How to Share Apps via Bluetooth on Android: A Detailed Guide

Sharing applications between Android devices can often feel like a cumbersome process. While Google Play Store is the primary source for downloading apps, there are times when you might want to directly share an app with a friend or family member, especially when internet access is limited or unavailable. Although Android doesn’t natively support direct app sharing via Bluetooth, this article will walk you through various effective methods using third-party applications, accompanied by detailed steps and instructions. We’ll explore why native Bluetooth sharing isn’t straightforward, and then delve into how you can achieve this with practical workarounds.

Why Android Doesn’t Support Direct App Sharing via Bluetooth

Before we jump into the solutions, it’s important to understand why Android doesn’t offer native app sharing through Bluetooth. Here are the key reasons:

• Security Concerns: Allowing direct app sharing via Bluetooth would open up significant security vulnerabilities. Malicious apps could be easily spread, bypassing the security checks of the Google Play Store.
• APK Management: Applications on Android are primarily managed through the Google Play Store. Directly sharing APK files (Android Application Packages) can lead to issues with updates, licensing, and compatibility.
• Complexity: Directly sharing APKs and handling installations, version conflicts and permissions would be complex for a general user and potentially create a lot of support requests.
• Google’s Ecosystem: Google prefers users to obtain apps through the Google Play Store for app updates, security checks and overall platform control.

While these limitations are valid, they don’t negate the need for an alternative in specific situations. The following methods utilize trusted third-party applications to enable Bluetooth app sharing.

Method 1: Using APK Share Bluetooth App Sender

One of the most straightforward methods to share apps over Bluetooth is by using a third-party application. APK Share Bluetooth App Sender is one such reliable app available on the Google Play Store that simplifies the process. This method converts the app into an APK file which is then sent over Bluetooth.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Download and Install APK Share Bluetooth App Sender

First, you need to install the APK Share Bluetooth App Sender app on both the sender and receiver devices. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. In the search bar, type “APK Share Bluetooth App Sender” and search.
3. Locate the app (look for an icon that is typically a blue square with an arrow pointing to the right) from the search results.
4. Tap “Install” and wait for the app to download and install on your device.
5. Repeat these steps on the receiving Android device.

2. Preparing to Share the App on the Sender Device

1. Open the APK Share Bluetooth App Sender app on the sending device.
2. You’ll see a list of all the apps installed on your phone.
3. Scroll through the list and select the app you wish to share.
4. Once you’ve selected the desired app, tap the “Share” button. This button may be represented by a share icon (typically three dots connected by two lines) or simply say ‘Share’ .
5. You’ll be given options for sharing. Choose the “Bluetooth” option.

3. Setting up Bluetooth on Both Devices

1. Enable Bluetooth on both the sender and receiver devices.
2. On both devices, open the Bluetooth settings via Settings > Bluetooth or a similar pathway on your phone. Make sure Bluetooth is on for both devices.
3. Ensure that both devices are discoverable. This usually happens automatically, but you may have to turn on discoverability in your device’s Bluetooth settings menu.

4. Connecting via Bluetooth

1. On the sender device, select the receiving device from the list of available Bluetooth devices. The name of your device will appear. For example ‘Samsung Galaxy S22’
2. The receiving device will receive a connection request from the sender.
3. Accept the request on the receiving device.
4. The devices will now be paired.

5. Transferring the App

1. Once connected via Bluetooth, the APK file of the app will start transferring from the sender to the receiver.
2. You’ll see a progress bar or a confirmation notification on the sending device, while the receiving device may show a notification of the incoming file.
3. The transfer time will vary based on the size of the app and the Bluetooth version used by your devices. Larger app will take more time.

6. Installing the App on the Receiving Device

1. Once the transfer is complete, a notification will appear on the receiving device.
2. Tap the notification, which will typically take you to your download folder or a prompt to install the app.
3. You may be prompted to grant permission to install apps from unknown sources. In most cases, it prompts automatically, but you may have to manually go to Settings > Apps & Notification > Special Access > Install Unknown apps.
4. Once done, proceed with the installation of the APK file.
5. The app should now be installed on the receiving device, ready to be used.

Important Notes When Using APK Share Bluetooth App Sender

• Compatibility: Ensure the app is compatible with the receiving device. Older apps may not work on newer Android versions, and vice versa.
• Permissions: APK installation may require enabling the “install from unknown sources” setting.
• Transfer Speed: Bluetooth transfer speeds can be slow for larger apps. Have patience.
• Version: Check app version, it may not be latest. You may get the message that there is an update in Google Play store if an updated version exists.

