Transferring applications between Android devices is a task that every user faces when buying a new smartphone or resetting an old one. Unlike iOS, where the synchronization process is as automated as possible via iCloud, there are more options on Android, but no less nuances. Some want to save only the APK files themselves, some care about settings and progress in games, and others need to transfer application data without loss.

In this article we will look all current methods of copying applications from standard Google functions to manually extracting APKs using ADB. Attention is also paid to specific cases: transferring to devices without Google Play, saving application data and bypassing manufacturer restrictions (for example, on smartphones Huawei or Xiaomi with MIUI). We will separately consider the risks and pitfalls of each method.

If you plan to transfer applications regularly (for example, for testing on different devices), it makes sense to master advanced tools like ADB or Termux. For one-time copying, cloud services or built-in Android functions are suitable. The main thing is to decide in advance what exactly needs to be transferred: only the applications themselves, their data, or both.

📊 Why are you copying applications to another Android?
Moving to a new smartphone
Testing on several devices
Backup copy
Recovery after reset
Other

1. Standard transfer via Google Account

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in synchronization function from Google. It works on all devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS)including smartphones Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus and most other brands. The main advantage of the method is automation: the system itself determines the list of installed applications and offers to restore them on the new device.

To use this method:

  1. On your old smartphone, check that synchronization is enabled: Settings → Google → Backup. Make sure that there is an "Applications" item in the list.
  2. On the new device, when you turn it on for the first time, select the option "Copy data from old phone" and log in with the same Google account.
  3. In the list of suggested data, select "Applications" and wait completing the process.

⚠️ Limitations of the method:

  • 🔄 Not all applications support recovery via Google. For example, some banking apps or games with DRM protection may not appear in the list.
  • 📱 Application settings (for example, logins, progress in games) are not always transferred - it depends on the developer's implementation.
  • 🚫 On devices without GMS (for example, Huawei after 2019) this method does not work.
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If the new smartphone has already been initialized, reset it to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset) and repeat the process. This is the only way to activate the data transfer wizard.

2. Manually exporting APK files

If you only need to copy the applications themselves (without data), you can extract them in the format APK and transfer them to another device. This method is universal and works even on smartphones without access to Google Play. To extract an APK, you will need a file manager with root access or a specialized application.

The best tools for exporting APKs:

  • 📌 APK Extractor (does not require root) - simple interface, supports batch saving.
  • 🛠️ Root Explorer (requires root) - allows you to extract APKs of even system applications.
  • 🔧 Termux + apktool (for advanced) - console method with maximum control.

Instructions for APK Extractor:

  1. Install the application from Google Play (or download APK from APKMirror).
  2. Run it and check the boxes of the applications you want to copy.
  3. Click "Export" - APK files will be saved in the folder /sdcard/ExtractedApks/.
  4. Transfer the files to a new smartphone (for example, via Bluetooth, USB cable or the cloud) and install them manually.

☑️ Preparation to manual APK transfer

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Important nuance: Installing APK manually does not guarantee the functionality of the application. Some apps (for example, Netflix or Google Pay) check the installer's signature and may refuse to work. Also, this method does not transfer application data - only the APKs themselves.

3. ADB Transfer (for advanced users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that allows you to manage your device through the command line. With it, you can not only copy the APK, but also extract application data (if it is not protected). The method requires skills in working with the console, but gives maximum control over the process.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB and Fastboot (you can download from the website Android Developers).
  • 📱 USB cable for connecting a smartphone (preferably original).
  • 🔧 Enabled USB debugging on the phone: Settings → About phone → Number builds (press 7 times), then Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging.

Commands for copying applications: 

# Connecting a device

adb devices



List of all installed packages


adb shell pm list packages -f



Copying the APK of a specific application (example for Chrome)


adb pull /data/app/com.android.chrome-1/base.apk



Copying application data (requires root)


adb pull /data/data/com.android.chrome

⚠️ Warning: Extracting application data (/data/data/) without root access is impossible on most modern devices due to Android security policies. Even with root, some applications (for example, banking) encrypt their data, and. transferring them may be useless.

How to transfer application data without root?

On some firmware (for example, LineageOS) you can use the command adb backup, but this method is outdated and works not on all devices. An alternative is backup via Titanium Backup (requires root) or cloud services if the application supports synchronization.

4. Cloud services for synchronization

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use cloud services. They not only copy applications, but also save their data (if the developer has integrated support for the service). Popular options:

Service Supported data Limitations Cost
Google Drive List of applications, some settings Not all applications are supported Free (15 GB)
Samsung Smart Switch Applications + data (on Samsung devices) Works only between Samsung gadgets Free
Xiaomi Mi Mover Applications + data (on Xiaomi devices) Requires physical connection via cable Free
Helium (Carbon) APK + data (requires root or PC) Not updated since 2019 year Free/Paid version

For example, Samsung Smart Switch allows you to transfer applications along with their data over a wireless network or via a USB cable. To do this:

  1. Install Smart Switch on both devices (available in Galaxy Store).
  2. On the old smartphone, select "Send data", on the new one - "Receive data".
  3. Confirm the transfer and wait for completion (may take up to 30 minutes depending on volume).

