How to Install Two Versions of the Same App on Android

Have you ever wished you could use two different versions of the same app on your Android device? Maybe you love a particular feature in an older version, but you also want to enjoy the latest updates. Unfortunately, Android doesn’t allow you to install two versions of the same app on Android with the same package name. But don’t worry—there’s a workaround!

In this Mangidik guide, I’ll show you an easy way how to install two versions of the same app on your Android device. We’ll go step by step, so even if you’re not super tech-savvy, you can follow along. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have both an old and a new version of your favorite app running smoothly on your phone. Let’s dive in!

How to Install Two Versions of the Same App on Android

1. Install the Latest Version from the Play Store

The first thing you need to do is install the same app with a different version from the Google Play Store. Since this version is officially supported, it will receive updates and security patches. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.

2. Search for the app you want to install.

3. Tap Install and wait for the process to complete.

Once the installation is finished, do not uninstall it! We need it to remain on your device while we add the older version.

2. Download an Older Version of the App

To install two different versions of the same app, we need to find and download its APK file. You won’t find old versions on the Play Store, so you’ll need to use third-party sites like Uptodown or APKMirror. Follow these steps:

1. Open your phone’s web browser and go to Uptodown.com or another trusted APK download site.

2. Search for the app you want to install.

3. Scroll through the available versions and select the one you want.

4. Download the APK file to your device.

If you’re unsure how to do this, check out our previous article on how to install 2 of the same apps on Android for more details!

3. Modify the Package Name Using APK Editor Pro

Now comes the tricky part. Since Android won’t let you install two versions of the same app on Android, we need to modify the package name of the older version before installing it. For this, we’ll use an app called APK Editor Pro.

Follow these steps to change the package name:

1. Download and install APK Editor Pro.

2. Open the app and tap Select APK from File.

3. Choose the old APK file you downloaded earlier.

4. Tap Full Edit (RESOURCE RE-BUILD).

5. Find and change the package name to something different from the original (e.g., add a number or letter to the end of the name).

6. Save and rebuild the APK file.

This process tricks your phone into thinking it’s a completely different app, allowing you to install 2 different versions of the same app without any issues.

4. Install the Modified Older Version

Now that we’ve changed the package name, we can install the same app on Android alongside the newer version.

1. Open your File Manager and navigate to the location where the modified APK file is saved.

2. Tap on the APK file and select Install.

3. If prompted, enable Install from Unknown Sources in your settings.

4. Wait for the installation to complete.

That’s it! You should now have two different versions of the same app installed on your device. The new version from the Play Store will remain as is, while the old version (with a modified package name) will function as a separate app.

Video Tutorial

If you prefer a visual guide, check out this video tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough:

Conclusion

Knowing how to have 2 versions of the same app on your Android phone might seem complicated at first, but with the right tools, it’s actually pretty straightforward. By following these steps, you can enjoy both the latest features and the benefits of an older version without having to sacrifice one for the other.

This trick is especially useful if you rely on a specific feature that was removed in newer updates or if you want to test different versions side by side. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!

Have any questions? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help. Happy app experimenting!