Smartphone apps and games are a big part of our lives, so it’s natural to want to spread the word when you find one you particularly like. Android makes it easy to share apps with other Android users.
We can do much better than simply telling someone the name of an application and having them search for it. There are a few different methods you can use to easily send an application or game directly to other Android users.
Send with “Proximity sharing”
“Nearby Share” is an Android feature similar to AirDrop on iPhone, iPad and Mac. You don’t need to exchange contact information or be on the same network as someone to send something. They just need to be physically close.
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The Google Play Store has built-in Sharing functionality to send apps and games to people. This method is good because it sends the actual file through the app store, which means that the recipient can install it quickly without downloading it manually first.
First, open the Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet. Touch the hamburger menu in the upper left corner to open the floating menu.
Then select “My apps and games” from the menu.
You will be taken to the “Updates” tab on the My apps and games page. Switch to the “Share” tab.
Tap the “Submit” button to start the process with Nearby Share.
You may be asked to give the Google Play Store access to your location. Touch “Continue”.
Then, select one of the permission options to continue.
You will then see a list of all the applications and games installed on your device. Select anyone you want to share and touch the upload icon in the upper right corner.
Now, the person receiving it will also need to open the Play Store and access the “Share” tab. However, they will select “Receive”.
After you see their device appear, select it.
A pairing code will appear on your device and theirs. Inform them what the code is and that they can touch “Receive” if it corresponds.
The applications will be sent and they can tap the “Install” button to obtain them. Since you uploaded the file for the actual application, it will be installed quickly.
That’s it! You can now disconnect.
Share a direct link from the Google Play Store
This second method is more low-tech, but it works if the recipient is not physically around.
Again, we started at the Google Play Store. Find the app or game you want to share and tap the three dot menu icon in the upper right corner.
Then select “Share” from the menu.
The native Android sharing menu will open. You can “Copy” the link and paste it into any messaging or social media app you want, or select an app to share it directly.
That is all there is to do. The person you send to can click the link and be taken directly to the app’s page on the Play Store.
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