How to Open APKG Files on Mobile or Desktop

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: November 2, 2024 Fact Checked

An APKG file is a custom deck of flashcards created in Anki, a free studying app. This wikiHow will teach you how to open APKG files using the Anki app on a computer and on an Android phone or tablet. The iPhone/iPad app, however, is not free, and the web version of Anki cannot open APKG files. If you have an iPhone or iPad, head to your Windows PC or Mac to open the file.

Opening an APKG File

Make sure you have the Anki app downloaded onto your computer, then right-click your APKG file to open it. If you’re on an Android, open AnkiDroid and give it permission to access your storage. Tap ⋮ → Import, then click your APKG file and select ADD.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Computer

Download Article

1
Download and install Anki if you don't have it. If you're on a Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, or iPhone, you can use Anki. To download, go to https://apps.ankiweb.net/ and click Download or search for the app in the App Store (AnkiMobile) or Google Play Store (AnkiDroid).
- Double-click to open the installed file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the application.
Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Press the Windows Key + E to open File Explorer, or click the two-toned smiley face icon on your Mac's Dock, which is usually at the bottom of the screen.

Advertisement
If Anki doesn't automatically open the APKG file, you need to right-click on the file, then select Open With > Anki.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using an Android

Download Article

1
Open AnkiDroid. This app looks like a grey/black rectangle with a blue star on it that you'll find on one of your Home screens, in the app drawer, or by searching.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Tap OK and Allow to give the app permission to access your storage.
It's in the top right corner of your screen.
You'll see this option near the bottom of the menu.^{[3]
X
Research source}
You can tap the three-line menu icon if you want to access a different file location.^{[4]
X
Research source}
The APKG file will be added to your flashcard collections, which may take a while depending on how many files are inside the APKG file.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

The web version of Anki does not load APKG files, but you can still log in and use the flashcards you have saved to your account.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0