in recent updates Google Play Store (version 44.1), this feature is called “Share application” has been quietly deleted. Launched in early 2021, the feature allows users to seamlessly share installed apps with friends and family via Share nearbya feature powered by Google’s Quick Share technology.
9to5Google first reported the change, citing the updated official changelog. Previously, users could access Shared Applications through the Manage Applications and Devices page. This section allows sending and receiving apps without requiring an internet connection or consuming mobile data – a valuable feature for those in areas with limited internet connections.
although Google There has been no official comment on the reason behind the removal, and some speculation could be related to security concerns. P2P (peer-to-peer) sharing can be used to spread malware or pirated applications.
Sharing apps through Nearby Sharing provides a convenient and data-saving alternative to traditional methods like app links or email attachments.
Available alternative solutions:
Although the “Share Apps” feature is gone, users still have some options for sharing apps on Android devices:
- Documents provided by Google: This pre-installed application allows users to share the application by finding it in the Applications category and using the share menu.
- Third-party file sharing applications: Some third-party applications offer P2P file sharing capabilities, but the security of these options remains an issue.
