1.8.0’
If possible, import specific modules instead of the whole package.
Use Dynamic Features:
Dynamic Feature Modules can help you separate capabilities into exceptional files. The user downloads them handiest while wished.
This way, your base APK stays small.
Example:
If your app has a talk characteristic, make it a dynamic characteristic. A person who in no way uses chat will no longer download it.
Dynamic capabilities are first-rate for video games, equipment, and apps with many sections.
Enable Split APKs:
Split APKs assist you to divide your app by way of display length, CPU type, or language. This could be very useful.
How to Enable:
In your build.gradle, enable ABI splits:
splits {
abi {
enable true
reset()
include ‘armeabi-v7a’, ‘x86’, ‘arm64-v8a’
universalApk false
}
}
This creates separate APKs for extraordinary devices. You can add them together to the Play Store.
Now, each person only gets what they need. Not the whole thing.
Clean and Rebuild Regularly:
Sometimes, Android Studio maintains vintage documents. These are not used but nevertheless boom size. So, clean your challenge frequently.
How:
- Go to Build > Clean Project
- Then click Rebuild Project
Also, keep away from copying libraries manually. Use Gradle to control everything.
Monitor APK Size Changes:
Always take a look at the scale after each replace. Android Studio suggests the APK size.
You can also use the APK Analyzer tool:
Steps:
- Go to Build > Analyze APK
- Select the APK record
- You’ll see which files are the largest
This tool helps you find what to remove or compress.
Use Baseline Profiles:
Android 12 introduced baseline profiles. These assist your app begin faster. But they also assist in optimizing APK size through making bytecode loading smarter.
It’s extra of a performance tip, but it contributes to typical APK performance.
Use Android Gradle Plugin 7.0+ to add baseline profiles.
Use Efficient File Formats:
Sometimes, APKs include audio or video files. These can be very large. Use formats like:
- MP3 instead of WAV
- MP4 (H.264) for videos
- WebP for images
- SVG for simple graphics
Choose quality, but don’t forget size.
Use Lint and Code Inspector:
Android Lint checks your code for performance and size issues. It can find:
- Unused resources
- Redundant code
- Inefficient layouts
Run it often to keep your app clean.
How:
- In Android Studio, go to Analyze > Inspect Code
Check the results and fix the issues one by one.
Key Benefits:
Reducing APK size is not just about saving space. It has many benefits:
- Faster downloads: Users can installation the app quick.
- Lower statistics use: Saves user records plans.
- Better performance: Less memory and CPU use.
- More installs: Users opt for lightweight apps.
- Higher retention: Less danger of uninstalling due to space.
In short, a small APK = happy users.
Recommended: How to Extract Assets from APK
Final Words
Optimizing APK record size is a should for each Android developer. It makes your app better, quicker, and more consumer-friendly. And it helps your app prevail on the Play Store. Use App Bundles, dispose of unused files, compress snap shots, and decrease code. Keep your app light and clean. Always take a look at after every alternate.
Remember, a small change in size can make a big difference in performance. So, start optimizing today.
