apktool
Tool for reverse engineering Android apk files
Matches ATT&CK tactic: Resource Development ↗
Toolresource-developmentredLinuxKali LinuxPlatforms: Linux · Last verified September 6, 2026
A tool for reverse engineering 3rd party, closed, binary Android apps. It can decode resources to nearly original form and rebuild them after making some modifications; it makes possible to debug smali code step by step. Also it makes working with an app easier because of project-like file structure and automation of some repetitive tasks like building apk.
Only use this tool against systems you own or are explicitly authorized to test — see the disclaimer.
Getting started
Install on Kali Linux with `sudo apt install apktool`. See the official Kali tool page and upstream homepage linked above for full usage and configuration details.
