Install Two Different Versions of a Single App on Android Without Replace

You ask tech geeks for their favourite OS for mobile devices and I bet most of the answers will spontaneously spring out as Android OS. Android OS gives you loads of options for customisation, modification and development which you ain’t gonna get in any other mobile OS. So, in this post, I will tell you one such good feature of Android which can help you in many situations.

Today I will tell you how you can install different variants (versions) of the same App on Android device without any root coding. Just follow any of the methods below which suits you better and enjoy the same App with different versions without any overwrite.

How to Install & Use Different Variants of the Same App?

Method 1. Rename the Package Name (No Root)

Step 1.

Download and install APK Editor Pro (Paid) from Google Play Store or Download the APK File. (Google Search to find the latest version).

Step 2.

Download your desired App.

Step 3.

Open the APK Editor Pro and click on ‘Select an APK file’ and locate your downloaded APK file.

APK Editor

Step 4.

Click on the APK file and then click on ‘Common Edit’.

Step 5.

Here modify the package name to something different, Like if:

"com.app.dbtech"

to

"com.app.dbtechxx"

once done click on save button, it will take a while to load and then install the App. Cheers 🙂

Step 6.

Install another app version if not already installed.

Method 2. Using App Cloner Trick (No Root)

This is also a very simple trick to use two versions of the same App without much difficulty.

Step 1.

Download any App cloning apps from Google Play Store like Parallel Space.

Step 2.

Now install your desired App.

Step 3.

Open Parallel Space and clone the installed App.

Step 4.

Uninstall the App once cloned.

Download another version of the same App.

Step 5.

Enjoy both versions of the App, one in the parallel space and another one in App Drawer.

Method 3. Using Computer PC

You need Apktool (guide). And this on signing the APK after you’re done.

You need to modify the AndroidManifest.xml file. Find the line that looks like this:

manifest package="com.example.app"

and change it to something like:

"com.example.app.foo"

After you’re finished, recompile then resign. To restore your data, try the following via ADB:

adb rm /data/data/com.example.app.foo
adb push /data/data/com.example.app /data/data/com.example.app.foo

Note & Conclusion: I hope the post was helpful. Do comment below for any assistance or support if needed. Also, we do not endorse any of the App listed above. The info above is for educational purpose only.