[4 Ways] How to Transfer Apps from Android to Android

Cannot access certain apps any longer and wonder how to transfer apps from Android to Android? In this guide, we’ll introduce you 4 effective tools and instructions on how to transfer apps.

By @Demi Last Updated October 18, 2024

Are you looking for apps from the Google Play Store to download but find they are not available? In this cases, the only way you may think about is to transfer apps from old Android to new Android and customize your new phone like the previous one.

In this guide, we’ll explore four effective methods on how to transfer apps from Android to Android. You can freely look through them one after another and choose one to meet your demands.

1# How to Transfer Apps from Android to Android with Smart Switch (Samsung Only)

Samsung Smart Switch is an excellent tool designed for Samsung users to transfer apps, data, and settings between Samsung devices seamlessly. This tool supports both wired and wireless transfers, making it a versatile choice for Samsung device owners.

The following shows how to transfer apps from Android to Android Samsung phone.

Step 1. Download, install, and launch Smart Switch on both your old Android phone, and Samsung phone.

Step 2. Connect Devices in Smart Switch • On your old phone, Send data > Galaxy/Android > Wireless. • On New Phone: Receive Data > Galaxy/Android > Wireless.

Step 3. Tap on the Apps option on the older phone and hit the Transfer icon to initiate the app transfer from Android to Android.

Limitations: Works well on Samsung smartphones. Compatibility with non-Samsung devices may differ.

2# How to Transfer Apps from Android to Android with ES File Explorer

ES File Explorer is a powerful file management tool that also supports app transfer. This method allows you to share APK files of your apps from one device to another, making it ideal for those who prefer manual control over their data.

Step 1. Download ES File Explorer on your devices > On the old Android phone, launch the app and tap App.

Step 2. Tap and hold the app you’d like to transfer > Tap Backup at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3. Open your file manager and locate the APK file: /sdcard/backups/apps/ > Long press the APK file > Tap three-dot icon > Share.

Step 4. Finally, choose a preferred option like Bluetooth to transfer APK file from Android to Android.

Note: If you fail to transfer APK files or cannot open the APK files on the target Android, the tool AOMEI FoneBackup introduced in the next part may help you.

3# How to Transfer Apps from Android to Android with AOMEI FoneBackup

The same as ES File Explorer, the powerful data transfer tool AOMEI FoneBackup is also a nice choice when it comes to transferring apps from Android to Android.

What makes it different is that it also supports other files, including photos, documents, and media files transfer among Android devices and iOS devices without an internet connection. It uses Wi-Fi Direct technology, making the transfer process fast and efficient.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI FoneBackup on two Android devices from Google Play Store > Launch AOMEI FoneBackup and switch the Wi-Fi option on. (No need to connect to Wi-Fi)

Step 2. Open AOMEI FoneBackup on your Android device, and tap Connect Device > Connect to Android. Then, tap the name of the other device to connect to your Android phone.

Step 3. On the source Android phone, choose File Transfer > Go to Files to locate and choose the APK files that you’d like to transfer > Click Send to begin.

Step 4. On the target Android phone, tap Confirm to receive them.

When it is finished, you can go to the Files app, locate the APK files to install the wanted apps on the target Android phone.

4# How to Transfer Apps from Android to Android from Google Backup

Google's backup service is one of the most convenient methods for transferring apps from one Android device to another. This method not only transfers your apps but also includes app data, settings, and preferences, making it ideal if you’d like to transfer apps to new phone.

Step 1. On the source Android phone, go to Settings > System > Google.

Step 2. Click Backup > Toggle on the switch next to Back up to Google Drive. Wait for the backup to finish.

Step 3. Start setting up your new Android phone, and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the phone.

Step 4. When you see the option to Copy Your Data, tap on Next to proceed. Now connect both devices to the same WiFi.

Step 5. Choose where your backup is located: your old device or the cloud. You will be asked to choose the backup device to restore.

Step 6. Mark the data you want to restore: messages, contacts, apps, etc. Tap on Restore, and the process will start. That's it.

Summary

That’s all for how to transfer apps from Android to Android. Whether you prefer using Samsung Smart Switch, ES File Explorer, AOMEI FoneBackup, or Google Backup, each method offers unique benefits to suit different needs. By following the detailed steps provided in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful app transfer experience.

Remember to choose the method that best fits your requirements, and always verify the transfer to ensure all your apps and data are correctly moved to your new device.