Method 2: Using SHAREit App

SHAREit is a popular file-sharing app that allows you to send various types of files, including apps, via Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth. While Wi-Fi Direct is faster, SHAREit also offers a Bluetooth fallback option. Here’s how to use SHAREit for app sharing over Bluetooth:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Download and Install SHAREit

1. Navigate to the Google Play Store on both the sending and receiving Android devices.
2. Search for “SHAREit” and install it on both devices.

2. Preparing to Share the App on the Sender Device

1. Open SHAREit on the sender device.
2. Grant the necessary permissions that SHAREit requests when you start the app for first time, such as storage permission and location access.
3. Tap the “Send” button. It is usually at the bottom of the app or in a readily visible location.
4. Select the “Apps” option.
5. Choose the app you want to share from the list of installed apps.
6. Tap “Send” again to proceed.

3. Setting up on Receiving Device

1. Open SHAREit on the receiver device.
2. Grant necessary permissions if this is the first run.
3. Tap the “Receive” button. This will make your device discoverable.

4. Connecting via Bluetooth (if WiFi is not Available)

If WiFi is unavailable or WiFi direct fails, SHAREit can use bluetooth as a fallback. To use Bluetooth:

1. On the sender device (the one sending app), SHAREit app will start looking for nearby receiving devices automatically and it will show on the screen.
2. If the receiving device does not show up, click on the ‘connect to device’ option, which may be displayed as a Radar icon, or an option such as Connect to Friend or similar.
3. Select the Bluetooth option, if prompted, or if the device can’t be found via other methods
4. Both devices will now start searching for bluetooth devices and it will display the receiver device. Select the receiver device’s name on the sender device.
5. Once paired, the transfer should start.

5. Transferring the App

1. After the devices are connected, the app will be sent from the sender to receiver device. The transfer progress will be shown on both devices.
2. The transfer time will depend on the app size and the speed of Bluetooth connection.

6. Installing the App on the Receiving Device

1. Once the transfer is complete, SHAREit on the receiving device will prompt you to install the app.
2. Tap “Install” and follow the on-screen instructions. You may be asked for permission to install from unknown sources if this setting is not yet enabled.
3. The app will be installed, and you can now use it on the receiving device.

Important Notes When Using SHAREit

• Wi-Fi Direct Preferred: SHAREit primarily uses Wi-Fi Direct for faster transfers. Bluetooth is a secondary method. Use Wi-Fi if available.
• Permissions: SHAREit may require various permissions, including storage and location.
• App Size: Bluetooth transfers can be slow. For large apps, it will take more time.
• Ads: SHAREit is ad-supported, so be prepared for ads while using the app.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the methods described above are usually reliable, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

• Bluetooth Pairing Issues: Make sure both devices are discoverable and within Bluetooth range (usually around 10 meters). Clear Bluetooth cache in settings, restart Bluetooth on both devices or try rebooting your devices.
• Transfer Failed: The connection could have been lost or the Bluetooth signal is unstable. Ensure that the devices remain within range, that the devices are not set to energy saving modes, and try sending the app again.
• Installation Failed: Verify that the “Install from Unknown Sources” setting is enabled. Also check to see if the app is compatible with the receiver device. Older apps may not install on newer versions of Android, or vice versa. Check available space on your devices to make sure the receiving device has enough space to install the app.
• App Not Showing in the List: If the app you want to share is not showing in the app list in either the APK Share or SHAREit app, try reinstalling the app that you want to share.

Conclusion

While Android doesn’t offer direct app sharing through Bluetooth, these workarounds using third-party apps like APK Share Bluetooth App Sender and SHAREit provide practical and effective solutions. Remember to be cautious about the source of the apps you share and receive to minimize security risks. Always keep in mind that using Bluetooth to share apps may be slower than using other methods like WiFi Direct, so use accordingly. These methods can be extremely valuable when you need to share apps offline or when you lack access to a fast internet connection. You now have several effective ways to share your favorite apps. Choose the method that suits your needs and enjoy the seamless experience of sharing apps on the go!

By following the detailed instructions in this guide, you should be able to effortlessly share your apps between Android devices using Bluetooth, even when Google’s native methods aren’t available.