If you’ve ever gone digging into your Android phone’s storage settings or seen a weird file name in your downloads, you’ve probably run into com.zhiliaoapp.musically. It sounds like some sketchy malware or a leftover file from a decade ago, but it’s actually just the internal "ID card" for TikTok. Specifically, the com.zhiliaoapp.musically APK version 36.5.4 arm64-v8a has become a hot topic lately because it’s the specific build people are using to mod the app or bypass certain regional restrictions.
Why does it have such a bizarre name? Honestly, it’s a bit of a relic. Before TikTok was the global giant it is today, it bought an app called Musical.ly. To keep things simple for the Google Play Store’s database, they kept the old package name. Version 36.5.4 is a mid-late 2024 release that has stuck around in the "sideloading" community because it’s remarkably stable compared to some of the newer, buggier updates.
Why Version 36.5.4 is the "Sweet Spot" for Users
Software updates aren't always better. Sometimes, developers add bloat or change the UI in a way that just feels... wrong. Many users are hunting for the com.zhiliaoapp.musically APK version 36.5.4 arm64-v8a because it sits right in that Goldilocks zone. It’s new enough to support high-quality 1080p uploads and the latest filters, but it’s old enough that it doesn't have some of the more aggressive ad placements seen in the 2025 and 2026 builds.
📖 Related: Why Your ESP32 Already Has Code On It: The Truth About Factory Firmware
There's also the ReVanced factor. If you aren't familiar, ReVanced is a project that lets users "patch" apps to remove ads or add features like background play. The community developers often designate a "recommended version" for patching. For a long time, 36.5.4 was that version. It’s compatible with the most stable patches, meaning if you want a TikTok experience that doesn't feel like a constant commercial, this is usually the file you're looking for.
What does arm64-v8a actually mean for your phone?
You can’t just grab any APK and expect it to work. You've probably seen "armeabi-v7a" and "arm64-v8a" floating around.
Basically, arm64-v8a is the modern standard.
If you bought your phone anytime after 2018, you almost certainly have a 64-bit processor. This architecture allows the app to use more memory and process data faster. If you try to install the 32-bit version (v7a) on a modern phone, it might work, but it’ll be sluggish. If you try to install a 64-bit APK on an ancient 32-bit phone, it won’t even open. It'll just give you a "Parsing Error."
The Technical Bits You Actually Care About
Most people just want to know if this specific version is safe and what it does. In the com.zhiliaoapp.musically APK version 36.5.4 arm64-v8a, TikTok introduced some under-the-hood tweaks to the Lynxview JavaScript interface.
It sounds boring, but it’s how the app renders those interactive web pages inside the app—like when you click a link in a bio or open a "TikTok Shop" page.
- Release Date: This version hit the wild around September 2024.
- Size: It’s a chunky file, usually around 300MB to 400MB depending on the source.
- Compatibility: Android 5.0 and up, though realistically, you want at least Android 11 for it to run smoothly.
- Key Feature: This build improved the "Visual Search" functionality, letting you find products in videos more accurately.
One thing to watch out for is security. There was a documented vulnerability (CVE-2024-45240) in versions before 34.5.5, which allowed for potential account takeovers via deep links. By the time 36.5.4 rolled around, those holes were mostly patched. However, the risk with any APK doesn't come from the version number—it comes from where you download it.
How to Sideload Without Ruining Your Phone
I get it, the Play Store is sometimes a pain, or maybe your phone doesn't have Google Services. Sideloading the com.zhiliaoapp.musically APK version 36.5.4 arm64-v8a is easy, but you have to be smart about it.
Don't just click the first link on a random forum.
Sites like APKMirror or official GitHub repositories for the ReVanced project are generally considered the safest bets. When you download the file, your phone will probably freak out and say "File might be harmful." That's just a standard Android warning for anything not from the official store.
Once you have the file, you'll need to enable "Install from Unknown Sources" in your settings. If you’re on a newer version of Android, you actually grant this permission to the specific app you’re using to open the file—like Chrome or your File Manager.
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
Sometimes the install fails. It sucks, but it's usually an easy fix. The most common reason is that you already have a version of TikTok installed. Android won't let you "downgrade" or install a different signature over an existing app. You have to uninstall the current one first.
Another weird glitch? The "App Not Installed" error. This usually happens if you’re trying to install the arm64-v8a version on a device that doesn't support it, or if the APK file itself got corrupted during the download. Check the file size; if it's only a few megabytes, the download definitely failed.
Is it Worth the Effort?
Honestly, for most people, just using the version from the Play Store is fine. But if you’re a power user who wants to customize the UI, remove those annoying "Suggested" videos, or use the app in a region where it's restricted, then com.zhiliaoapp.musically APK version 36.5.4 arm64-v8a is a classic for a reason. It represents a point where the app was feature-complete but hadn't yet moved into the "AI-everything" era of 2025/2026 that some find overwhelming.
Your Next Steps
- Check your architecture: Download an app like "CPU-Z" or "Device Info HW" from the Play Store to confirm your phone is actually arm64-v8a.
- Verify the Hash: If you’re downloading from a third-party site, check the SHA-256 checksum if they provide it. For version 36.5.4, the official signature should match the "musical.ly Inc." developer certificate.
- Backup your drafts: Before you uninstall your current TikTok to install this specific APK, remember that your drafts are stored locally. If you delete the app, you lose the drafts. Post them as "Private" first if you want to save them.
- Use a Patching Tool: If your goal is an ad-free experience, look into the ReVanced Manager. It will guide you through selecting the 36.5.4 APK and applying the patches automatically, which is way safer than downloading a "pre-modded" APK from a random site.