APktool MCP Server

A powerful **Model Context Protocol (MCP) server** that exposes [Apktool](https://ibotpeaches.github.io/Apktool/) functionality for Android APK

Local serverstdioPython

What is the APktool MCP MCP server?

Connect APktool MCP to Claude, Cursor or any other MCP client and it stops being a tab you switch to. A powerful Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that exposes Apktool functionality for Android APK analysis and reverse engineering. Integrates seamlessly with Gemini CLI to provide. The apktool mcp mcp server is what makes that connection.

Available tools

The toolset is worth reading before you wire it up, because it tells you what the integration is really for:

  • decode_apk — Decompile APK files to extract all components
  • build_apk — Recompile APK from modified source directory
  • install_framework — Install system frameworks for system app analysis
  • analyze_manifest — Parse AndroidManifest.xml for permissions and components
  • extract_strings — Extract string resources with locale support
  • list_permissions — Enumerate all requested permissions
  • find_smali_references — Search for patterns in decompiled smali code
  • get_apk_info — Get basic APK metadata and information
  • Prerequisites — The Prerequisites tool exposed by this server

Credentials and setup notes

Configuration is passed through the environment: APKTOOL_WORK_DIR. Treat anything key-shaped as a real credential — scope it to the minimum the server needs, and rotate it if it ever lands in a shared config.

1. Java JDK 8+ (Required by Apktool) ```bash

Installation

The server ships on PyPI as pytest, so your MCP client can launch it on demand — there is no separate build step. Add the server block to your client's configuration, restart it, and the tools register themselves.

Where it fits

Plenty of developer tooling servers cover similar ground. The differences that matter in practice are scope of access and how much setup stands between you and a working tool call. APktool MCP's toolset — decode_apk, build_apk, install_framework and 6 more — is a fair guide to whether it matches your workflow. It is maintained by SecFathy; worth a glance at recent repository activity before you build anything load-bearing on it.

We check each listing at SyncDev against the project's documentation before it goes live — if something here drifts out of date, it is a bug worth reporting.

Worth knowing first

  • It runs with your machine's permissions. That is convenient and also the reason to think about what you point it at before you approve a tool call.
  • With 9 tools registered it takes up a noticeable share of the context window; turn it off in projects that never touch APktool MCP.
  • Keep per-call confirmation enabled while you learn its behaviour; it is the cheapest safeguard you have.

Available tools

ToolWhat it does
decode_apkDecompile APK files to extract all components
build_apkRecompile APK from modified source directory
install_frameworkInstall system frameworks for system app analysis
analyze_manifestParse AndroidManifest.xml for permissions and components
extract_stringsExtract string resources with locale support
list_permissionsEnumerate all requested permissions
find_smali_referencesSearch for patterns in decompiled smali code
get_apk_infoGet basic APK metadata and information
PrerequisitesThe Prerequisites tool exposed by this server.

How to install the APktool MCP MCP server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "apktool": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["pytest"],
      "env": {
        "APKTOOL_WORK_DIR": "your-value"
      }
    }
  }
}

Add to claude_desktop_config.json, then restart Claude Desktop.

Configuration

1. Java JDK 8+ (Required by Apktool) ```bash

VariableDescriptionRequired
APKTOOL_WORK_DIRFilesystem location the server is allowed to use.Optional

Example prompts to try

  • Use APktool MCP to decode apk.
  • Use APktool MCP to build apk.
  • Use APktool MCP to install framework.

Frequently asked questions

It connects APktool MCP to MCP-compatible AI assistants such as Claude and Cursor, exposing 9 tools (decode_apk, build_apk, install_framework, and more) that the assistant can call on your behalf. Instead of copying data back and forth by hand, the assistant works with APktool MCP directly.