Transferring applications between Android devices is a task that users face when buying a new smartphone, resetting the settings, or wanting to share a rare APK with a friend. Unlike iOSwhere the transfer of installed apps is limited. App Store, Android offers flexibility, but also requires knowledge of the nuances: from extracting an APK file to synchronizing data via the cloud.

In this article we will analyze all current methods of transferring applications - from standard system functions to advanced methods with using ADB and root access. We will pay special attention to saving progress in games, app settings and bypassing restrictions of some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei with their proprietary shells).

Important: not all methods are universal. For example, transferring paid applications without purchase via Google Play violates the terms of use, and transferring system APKs can lead to unstable operation of the device. We will indicate legal and safe options for each situation.

1. Standard method: export APK through "Settings"

The easiest method is to use Android's built-in feature to extract the APK file of an installed app. It works without additional apps, but is only suitable for transferring the APK itself (without data and settings).

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Applications (on some devices the path may differ: Settings → All applications).
  • 🔍 Find the desired application in the list and tap on it.
  • ⚙️ In the upper right corner, click on the three dots (menu) and select "Export APK" or "Share" (the name depends on the version Android).
  • 📤 Select the transfer method: Bluetooth, Google Drive, Telegram or another messenger.

Method limitations:

  • ❌ Application data (for example, progress in games or logins) is not saved.
  • ❌ Does not work for system applications (for example, Google Chrome or YouTubepre-installed by the manufacturer).
  • ❌ On some devices (for example Samsung s One UI), the option may not be available.
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If there is no "Export APK" option, try long pressing on the application icon in the application menu and select "Application Information" - sometimes the button appears there.

⚠️ Attention: Transferring APK via instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp) may reduce the file size due to compression. For an exact copy, use Google Drive or Yandex.Disk.

2. Transfer via Google Play (for free applications)

If the application is available in Google Play, the most reliable way is synchronization through your account. This method guarantees installation of the latest version and automatic updates, but is not suitable for paid apps (unless they were purchased on the target device).

How it works:

  1. 🔄 Make sure that the same account is used on both devices Google.
  2. 📥 On your old smartphone, open Google Play → Library → Installed.
  3. 🔍 Find the desired application and click "Install" on the new device.
  4. ☁️ If synchronization is enabled, the application may appear in list Settings → Google → Google Services → Autofill → Applications.

Advantages:

  • ✅ Automatic application updates.
  • ✅ No risk of damaging the APK file.
  • ✅ Purchases are saved (if the account is the same).
⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, banking or with DRM protection) may require additional authorization on the new device, even when synchronizing via Google.
📊 Which method of transferring applications do you use more often?
Via Google Play
APK Export
Third-party apps (for example, APK Extractor)
Manual backup via ADB
Other

3. Using third-party applications (APK Extractor, App Backup & Restore)

For users who need to transfer not only APK, but also application data (for example, game saves or settings), specialized utilities are suitable. They allow you to create a full backup and restore it on another device.

Top 3 applications for backup:

Application Functions root access Limitations
APK Extractor Exporting APK and OBB files ❌ No Does not save application data
App Backup & Restore APK + data backup (only for some applications) ⚠️ Partially Does not work with system applications
Titanium Backup Full backup (APK + data + settings) ✅ Yes Requires root, complex interface

Instructions for App Backup & Restore:

Install the application on both devices|Create a backup on your old smartphone (select "Backup")|Transfer the backup file to a new device (via the cloud or cable)|Restore the backup on the new device (select "Restore")-->

Important: even with these tools, not all data can be transferred correctly. For example, some games (for example Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) store saves on the developer’s servers and do not need to be backed up manually.

Why do some applications not back up?

The reasons may be different:

- DRM protection (for example, Netflix or Disney+).

- Limitations manufacturer (on devices Huawei without Google services, some functions may not work).

- Root-dependency (applications like Titanium Backup require superuser rights).

- Cloud saving (many modern games and instant messengers are synchronized via the server, not locally).

4. Transfer via ADB (for advanced users)

If you need to transfer the application with all data and settings, but root access no, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). even those applications that are not exported using standard methods.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. 🖥️ Install ADB drivers on your computer.
  2. 📱 Enable USB debugging on Android: Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times), then Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging.
  3. 🔌 Connect your smartphone to the PC and run in the command line: 
    adb devices

    (your device should appear).

  4. 📋 To get a list of all applications, enter: 
    adb shell pm list packages -f
  5. 📤 For backup specific application (for example, com.whatsapp): 
    adb backup -f whatsapp.ab -apk -obb -shared com.whatsapp
  6. 📥 Transfer the file .ab to a new device and restore: 
    adb restore whatsapp.ab

Limitations:

  • ❌ Not all applications support backup via ADB (for example, Google Play Services).
  • ❌ On some devices (for example, Xiaomi c MIUI), you may need to unlock the bootloader.
  • ❌ Data from some applications (for example, banking) may not be restored due to encryption.
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ADB is the only way transfer an application with data WITHOUT root access, but it requires a computer and does not work with all apps.

