In this article, we will show you how to share Apps iPhone to iPhone using methods like AirDrop, Family Sharing, iCloud backup, and more.
Sharing apps between iPhones has become incredibly easy with the latest features Apple provides. Whether you’re passing along an app you love to a friend or family member, or you’re simply setting up a new iPhone, there are multiple methods to share apps seamlessly.
Here, we will walk you through the most efficient and user-friendly ways to share apps from one iPhone to another.
See Also: 20 signs it’s time to buy a new iPhone
Why Share Apps Between iPhones?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s quickly explore why you might want to share apps from iPhone to iPhone.
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Save Time and Effort: Instead of downloading the same app multiple times, sharing it directly saves bandwidth and time.
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App Recommendations: Sharing apps with friends or family can be a great way to spread the word about apps you find helpful, entertaining, or educational.
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Transfer to a New iPhone: If you’re upgrading to a new iPhone, transferring your apps is one of the first things you’ll need to do.
Now, let’s dive into the methods to share apps from iPhone to iPhone.
See Also: 5 Steps to Swap Old iPhone to New iPhone
How to Share Apps iPhone to iPhone
Method 1: Sharing via the App Store
One of the easiest ways to share an app with someone is through the App Store, Apple’s centralized app marketplace. This method works best if you want to recommend or send a specific app to another iPhone.
How to Share an App Link:
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Open the App Store on your iPhone.
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Search for the App: Use the search bar at the top of the screen to find the app you want to share.
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Share the App: Tap the three dots (or share icon) at the top right of the app’s page.
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Select “Share App” from the options.
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Choose how you want to share it—via Message, Mail, AirDrop, or any other available method.
The recipient will receive a link to the app on the App Store, allowing them to quickly download it on their own device.
Pro Tip:
When you share an app this way, the recipient can install it on their iPhone, but they’ll need their Apple ID and potentially to pay for any paid apps.
See Also: 5 Ways to transfer iPhone to iPhone
Method 2: Using AirDrop to Share Paid Apps (with Some Limitations)
AirDrop is one of the most convenient features of the iPhone for quickly transferring files, photos, and even apps between devices. However, when it comes to apps, AirDrop only transfers the app’s data and settings, not the app itself. This means you can’t directly AirDrop a full paid app to another iPhone.
How to AirDrop App Data:
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Ensure AirDrop is Enabled: Swipe down from the top-right of the screen on both iPhones and enable AirDrop. Make sure both phones are within close proximity.
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Select the App Data: On your iPhone, go to the Settings or App that you want to transfer and locate the app data.
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Tap the Share icon and select the other iPhone as the recipient via AirDrop.
AirDrop will transfer any relevant app data or files, but not the app itself. The recipient will still need to download the app from the App Store.
See Also: 5 Methods to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Windows PC
Method 3: Family Sharing to Share Apps
If you and the recipient are part of the same Apple Family Sharing group, you can share purchased apps easily, without needing to repurchase them. Family Sharing allows up to six people to share apps, music, movies, and other content without having to share an Apple ID.
Setting Up Family Sharing:
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Open Settings on your iPhone.
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Tap your Apple ID at the top.
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Select Family Sharing and then Add Family Member.
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Follow the prompts to add your family member, using their Apple ID.
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Once they’re added, they can access any apps you’ve purchased.
How to Share Apps:
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After setting up Family Sharing, head to the App Store.
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Tap on your Profile icon at the top right.
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Under Purchased, tap My Purchases.
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Select the app you want to share and tap the Download button to install it on the other iPhone.
This method works well for sharing apps without requiring each family member to buy their own copy.
See Also: 5 Methods to Transfer Photos from iPhone to computer
Method 4: Using iCloud Backup and Restore
If you’re transferring apps to a new iPhone, using iCloud Backup and Restore is a great option. This method will restore all your apps, settings, and data from your old iPhone to the new one.
Steps to Transfer Apps via iCloud:
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Backup Your Old iPhone:
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Open Settings on your old iPhone.
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Tap on Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
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Tap Back Up Now to make sure your latest app data is backed up.
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Set Up Your New iPhone:
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On the new iPhone, go through the setup process until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
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Select Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in with your Apple ID.
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Choose the latest backup and wait for the apps and data to be restored.
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After the restore process completes, your apps will be transferred over, ready to go on your new device.
See Also: 5 Ways to Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC
Conclusion: The Best Way to Share Apps from iPhone to iPhone
Sharing apps between iPhones can be done in multiple ways depending on your needs. Whether you’re using the App Store, AirDrop, Family Sharing, or iCloud Backup, you have several easy and efficient options at your disposal.
For quick app recommendations, sharing an App Store link is the most straightforward approach. If you’re looking to transfer data between devices, AirDrop or Family Sharing are great options. And if you’re setting up a new iPhone, iCloud backup and restore is the best way to get all your apps and data transferred seamlessly.
By following these simple methods, you can share apps with ease, keeping your iPhone experience efficient and enjoyable.
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