Google removed this useful feature from Play Store, bad news for data savers!

Google has taken a big step in the 44.1 version update of Google Play Store. The OS developer has now removed the ‘Share apps’ feature from its Play Store. This feature allowed users to directly share installed apps with other devices, which was convenient and fast while providing data saving benefits to other devices. Till now Google has not given the reason behind this, but it is believed that this could be done due to security reasons.

Share apps functionality has been silently removed in the recent version 44.1 update of Google Play Store. This feature used Google’s Fast Share technology. In this, users could share already installed apps on other devices using Nearby Share. This change was first reported by 9to5Google citing the changelog.

Previously, users could use the “Share apps” feature available in the “Manage apps & device” option. This feature allowed apps to be sent and received without an internet connection or mobile data.

Although Google has not officially commented on the reason behind its removal, it is being speculated that it may be related to security concerns, as P2P (Peer-to-Peer) sharing is potentially prohibited. Can be used to share malware or pirated apps.

If one still wants to use such a feature, one is now left with the option of the Files by Google app, which comes pre-installed on Android devices and allows sharing of apps. Some third-party apps can also do this, but we would recommend you to only use apps from trusted developers.