To share apps on Android with someone nearby, use the official Google Play Store feature that works offline between two devices. Open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile icon, then go to Manage apps & devices > Overview > Share apps, and select Send on the sending phone or Receive on the receiving phone.
How to share apps on Android with the official Google play feature
Google’s built-in app-sharing feature lets you send installed apps from one Android device to another without an internet connection. Both devices must be in the Google Play Store app and follow the pairing process.
Sender steps
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon (top right).
- Select Manage apps & devices.
- Go to the Overview tab.
- Tap Share apps.
- Choose Send.
- Select the apps you want to share.
- Tap Send and choose the receiving device from the list of nearby devices.
Receiver steps
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Select Manage apps & devices.
- Go to the Overview tab.
- Tap Share apps.
- Choose Receive.
- Tap Receive in Google Play when prompted.
Complete the transfer
Both devices will display a pairing code. Compare the codes to confirm the connection. Once the receiver confirms, the sender taps Disconnect after the download finishes. The apps install automatically on the receiving device.
Sharing purchased apps with your family library
Google Play’s Family Library lets you share eligible purchased apps, games, movies, TV shows, and books with up to five family members. Each family member uses their own Google Account and gets their own progress and saves.
Set up family library
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
- Select Account.
- Under Family, tap Family Library.
- Follow the instructions to create or join a family group and invite members.
Once set up, any eligible app or media purchase is automatically shared with the group. Family members can access shared purchases from their own Play Store library. Not all apps or in-app purchases are eligible for Family Library sharing.
Frequently asked questions about sharing apps
Can I share apps on Android by sending an APK file?
The only documented official way to share apps on Android is through the Play Store’s built-in Share apps feature or Family Library. To install APKs from third-party sources, you must enable Unknown sources under Security or Privacy settings.
Can I share apps over Wi-Fi Direct?
Wi-Fi Direct allows a direct connection between devices without an external network, but Google’s official app-sharing documentation does not cover using Wi-Fi Direct to share apps.
How do I share apps via Bluetooth?
The only documented official method is the Play Store’s built-in Share apps feature.
Are there any limitations to sharing apps via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct?
Since these methods are not officially documented, limitations include storage space requirements on the receiving device and app-specific sharing restrictions that may prevent transfers.
Does the Play Store app-sharing feature work on iPhone?
No. Apple supports sharing app purchases through Family Sharing, not direct app transfer. On iPhone or iPad, the family organizer opens Settings > Family > Purchase Sharing > Turn On to share purchases, or Settings > Family > Purchase Sharing > Stop Purchase Sharing to turn it off.
Are there carrier-specific steps for sharing apps?
No carrier-specific steps are documented in Google’s official Play Store help pages. The Share apps feature works the same way regardless of carrier.
How many family members can I share purchases with?
Google Play’s Family Library supports up to five family members in addition to the organizer. Apple’s Family Sharing also supports up to five other family members.
Can I share subscriptions with my family?
On iPhone, eligible Apple and App Store subscriptions can be shared by going to Settings > Family > Subscriptions > Manage Subscriptions and turning Share with Family on.
For the wider topic, see managing and transferring photos.
