If you and your friend are both iPhone users, then you can send apps to each other through AirDrop. Most Apple users are aware of the AirDrop feature and how it works. But the fact that you can share apps from one iPhone to another using AirDrop seems to be a hidden knowledge.
You do not need to worry about your personal and saved app data when sending apps through AirDrop. You will be sharing only the app and not your details saved on the app. It is a simple process similar to how AirDrop usually works.
Pre-Requisites
In order to send apps from iPhone to iPhone via AirDrop, there are certain things that must be done beforehand. Ensure you follow the instructions given below on both the iPhones involved.
- First, go to the Control Center and check if you have turned on Bluetooth and WiFi on both iPhones.
- Click on the AirDrop option and change the AirDrop settings to Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
- Keep both devices within 9 meters or 30 feet from each other in order to AirDrop without any interruptions.
- Ensure both iPhones are running on iOS version 7 or above.
How to Send/Transfer Apps from iPhone to iPhone Using AirDrop
When you share apps through AirDrop, the receiver will have to download the app on their phone as we usually do. AirDroping apps can help you save time searching for the right app and avoid downloading the wrong one. Before proceeding with the process, ensure that the AirDrop feature is enabled on your device.
1. On the sender’s iPhone, locate the app you wish to AirDrop and long press on it to bring up more options.
2. Select the Share App option from the options displayed on the screen.
3. Tap on the AirDrop menu and select the receiver’s iPhone from the available devices shown.
4. Now, press Accept on the receiver’s iPhone when the AirDrop request notification pops up.
Once you have accepted the request, the receiver’s iPhone will be directed to the shared app page on the App Store.
How to Send/Transfer Apps from iPhone to iPhone Using AirDrop With Proximity Sharing
With the latest iOS update, iOS 17 to be specific, you can simply AirDrop apps from one iPhone to another iPhone by touching the top of the iPhones together. Follow the steps given below to AirDrop between iPhones.
1. On both iPhones, go to the Settings app and tap on the General option.
2. Click on the AirDrop option and turn on the Bring Devices Together option.
3. After that, press and hold on to the app you wish to AirDrop and choose Share App from the options shown.
4. Click on the AirDrop option and bring the devices closer to each other.
5. The app will automatically AirDrop from one device to the other without you having to choose the AirDrop destination.
How to Send/Transfer Apps from iPhone to iPhone Using iCloud
Instead of using AirDrop, you can also share the apps from an old iPhone to a new iPhone by using the iCloud method. In order to do this, you should have enough storage space on your iCloud.
1. On your old iPhone, go to Settings and click on your Profile or Apple ID.
2. Tap on the iCloud option and choose iCloud Backup.
3. Turn on the Back Up This iPhone option and select the Back Up Now button.
4. Once the backup is done, turn on your new iPhone or reset the iPhone if you have already completed the setup process.
5. Connect the new iPhone to your WiFi, and on the Apps & Data page, select Restore from iCloud Backup.
6. Enter the same Apple ID and password you used on your old iPhone to log in to your Apple account.
7. The apps and data you backed up on the other iPhone will automatically start downloading on your new iPhone.
FAQ
Yes. You can transfer apps instead of sending them using AirDrop. Using iTunes and iCloud backup, you can transfer apps from an old iPhone to a new iPhone signed in through the same Apple ID.
Once you have connected both iPhones to the same Apple ID, navigate to the App Store on the new iPhone and click the Profile Picture. Tap Purchased and select Not on this Device. Here, you can see the apps that are not downloaded on your new iPhone. Hit the Download icon to get the app on your new iPhone.