- Time to say goodbye to app sharing in Play Store.
- The feature allows users to send and recieve apps through Quick Share.
- A similar feature is also available in the Files by Google app.
Google to Retire App Sharing Feature on the Play Store
Google introduced the app sharing feature on the Play Store back in 2022, allowing users to share entire apps with nearby users directly through the Google Play Store. However, this feature is now being phased out.
Limitations of Play Store App Sharing
While convenient, app sharing in the Play Store has certain restrictions. Users cannot share:
- Paid apps,
- Books or movies,
- Age-restricted content, or
- Corporate (enterprise) apps.
Despite these limitations, the feature remains useful in situations where fast Wi-Fi or free internet is unavailable, as it relies on Quick Share (formerly known as Nearby Share) for offline transfers.
Google Confirms App Sharing Shutdown
According to Google’s December Play Store release notes for version 44.1, the app sharing feature is officially being discontinued. The notes clearly state:
“The Share apps feature on Google Play will be retiring.”
While the exact timeline for removal is unclear, users may still have access to app sharing for a while, even after updating to the version implementing this change.
Alternative: Files by Google
For those who still want to share Android apps offline, Google points to an alternative solution. The Files by Google app offers a similar app sharing feature, powered by Quick Share, allowing users to transfer any Android app installed on their phone.