5. Transfer with root access: full control

If your device is unlocked root, the possibilities for transferring applications are expanded many times over. You can copy not only the APK, but also:

  • 📁 Folder /data/data/[package_name] (all settings and cache).
  • 🎮 Game saves (for example, from /data/data/com.supercell.clashofclans).
  • 🔑 Licenses and keys (for paid applications).

Instructions for Titanium Backup:

  1. 🛠️ Install Titanium Backup and provide root access.
  2. 📋 Find the desired application in the list and tap on it.
  3. 💾 Select "Backup!" (APK + data backup will be created).
  4. 📤 Transfer the backup file (with extension .tar.gz) to the new one device.
  5. 🔄 Restore the backup via Titanium Backup on a new smartphone.

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Transferring system applications can lead to bootloop (loop download).
  • ⚠️ Some applications (for example, Google Pay) refuse to work on devices with root.
  • ⚠️ On new versions of Android (12+), additional manipulations may be required Magisk to hide root.
⚠️ Attention: Transferring applications with data between devices with different versions of Android (for example, from Android 10 to Android 13) may lead to failures. Before restoring, check the compatibility in the backup description.

6. Alternative methods: cloud services and file managers

If the previous methods are not suitable, you can use cloud services or file managers with a data transfer function. This method is convenient for transferring several applications at once.

Methods:

  • 🌐 Google Drive or Yandex.Disk: upload APK files to the cloud and download to a new device.
  • 📂 File managers (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer): find the APK in the folder /data/app/ (requires root) or use the built-in export.
  • 🔗 Local network: applications like Send Anywhere or LocalSend allow you to transfer files without the Internet.

Example with Send Anywhere:

  1. 📲 Install the application on both devices.
  2. 📤 On your old smartphone, select the APK file and click "Send".
  3. 🔢 Generate a 6-digit code or QR code.
  4. 📥 On your new device, enter the code or scan the QR to receive file.

Pros of the method:

  • ✅ Fast and without a computer.
  • ✅ Suitable for transferring several APKs at the same time.
  • ✅ No restrictions on file size (unlike instant messengers).
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If you transfer the APK via messenger, rename the file by adding the extension .zip (for example, app.zip). This will help avoid blocking some services.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When migrating applications, users often encounter problems that can be prevented. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

Error Cause Solution
"Application not installed" Incompatibility of Android version or processor architecture (ARM/x86). Check APK compatibility on the website APKCombo.
Data loss after transfer The application uses cloud saves or DRM. Check the synchronization settings in the application itself.
ADB does not see the device Drivers are not installed or USB debugging is not enabled. Reinstall the drivers and check the developer settings.
Titanium Backup does not create a backup Incorrect root access or busybox is not installed. Update Magisk and install BusyBox through it.

If the application does not start after transfer, try:

  • 🔄 Restart device.
  • 🗑️ Clear application cache (Settings → Applications → [name] → Memory → Clear cache).
  • 📥 Install an older or newer version of the APK.
❓ You can Is it possible to transfer a paid application to another Android without purchasing?

Technically yes - through APK export or backup with root access. However, this violates Google Play terms of use. The legal way is to use Google Family Library or buy the application on each device.

❓ Why does the transferred application ask for an update immediately after installation?

This happens if the APK version is outdated. Update the application via Google Play or download the current version of APK from a trusted source (for example, APKMirror).

❓ How to transfer saves in games (for example, to Brawl Stars or Clash of Clans)?

Most modern games synchronize progress through your account Google Play Games, Facebook or your own server (for example Supercell ID for games from Supercell). To transfer saves:

  1. Link the game to your account in the game settings.
  2. Install the game on a new device and log into the same account.
  3. Download saving (usually occurs automatically).

If the game does not support cloud saves, try transferring the data folder via ADB or Titanium Backup (root required).

❓ Is it possible to transfer system applications (for example, Camera or Gallery)?

Transferring system applications is possible, but is fraught with problems:

  • Without root: you can export an APK, but installing it on another device is often impossible due to signatures.
  • With root: can be transferred, but there is a risk of unstable operation (for example, Camera may not start due to lack of drivers).

Recommendation: use alternative applications from Google Play (for example, Google Camera instead of the standard camera).

❓ How to transfer applications from Huawei (without Google services) to regular Android?

On devices Huawei without GMS (Google Mobile Services) the transfer is complicated, but possible:

  1. Export APK via AppGallery or file manager.
  2. Use ADB for backup (the command is the same, but you may need to enable debugging in Huawei HiSuite).
  3. For applications from AppGallery check their presence in Google Play —some are in both stores.

Please note: applications that depend on Google Play Services (for example, Google Maps or Gmail) will not work on Huawei without additional manipulations.