Downloading the Honor of Kings APK is the quickest way to get Tencent's hit 5v5 MOBA running on Android — but only if you grab the file from an official source. This guide walks you through checking your device, finding a safe download, installing the package, and logging in for your first match, with no guesswork and no shady third-party sites.
An APK is simply the Android install file for an app. Most players should install Honor of Kings straight from the Google Play Store, which handles everything automatically. The official APK download exists mainly for regions or devices where Google Play isn't available. Either way, the steps below keep your phone (and your account) safe.
What you'll need
- An Android phone or tablet running Android 8.0 (Oreo) or newer.
- At least 4 GB of free storage — the game downloads extra resources after install.
- A stable Wi-Fi connection for the initial download.
- A supported login (for the global release, a Level Infinite ID or linked social account).
How to download the Honor of Kings APK
-
Step 1: Check your Android device and settings
Before downloading anything, open Settings and confirm your device meets the basics: enough free storage, a recent Android version, and a Wi-Fi connection. If you plan to install the official APK directly (rather than through Google Play), you'll also need to allow your browser to install unknown apps — but only enable this for the official download, then turn it back off afterward.
Confirm storage, Android version, and Wi-Fi before you begin. -
Step 2: Choose an official download source
You have two trustworthy options. The Google Play Store is the recommended route: it installs automatically, keeps the game updated, and is verified by Play Protect — no "unknown apps" permission required. If Google Play isn't available in your region, use the official Honor of Kings website from publisher Level Infinite to download the genuine APK. Avoid random APK mirror sites, which can bundle malware or get your account banned.
Use Google Play when you can, or the official site when you can't. -
Step 3: Download the APK from the official site
If you're going the APK route, open the official Honor of Kings site in your browser, select the Android platform, and tap Download APK. The file (something like HonorOfKings.apk) will save to your Downloads folder. Let the download finish completely before moving on, and double-check that the address bar shows the genuine official domain.
Tap "Download APK" on the official page and wait for it to complete. -
Step 4: Open the file and install the game
Open your Downloads and tap the Honor of Kings .apk file. If your phone asks for permission, allow your browser or file manager to install this once. On the confirmation screen, tap Install and give it a moment. When it's done, tap Open to launch the game for the first time. (If you used Google Play instead, this happens automatically when you tap Install.)
Tap Install on the confirmation dialog, then Open when it finishes. -
Step 5: Launch, download resources and log in
The APK is only part of the game. On first launch, Honor of Kings downloads an additional resource pack that can be several gigabytes, so stay on Wi-Fi and keep the app open. Once that finishes, log in with a supported account, choose your server or region, and complete the quick tutorial. After that, you're ready to queue for your first 5v5 match.
Let the in-game resources download, then log in and start playing.
Tips for a safe install
- Prefer Google Play. It's the simplest and safest path, and it keeps the game patched automatically. Only sideload an APK when Play genuinely isn't an option.
- Verify the source. Download APKs only from the official Honor of Kings website. If a site promises "free skins," "unlimited tokens," or a "modded APK," close it — those files are unsafe.
- Re-disable unknown sources. After installing a direct APK, turn the "install unknown apps" permission back off for extra security.
- Keep room for updates. The game grows over time, so leave a few extra gigabytes free for resource updates.
Troubleshooting
The APK won't install ("app not installed")
This usually means there isn't enough free storage, the download was interrupted, or an older copy is conflicting. Free up space, delete any previous install, re-download the full file from the official source, and try again.
Android blocks the install
You haven't granted permission to install from your browser. Go to Settings, find "Install unknown apps," and allow it for the browser you downloaded with, then reopen the .apk.
The game is stuck downloading resources
Switch to a stronger Wi-Fi network, make sure the app stays in the foreground, and confirm you still have enough free storage for the resource pack to unpack.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Honor of Kings APK free to download?
Yes. Honor of Kings is free to play. The APK itself costs nothing, and the game is funded through optional in-app purchases for cosmetics and heroes.
Is it safe to download the Honor of Kings APK?
It's safe when you use an official source — Google Play or the official Honor of Kings website. Third-party APK sites can hide malware or trigger account bans, so avoid them entirely.
Do I still need to enable unknown sources?
Only if you install the APK directly from the website. If you download through the Google Play Store, no extra permission is required.
Why does the game download more after I install the APK?
The APK installs the base app, then the game pulls a larger resource pack on first launch. This keeps the initial download small, so plan for a few extra gigabytes on Wi-Fi.
Can I play Honor of Kings on iPhone too?
Yes, but iOS doesn't use APK files. On an iPhone or iPad you download Honor of Kings from the App Store instead.
Final thoughts
Getting Honor of Kings onto your Android device is straightforward once you stick to official channels: check your phone, pick Google Play or the official APK, install it, and let the in-game resources finish downloading before you log in. Take the safe route and you'll be on the Rift battling in 5v5 matches in no time. For the latest builds and regional availability, always start from the official Honor of Kings website.
