Androguard — authorized Android APK analysis toolkit
Androguard (androguard/androguard) is a Python Android RE toolkit. Release v4.1.4 (2026-06-05 UTC) was the latest GitHub Release object on 2026-10-24 and matches PyPI androguard 4.1.4. License is Apache-2.0. Analyze only APKs/DEX you are authorized to examine.
Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 |
| Latest checked | v4.1.4 (2026-06-05 UTC; PyPI 4.1.4) |
| Job | Scriptable APK/DEX inspect, disasm/decompile helpers |
| Stars (order of magnitude) | ~6.4k on GitHub (counts change daily) |
| Peers | jadx, Apktool, MobSF |
Allowed framing
- Inventorying your lab APKs in Python pipelines.
- Classroom demos of manifest/DEX structure on owned samples.
- Feeding authorized package facts into larger analysis scripts.
Scope we will not cover
- No malware authoring cookbooks.
- No Play Integrity / DRM / license-check bypass recipes.
- No “auto-crack commercial apps” framing.
Beginner path (authorized only)
- Prefer a disposable lab VM; keep APKs next to case hashes.
- Pin official androguard/androguard Releases or the matching PyPI wheel; do not confuse PyPI 4.1.4 with an unreleased 5.x checkout.
- Start with a tiny APK you built before touching IR samples.
- Pair with jadx when you need a GUI decompiler, and Apktool for resources.
- Record the exact Androguard version beside the APK SHA-256.
- Use Androguard when you want a Python APK/DEX library in authorized labs.
- Prefer jadx for most interactive Java decompilation.
- Refuse malware-writing and store-bypass framing.
For legal, authorized and educational use only.
FAQ
What is Androguard?
Androguard is a Python toolkit for Android reverse engineering — opening APK archives, inspecting manifests and DEX, disassembling or decompiling selected code, and scripting analysis pipelines.
Which version is cited?
v4.1.4 published 2026-06-05 UTC on androguard/androguard Releases (latest GitHub Release object checked 2026-10-24). PyPI's androguard 4.1.4 matches that release; the repository also tracks an Androguard 5.0.0 checkout that is not the same as a bare pip install of 4.1.4 — pin deliberately.
What license applies?
Apache License 2.0 (GitHub SPDX Apache-2.0; checked 2026-10-24).
jadx/Apktool or Androguard?
Prefer jadx for interactive Java decompilation GUIs. Prefer Apktool for resource/smali round-trips. Prefer Androguard when you want a Python library/CLI inside custom authorized pipelines.
Does this teach writing Android malware or cracking apps?
No. Authorized research and education only — BinBench will not supply malware templates, store-license bypass or DRM recipes.