Mod is a word used for any modifications be it in car, computer or in software applications. Here, a Mod APK refers a modified APK file.
In Android, an application is available in a .APK file extension the same way an application on Windows is available in .exe file extension.
Basically, an Android APK file is written in java code which can be converted to smali code and can be altered or modified if one understands the language. That is how several developers are modifying many such APKs to create several Mod APK of let’s say a game or an application.
But why one needs to modify an APK? Let’s find out!
Why a Mod APK is created?
Android has several applications ranging from various categories like VPNs, utilities, tools etc. Different apps provide different features. Some apps restricts features under subscriptions, which means you need to pay to use these features.
But even regardless of the subscription, the code related to a feature always is available on the APK file. One smart developer comes and modifies the code so that the apk will either bypass the subscription check or will allow the paid features to be available regardless of any payments made or not.
Now this new modified app is known as mod apk and it allows a user to use all paid features for free.
Similarly, games have a lot of things to offer a user but as one progress through. Also, there are several things inside the game which are made available to buy with real money.
For the money case, developers do a similar thing explained above.
But in case of power, immortality, etc. developers hack the value to be so high that you get unlimited resources or powers in a game. Let’s in a car game you need to buy cars and accessories with the in-game digital money.
But to earn money, you need to win races, etc. But in case of a mod apk, the initial money in your game is made so high that you can buy any kind of cars from the beginning itself.
This will give you an advantage of playing the game with ease.
So, the initial idea of making a MOD APK is to unlock some extra benefits the app already has but restricted behind some lock. That’s it.
Benefits of a Mod APK
Keeping the negative things aside to answer later, definitely a Mod APK brings loads of good things and not just one.
Do you know what is the meaning of Dopamine effect? It is a happy hormone released when you see, smell or touch a thing that gives you happiness or pleasure. Like, eating all tasty things, watching movies, listening to songs etc. release dopamine.
Similarly, playing games or most importantly winning games also gives people happiness. In addition, getting things for free also a reason for happiness because it saves money as well as give you the things you want for free.
These are the most addictive things that attracts people like you and me to download and use MOD APK of games and apps on Android.
Despite the risks involved, people still download and use modified APKs over and over again because the virtual happiness that it gives.
I said there are some risks of using a mod apk. That’s true!
When a normal APK is made as a Mod APK after modification, is there any problem using it? Let me answer to that question in the next section.
Risks of using a Mod APK!
This is a highly controversial topic.
Before going into the depths of this, let me tell you that the control still lies with you.
Over the period of time Android has evolved for the betterment of its users. Android has given per app basis permissions to allow access to let’s say storage, Network access, camera, call data etc.
If you, as a vigilant user know what permissions are given to such a MOD APK, you know that you are in control. Having said that, let’s begin about some theories and technicals.