⚠️ Important: When using Xiaomi Mi Mover or similar tools from other manufacturers, make sure that both devices have the latest firmware versions installed. Otherwise, compatibility errors may occur.

5. Cloning applications on devices without Google. Play

On smartphones without Google services (for example, Huawei s AppGallery or Amazon Fire) standard transfer methods do not work. In this case, this will help:

  • 🔄 Huawei Phone Clone is the official solution for transferring data between Huawei devices (including applications from AppGallery).
  • 📦 APK managers (for example, APKPure or Aptoide) - allow you to download APKs directly and install them manually.
  • 🖥️ HiSuite — Software from Huawei for managing a smartphone from a PC (supports application backup).

For Huawei Phone Clone:

  1. Install the application on both devices (available in AppGallery).
  2. On the old smartphone, select “This is an old device”, on the new one, “This is a new device.”
  3. Scan the QR code and select the data to transfer (including "Applications").

On Huawei devices with EMUI 10+, applications from AppGallery are transferred along with the data if they support cloud synchronization via Huawei ID. This is one of the few solutions that works without Google Play Services.

6. Transferring game data and progress

If it is important for you to save progress in games (for example, in Genshin Impact, Clash of Clans or PUBG Mobile), standard methods of copying applications will not help. Most modern games store data on the developer’s servers, and to transfer them you need:

  • 🎮 Link the game to your account Google Play Games, Facebook or your own game profile (for example, MiHoYo Account for Genshin Impact).
  • 🔄 Restore progress on a new device through this account.
  • 📱 For offline games (for example Minecraft) you can manually copy the save folder (usually located in /sdcard/games/ or /data/data/).

Example for Clash of Clans:

  1. On your old device, open the game and go to your account settings.
  2. Link profile to Google Play Games or Supercell ID.
  3. On a new smartphone, install the game, log in using the same account and confirm data recovery.

⚠️ Attention: Some games (for example, Pokémon GO) block the account if unauthorized data transfer is suspected. Always use official synchronization methods!

7. Alternative methods: Titanium Backup and TWRP

Advanced tools are available for users with root access or custom firmware:

  • 🛡️ Titanium Backup - allows you to create full backup copies of applications along with data and settings. Works only on rooted devices.
  • 🔧 TWRP Recovery —custom recovery that can create partition images /data (including all applications).
  • 📱 Swift Backup —a modern alternative to Titanium Backup with support for Android 10+.

Instructions for Titanium Backup:

  1. Install the application and provide root access.
  2. Select "Backup/Restore" and check the desired applications.
  3. Click "Save" - the backups will appear in the folder /sdcard/TitaniumBackup/.
  4. Move the folder to the new device, install Titanium Backup and restore the data.

⚠️ Warning: Using TWRP or other custom recovery can lead to loss of warranty and “brick” of the device if done incorrectly. Before experiments, study the manuals for your smartphone model.

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If you need not only applications, but also their data (for example, saving games or setting up messengers), it is almost impossible to do without root access or cloud synchronization support from the developer.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transfer applications

Is it possible to transfer applications from Android to iPhone?

No, this is not directly possible due to different system architectures. However, some applications (for example WhatsApp or Telegram) allow you to transfer data via the cloud. To do this:

  1. On Android, make a backup copy to the cloud (for example, to Google Drive for WhatsApp).
  2. On iPhone, install the application and restore data from the same copy.

APK files themselves cannot be installed on iOS - you need to download applications from App Store.

Why do some applications not work after transfer?

This can happen for several reasons:

  • 🔒 The application is tied to the device (for example, banking apps or DRM-protected games).
  • 📱 The new smartphone has a different processor architecture (for example, ARM64 vs x86).
  • 🔄 There are no dependencies (for example, Google Play Services on devices without GMS).

Solution: try updating the application through the store or installing missing components.

How to transfer applications to a smartphone without USB debugging?

If USB debugging is disabled and it is impossible to enable it (for example, due to a broken screen), try:

  • 📲 Use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct to transfer APK files.
  • 🌐 Upload APK to the cloud (for example, Google Drive or Dropbox) from the old one device and download to a new one.
  • 📱 If your smartphone supports OTG, connect a flash drive and copy the files to it.
Is it possible to transfer applications from a phone to a tablet?

Yes, all the described methods also work for Android tablets. Please note:

  • 📱 Some applications may not display correctly on large screens (if not optimized for tablets).
  • 🔄 Applications linked to a phone number (for example, banking) may not work on tablets without a SIM card.
How to find out if an application supports backup copying?

Check:

  1. On the application page in Google Play in the "Additional information" section there may be a mention of backup support.
  2. In the application settings there is often an "Export/Import data" or "Synchronization" item.
  3. Use the command adb shell dumpsys backup —it will show whether the backup function is enabled for a specific package.