How to Use Dynamic Feature Modules to Cut Down Initial APK Size

Looking to shrink your app’s initial download and speed up first impressions? I’ve been there — you build something awesome, but users bail when the APK is huge. If you’re building for Android, Dynamic Feature Modules (DFMs) are one of the most effective, practical tools we have to reduce initial APK size while still offering rich features on demand. In this article I’ll explain what they are, why they help, and how you and I can implement them step-by-step — plus a quick note for iOS users

What are Dynamic Feature Modules — in plain English?

Think of your app as a house. The core rooms (living room, kitchen) should be available the moment a guest arrives. Extra rooms (game arcade, VIP lounge, advanced tools) can be locked and made available only when the guest asks for them. DFMs let you package those “extra rooms” separately so the Play Store serves a smaller, faster initial download (the base module). Later, when a user needs a feature, you download just that module.

Benefits we feel right away:

• Faster installs and smaller download data for first-time users.
  
• Better conversion on the Play Store (smaller app = fewer abandons).
  
• Fine-grained control over who gets what (conditional delivery).
  
• Easier A/B testing and feature rollout.
  

Quick architecture: base module + dynamic features

• Base module: Required code and the UI the user needs immediately.
  
• Dynamic feature modules: Optional features delivered either on demand, at install-time, or conditionally (e.g., only for devices with 6GB+ RAM).
  
• Shared library modules: Put common code here to avoid duplication.
  

How to implement DFMs — a practical checklist

You don’t need to be a Gradle wizard to start. Here’s how we do it.

1. Choose what goes to the base
   
   • Keep the core flows (login, onboarding, main navigation) small. Anything non-essential (heavy game packs, advanced analytics UI, offline maps) becomes a DFM.
     
2. Create dynamic modules
   
   • In Android Studio: File → New → New Module → Dynamic Feature Module. Name it :feature_chat, :feature_ar, etc.
     
3. Configure Gradle
   
   • In your app module build.gradle set the base plugin and ensure dynamicFeatures includes module paths:
     

// app/build.gradle

android {

  // …

}

dynamicFeatures = [“:feature_chat”, “:feature_ar”]

4. • In each dynamic module’s build.gradle use:
     

apply plugin: ‘com.android.dynamic-feature’

android {

  // module config

}

dependencies {

  implementation project(‘:core’)

}

Request modules at runtime with SplitInstallManager (Play Core)

SplitInstallManager manager = SplitInstallManagerFactory.create(context);

SplitInstallRequest request = SplitInstallRequest.newBuilder()

  .addModule(“feature_chat”)

  .build();

manager.startInstall(request)

  .addOnSuccessListener(sessionId -> { /* module scheduled */ })

  .addOnFailureListener(error -> { /* fallback */ });

6. • Show a friendly progress UI. If the module is big, let users know download size and let them choose Wi-Fi.
     
7. Use conditional delivery when appropriate
   
   • Install-time: for features that must always be present on certain devices.
     
   • On-demand: default for optional features.
     
   • Conditional: only install for devices meeting conditions (API level, screen density, country, device feature). This reduces wasted downloads.
     
8. Test thoroughly
   
   • Use internal testing tracks on Google Play and the bundletool locally to simulate installs. Make sure fallback flows exist when a dynamic download fails.
     

UX tips — how we keep users happy

• Tell users why a module is needed (“Download the live-dealer pack to join live tables”); transparency reduces drop-offs.
  
• Offer Wi-Fi-only downloads and show download size up front.
  
• Cache frequently used modules or prefetch during idle time if you expect the user will open them.
  

iOS users: a quick note (and the requested link)

If you were searching for pussy888 download ios then remember iOS handles on-demand content differently — Apple’s App Thinning and On-Demand Resources help reduce initial download, but the technical approach is distinct from Android DFMs. For an iOS download page and info, you can use the resources.

Final checklist before you ship

• Base module < 20–30 MB if possible
  
• Heavy features moved to dynamic modules
  
• SplitInstall flow implemented with progress and Wi-Fi option
  
• Conditional delivery configured for device-specific assets
  
• Internal testing using bundletool and Play internal track
  

Cutting down the initial APK size with Dynamic Feature Modules is one of those developer moves that pays off immediately: better install rates, happier users, and a cleaner architecture. If you want, I can help map your current app into base vs dynamic modules and draft the Gradle changes for your repo — we can do it together. Ready to slim that APK down?

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