Apktool
Apktool is a free reverse engineering tool used to decode and rebuild Android APK resources and smali code for mobile app security reviewers.
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- Category
- Mobile Security
- Pricing
- Free
- Platforms
- LinuxWindowsmacOS
- License
- Open source
- Reviewed
- Last reviewed 6 October 2026
What it is
A command line utility that unpacks Android packages into readable resources, smali, and a clean project layout, then builds them back into a working package.
What it helps with
- Decoding AndroidManifest.xml, resources.arsc, and XML resources to near original form
- Rebuilding a modified package and stepping through smali during debugging
- Working across many apps with a repeatable project structure
Who it's for
Mobile reviewers and reverse engineers inspecting Android apps they own or are authorized to assess.
Worth knowing
It needs Java 8 or later to run. For recovering readable Java rather than smali, people pair it with a decompiler such as jadx.
How do people install it?
Through Homebrew, or as a jar launched with a small wrapper script.
Who maintains it?
Connor Tumbleson leads it, with contributions from the community.
Is it meant for pirating apps?
No. It is intended for uses like localization, customization, and security review.
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