How To Install Apktool In Termux ( V 2.12.0 ) A Complete Step-by-Step Guide [Updated 2025]

How to Install Apktool in Termux: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide [Updated 2025]

If you’re an Android user looking to install Apktool in Termux, you’re in the right place. This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know — from setting up Termux to installing and using Apktool correctly to decompile or recompile Android apps directly from your mobile device.

Whether you’re interested in learning Android app internals, modifying apps for educational purposes, or performing digital forensics, this guide ensures a smooth and error-free installation of Apktool within Termux.

Requirements

Before proceeding with the setup:

• An Android device running v7.0 or higher.
• Basic command-line experience.
• Stable internet connection.
• Download and install F-Droid from the official website (do not download Termux from Google Play due to outdated versions).

What is Termux?

Termux is a powerful terminal emulator and Linux environment app that brings a full Unix shell right to your Android smartphone or tablet. With Termux, you can:

• Run Linux commands,
• Access files locally on your device,
• Install packages via package managers,
• Compile source codes,
• Reverse-engineer Android applications!

It essentially turns your Android phone into a pocket-sized power-user toolkit without needing root access.

Steps to Install Apktool in Termux

Follow these easy steps carefully to get started with installing Apktool inside Termux:

Download and Setup F-Droid (Then Install Termux)

As mentioned earlier, avoid installing Termux from the Google Play Store because Google restricts certain functionalities there, causing older builds to be delivered. Instead:

Go to https://f-droid.org
Search “Termux”
Tap Install

Once installed, open Termux once to prepare its environment.

Update Termux Core Packages

Run the following command to make sure all default software is updated and avoids conflicts during dependencies installations later:

pkg update && pkg upgrade -y

This might take a minute depending upon your device speed and network conditions.

Clone Custom Apktool Installer Script

Due to Java limitations in Termux, direct APK Tool install isn’t possible via standard packaging tools. So we’ll use an easier workaround script made by @h4ck3r0.

Execute the commands below sequentially:

pkg install git wget curl proot -y
git clone https://github.com/h4ck3r0/Apktool-termux.git
cd Apktool-termux/
chmod +x *.sh
./setup.sh
./apktool.sh

💡 Note: These scripts set up the required wrapper logic to make Apktool work seamlessly in Termux using bundled binaries hosted elsewhere automatically.

Validate Successful Installation

Once the process completes successfully, check if Apktool is ready with the version output using:

apktool --version

On success, something like v2.9.x should appear on-screen indicating proper functionality.

If failed, recheck step 3 carefully for typing errors or missing dependencies.

Verify Installation & Basic Usage

Apktool offers excellent usability after initial setup. Here’s a quick start guide to common functions:

💡 Remember:

• Decompiling creates a new folder named after the original .apk file containing assets/resources/code.
• Recompiled files generate signed/un-signed APKs in /dist/.

⚠️ Caution: Unauthorized modification of proprietary third-party apps may breach their license terms and local regulations. Always act ethically and legally.

Advanced Features and Tips

Here’re additional tips to increase productivity while using Apktool in Termux:

➤ Enable Bash Auto-completion for Convenience

Add this line at end of .bashrc file in home dir:

echo 'source <(apktool completion bash)' >> ~/.bashrc

Reload config:

source ~/.bashrc

Now press [TAB] key anytime after starting typing an apktool command!

➤ Backup Decompiled Projects Regularly

You risk losing important edits after frequent reboots/shutdowns unless exported externally using cloud sync or external drives:
Example:

cp -r project_dir ~/storage/downloads/project_backup/

➤ Optimize Performance with Smaller RAM Footprint Apps

Large apps tend to consume excessive resources when processing via Apktool; try smaller projects early on to test compatibility.

Common FAQs – Apktool in Termux

Q1: Can I install Apktool on Windows/Linux/macOS?

Yes. The difference lies in platform-specific packaging mechanisms such as Python environments (pip) or OS-package managers.

However, since this article targets Android, our focus remains solely on Termux environment.

Check Apktool’s official repo for desktop alternatives.

Q2: Why am I getting “command not found” even after install?

Double-check:
✅ Did you execute final script (./apktool.sh) properly?
✅ Was the binary moved into $HOME/bin path? Try viewing content of same directory.
✅ Add bin PATH manually as fallback via terminal entry into ~/.bashrc

Alternative method to link Apktool binary globally in Termux:

ln -sf $(pwd)/apktool $PREFIX/bin/apktool

Q3: Why does decompilation fail?

Often caused by framework dependency mismatch. To fix:

apktool empty-framework-dir --force

Also confirm presence of 1.apk inside /home/.local/share/apktool.framework/.

Try resetting Termux completely if issues persist:

rm -rf ~/.cache/* ~/.config/* ~/.local/share/*

Re-run setup steps again clean-slate style.

Q4: Does Apktool support latest APK formats or app bundles?

Apktool supports most traditional standalone .apks. However, newer applications distributed as App Bundles (aab, split-apks), are incompatible directly with Apktool yet – they require extraction first via bundletool utility or dynamic installer tools outside scope here.

Still viable for analyzing legacy or simple Android releases easily!

Conclusion

Installing Apktool in Termux enables you unleash great reverse-engineering powers straight from your pocket! Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a curious tinkerer, mastering Apktool in mobile Linux is both fun and educational.