How to Share Apps via Bluetooth

Nowadays, there are countless Android applications available for download on the Play Store. To install these apps, you typically need to use mobile data or connect to a Wi-Fi network.

But what if you're low on data or not connected to Wi-Fi? Don’t worry—there are still alternative methods. One simple way to get an Android app is by asking a friend to share it with you via Bluetooth.

In this article, Carisinyal will show you two easy methods to share apps using Bluetooth. Read on to find out more!

Using the SHAREit App

The first method is by using the SHAREit app, which is a very popular tool for sharing various types of files. Besides apps, SHAREit also allows you to send photos, videos, music, and documents with ease.

Here are the steps to send apps via Bluetooth using SHAREit:

1. Install SHAREit on Both Devices

The first step is to download and install the SHAREit app from the Play Store on both devices—the one sending the app and the one receiving it. You can download the app using the following link.

2. Set Up the Receiving Device

Once SHAREit is successfully installed on both devices, start by preparing the receiving device.

Open the app on the device that will receive the file, then tap the “Receive” option. When prompted to grant permission for nearby device access, tap “Open” and allow the necessary permissions so the app can access files on the device.

A QR code will then appear on the screen—keep this QR code displayed, as it will be needed in the next step.

3. Select the App You Want to Send

Now, switch to the device that will send the app. Open the SHAREit app and tap the “Send” option. Then, choose the app or apps you want to share—you can select one or multiple apps at once.

Once you've made your selection, tap the “Send” button at the bottom of the screen to continue to the next step.

4. Scan QR code

Next, scan the QR code displayed on the receiving device using the sending device. Make sure to grant the necessary permissions on both devices to allow the connection. After that, wait a few moments for the devices to connect and begin the transfer.

The app transfer process is usually quick, depending on the app’s file size. Once the transfer is complete, you can install the app on the receiving device by simply tapping the “Install” button.

Using File Manager App

Another way to share an app is by using a File Manager application. Unlike the previous method, this one requires you to have the APK file of the app you want to send. APK files are typically obtained when downloading apps from sources outside the Play Store.

This method can be done using any File Manager app. However, in this example, we'll use the Files by Google app, which often comes pre-installed on Android devices—so you may not need to download it separately.

If you don’t have it installed, you can download Files by Google for free from the Play Store using this link. Once it’s installed, follow the steps below:

1. Activate Bluetooth on Both Devices

The first step is to make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on both the sending and receiving devices. To do this, swipe down the notification panel and tap the Bluetooth icon until it’s activated. Alternatively, you can go to Settings, select Bluetooth, and toggle it on manually.

2. Select the App You Want to Send

Next, open the Files app and locate the APK file you want to share. Tap and hold the file, then tap the “Share” button.

Choose the option to send via Bluetooth. Your device will begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices. Once the list appears, select the intended receiving device to start the transfer process.

3. Send and Receive APK Files

After selecting the destination device, the receiving device will receive a notification asking to approve the file transfer request. The recipient must approve the request for the transfer to begin. The sending process may take some time, depending on the file size.

Once the APK file is successfully received, the recipient can install the app by opening the received APK file. Typically, APK files are saved in specific folders, such as Bluetooth or Download.

Ensure that the security settings on the receiving device allow installations from unknown sources. You can enable this by going to Settings > Security > Install from Unknown Sources.

These are two easy ways to send apps via Bluetooth. In addition to apps, you can also send other files, such as photos, videos, songs, documents, and more. The best part is that this method doesn’t use mobile data, helping you save on your data quota.