How can I get the apk file of an app downloaded from Google Play?

Question

I want to get the apk file of an app downloaded from Google Play. How can I do this?

Answer 1

Install the app from Play Store and use Astro File Manager to backup apps. From backup directory, you can get APK files of the installed app.

Answer 2

Another option, which works to get the APK of any installed app, is to get it from /data/app/ (or /system/app/) using a file browser or terminal, etc. You'll need root to do that on the device though; it's easier just to use Titanium Backup in that case.

Without root: From your PC you can use adb pull for some locations. Carbon automates this.