The full form of the OBB file is Opaque Binary Blob. It is the most popular file format used by the Android operating system for its app installations and updates. OBB files can contain various types of data, including graphics, media files, and other large program assets. The .obb file extension is used to indicate that this file is a binary blob, and is often associated with Android mobile games. For example, if a game has a large amount of complex data (like high-resolution graphics or audio files), it can be packaged into an .obb file to keep the APK (Android Application Package) size manageable.
The main reason OBB is becoming popular is that the Google Play Store has a size limit for APK files. Once a user downloads an app that utilizes an .obb file, the data is extracted and used as needed by the application. It’s worth noting that these files are often stored in a directory on the device’s internal storage, specifically in the “Android/obb” directory. However, from the perspective of the end-user, the use of .obb files is largely invisible – they simply download and use the apps as they would any other.
How to Install Obb Files?
These are the few steps that you can follow to install Obb Files-
- Step 1– First you have to download the OBB file of the app or game that you want to install. You can download the OBB file from the internet or get it from the developer of the app.
- Step 2– Now install the Obb file. You can do this by navigating to your device’s download folder using a file manager, then tapping on the APK file. You might have to enable the installation of apps from unknown sources in your settings if you haven’t done so already.
- Step 3– Do not open the app after installing it.
- Step 4– Now extract the OBB file. You can do this using a file extraction app. You should extract the OBB file to the specific game or app folder located in the ‘Android/obb’ directory on your device’s storage. The location is typically like this: SDCard/Android/obb/com.developer.appname/. Each app has its unique folder in which the OBB file is stored.
- Step 5– Ensure that after the extraction, the OBB file (which should be a .obb file) is located directly in the app’s unique folder. There shouldn’t be any other folders within that specific folder.
- Step 6– After the OBB file is in place, you can open and run the app.
Is .obb file safe?
The .obb file is safe if it comes from a trustworthy source, such as during an app installation or update from the Google Play Store, where it’s typically used to provide additional resources like graphics or media files for applications. However, OBB files obtained from unknown or unreliable sources could potentially carry risks, as malicious actors might package harmful software within these files. Therefore, it’s crucial to exercise caution when downloading and installing files from the internet, particularly those intended to interact with your device’s software. Moreover, tampering with OBB files or other system files could lead to issues with the corresponding app or your device’s system software, so it’s important to fully understand the implications of your actions.
What is the difference between OBB and APK?
| Feature | OBB | APK |
|---|---|---|
| File extension | .obb | .apk |
| Purpose | Stores large amounts of data that are not part of an app’s APK file | Contains the app’s code, libraries, and resources that are essential for the app to run |
| Size | No size limit | Typically much smaller |
| Location | Typically stored in the Android/obb folder on the device | Typically stored in the Download folder or the Android/app folder |
| Installation | Must be installed separately from the APK file | Can be installed by simply opening the file |
| Updates | Typically updated separately from the APK file | Typically updated together with the APK file |
| Security | Not as secure as APK files | More secure than OBB files |
| Compatibility | Not compatible with all devices | Compatible with most devices |
| Use | Typically used by large games that require a lot of data | Used by all types of apps, including games, productivity apps, and social media apps |
| Future | Gradually being replaced by Android App Bundles (AABs) | Still widely used |
