Today, I am going to tell you about a problem that probably every person has faced at some point, but when we search for a solution on Google, we either find a lot of confusion or old and useless methods.
I faced this problem ( many times ) when I got a new phone and thought of transferring apps from my old phone. By the way, backing up photos, contacts, or WhatsApp chats is a common thing, but when it comes to apps, especially those apps that are not on the Play Store or whose data is also needed, then it becomes a bit of a problem.
If you also want to transfer apps from your old phone to your new phone, whether they are both Android or different brands (like, Samsung to Vivo, vivo to realme, or Realme to Infinix), then believe me, I am here to explain everything to you in simple and straightforward language, just like a friend would explain it to you. And yes, there are no shortcuts or detours – just the methods that I have used myself and which really work.
Table of Contents
- 🔄 First of all, understand this – what does app transfer mean?
- 🧩 Method 1: Phone manufacturer's own tools (Samsung Smart Switch, Xiaomi Clone, etc.)
- 🧩 Method 2: Sending APK directly from SHAREit, Xender, or EasyShare
- 🧩 Method 3: Titanium Backup (only for rooted phones)
- 🧩 Method 4: Restore via Google Account (for Play Store apps only)
- 🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- ✅ Last thing – which method is the best?
🔄 First of all, understand this – what does app transfer mean?
Here, many people mix up two things:
-
Installing an app and transferring an app.
Installing an app means that you get a new phone and reinstall the same app from the Google Play Store. But if you want the original APK file of the app, its data, login information, and settings to come to the new phone exactly as it is, then it is called an app transfer.
This transfer can be of two types:
- App only: That is, only the app is installed, but the data does not come along
- App + data: The app comes and its data as it was on the old phone
Let me tell you what are the easy ways to transfer apps.
🧩 Method 1: Phone manufacturer's own tools (Samsung Smart Switch, Xiaomi Clone, etc.)
The easiest and most reliable method is to use the official app of your phone brand that is designed to transfer data. Nowadays, every major company has an app that makes it easy to transfer apps, photos, contacts, messages, and settings to another phone.
For example:
- Samsung: Smart Switch
- Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco: Mi Mover
- Vivo, iQoo: EasyShare
- Realme, Oppo: Clone Phone
- Infinix, Tecno: Phone Cloner
You just have to install this app on both phones, then you can send apps via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Remember:
These apps transfer regular apps, but it is not necessary to transfer data for every app, especially games or banking apps.
🧩 Method 2: Sending APK directly from SHAREit, Xender, or EasyShare
If you want a simple way to send the APK file of the app from one phone to another, then this method is perfect for you. I have sent apps to friends many times using SHAREit or EasyShare.
The method is as follows:
- Open SHAREit or Xender on the old phone
- Select the app you want to send
- Open the same app on the new phone and click "Receive."
- The APK file will be sent
- Open the file on the new phone and install it
But remember one thing:
If you also want the app data (like game progress), then just the APK will not get it. For that, you will have to try the next method.
🧩 Method 3: Titanium Backup (only for rooted phones)
This method is only for those whose phones are rooted. If you want the data along with the app to be transferred exactly as it was on the old phone, then this method is the best.
- Install Titanium Backup on your old phone
- Select the app you want to back up
- Click on the “Backup App + Data” option
- Send the backup file to your new phone
- Install Titanium Backup on your new phone as well, and click “Restore.”
This method is very powerful, but only for those who use a rooted phone.
🧩 Method 4: Restore via Google Account (for Play Store apps only)
If you have activated your phone’s Google account, Google itself gives you an option when you get a new phone:
“Restore data from old device”
If you select this option, Google automatically installs the Play Store apps from your previous phone. But only the app data, settings, or logins are not automatically installed. For this, you have to log in separately or turn on backup within the app.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I also move the entire app data to another phone?
Yes, but only if the phone is rooted. A normal phone only installs the app, not its data. You have to use apps like Titanium Backup for games, settings, or login data.
Will it work if I send a modded APK to another phone?
Yes, it can. The new phone must have the "Unknown Sources" or "Install Unknown Apps" option turned on; otherwise, the app won't install.
How is game progress transferred?
Some games sync with Google Play Games, and the data arrives as soon as you log in. But for games whose data is in the phone's memory, the data doesn't arrive in the usual ways.
Can you send apps via Bluetooth?
You can, but it's very slow and there's a risk of file corruption. That's why people use apps like SHAREit or EasyShare.
Read more: Install an APK File on Android
Read more: APK File on Android
✅ Last thing – which method is the best?
if I may say so, each method is good in its own right; it just depends on your needs.
- If you only want to transfer common apps, SHAREit or Xender are the best.
- If you want a complete backup, Titanium Backup is the best, provided your phone is rooted.
- And if you only want to reinstall Play Store apps, Google Restore is enough.
Just remember one thing: always use safe apps, and don't download APKs from unknown websites. If you use sensitive apps (like WhatsApp or banking apps), only use official backup tools.
