This guide explains how to send apps from iPhone to iPhone via AirDrop, and introduces AOMEI FoneBackup as a powerful desktop solution for bulk app and data migration between iOS devices.
I just bought a new iPhone and want to share several paid and free apps with my partner's iPhone. Can I send apps through AirDrop directly? Will AirDrop move my app data, login information, and saved game progress as well?
The short answer is yes, but with an important distinction. When you send an app from one iPhone to another using AirDrop, iOS shares the App Store installation link for that specific application rather than the compiled binary app package or its local user data.
| Transfer Aspect | AirDrop App Sharing |
| App Store Link | Yes (Directs recipient to App Store) |
| App Files/Installation | Initiates direct download from App Store |
| App Saved Data & Cache | No |
| User Logins & Passwords | No |
| Batch/Bulk App Transfer | No (One app at a time) |
AirDrop is ideal for quickly recommending an app to a friend so they can install it instantly without manually searching the App Store. However, if you are setting up a new phone and need to migrate all your apps along with personal accounts, settings, and saved progress, AirDrop alone is insufficient.
Sending an app link via AirDrop takes only a few seconds. Follow these steps to prepare your devices and complete the transfer.
Before starting, ensure both iPhones meet the following conditions:
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Turn on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices. Turn on AirDrop on both devices as well.
Proximity: Keep the two iPhones within 30 feet (approx. 9 meters) of each other.
Personal Hotspot: Turn off Personal Hotspot on both devices.
AirDrop Receiving Settings: On the receiving iPhone, go to Settings > General > AirDrop and select Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
1. Locate the app icon on your iPhone's Home Screen or in the App Library. Press and hold (long-press) the app icon until the quick action context menu appears.
2. Tap Share App. In the iOS Share Sheet that pops up, tap AirDrop.
3. Tap the name or profile photo of the target iPhone recipient.
1. A notification banner or prompt will appear on the receiving iPhone.
2. Tap Accept. The receiving iPhone will automatically open the application's product page inside the App Store.
3. Tap the Get button (or the Cloud download icon) to install the app on the receiver's phone.
While AirDrop works well for sharing individual app links, it falls short when you want to migrate dozens of apps, custom configurations, and application saved data from an old iPhone to a new one. For full iOS data migration, AOMEI FoneBackup serves as a specialized desktop software package that handles complete iPhone-to-iPhone transfers without relying on iCloud limits or network bandwidth.
AOMEI FoneBackup is a professional iOS data management tool designed for Windows PC. It offers a fast, safe, and intuitive interface for backing up, restoring, and transferring data between iOS devices. Unlike AirDrop or iCloud, this tool allows users to migrate all app files, app settings, personal data, and system preferences in a single click.
1-Click Full Transfer: Move all apps, app data, photos, call histories, messages, and settings directly from one iPhone to another.
App Data Retention: Preserves offline game saves, local application settings, cache files, and app preferences.
Cross-Apple ID Support: Enables data and app transfer between iPhones logged into different Apple IDs.
Ultra-Fast Speed: Uses physical USB cable connections, making it significantly faster than wireless AirDrop or iCloud syncs.
Flexible Transfer Modes: Choose between Full Transfer (entire device clone) or Selective Transfer (like transferring messages, specific photos, videos, contacts, or music).
High Privacy & Security: Features optional backup encryption to secure private app data and account credentials during transfer.
Step 1: Connect Both iPhones to PC
Download, install, and launch AOMEI FoneBackup on your Windows PC. Connect both your source iPhone and target iPhone to the computer using compatible Lightning-to-USB or USB-C cables. Tap Trust This Computer on both iPhone screens if prompted.
Step 2: Navigate to iPhone to iPhone Transfer
On the main menu of AOMEI FoneBackup, click Phone Transfer on the left menu bar. Hover over iPhone to iPhone and click Get Started.
Step 3: Configure Source & Target Devices
Verify that the source iPhone and target iPhone are displayed in their correct positions. If they are reversed, click the swap arrow icon.
📢 Tip: If you wish to migrate sensitive application data, keychain information, or health records, toggle on Enable Backup Encryption. Set a passcode to encrypt the transfer process.
Step 4: Execute the One-Click App Transfer
Click Start Transfer. Keep both iPhones connected to the PC until the process reaches 100%. Once finished, the target iPhone will reboot automatically with all transferred apps and app data ready to use.
| Feature | AirDrop | AOMEI FoneBackup |
| Transfer Method | Wireless (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) | USB Cable via PC |
| Transfer Scope | Single App Store Link | All Apps + Complete App Data |
| Batch Transfer | No | Yes |
| App Saved Progress | No | Yes |
| Cross-Apple ID | Yes | Yes |
| Internet Required | Yes (To download from App Store) | No (Offline local transfer) |
1. Does AirDrop transfer app data and game saves?
No. AirDrop only shares the App Store download link for an application. It does not send user logins, locally cached files, custom configurations, or saved game progress. To transfer app data alongside the application, use AOMEI FoneBackup or restore from an encrypted iTunes/iCloud backup.
2. Can I AirDrop multiple apps from iPhone to iPhone at once?
No. iOS does not support bulk AirDropping of applications. You must long-press each app icon on the home screen and share them individually. For transferring multiple apps simultaneously, a desktop tool like AOMEI FoneBackup is recommended.
3. Why is AirDrop not working when I try to share an app?
If AirDrop fails or doesn't show the target recipient, check the following troubleshooting steps:
Ensure both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi toggled on in Settings.
Turn off Personal Hotspot on both iPhones.
Change AirDrop receiving settings on the target phone to Everyone for 10 Minutes.
Ensure the app is available in the target recipient's App Store region. Built-in iOS default apps (like Settings or Camera) cannot be shared via AirDrop.
4. How do I transfer apps to a new iPhone without iCloud?
You can use AOMEI FoneBackup on a PC to execute a direct iPhone-to-iPhone migration without needing iCloud storage space. Alternatively, you can use Apple's built-in Quick Start feature during initial device setup over a local wireless connection.
Learning how to send apps from iPhone to iPhone via AirDrop is a quick solution for recommending individual applications to friends or family. By simply long-pressing an app icon and choosing "Share App," you can instantly direct another user to the App Store installation page.
However, for full device upgrades or batch migrations where you need to keep user settings, game progress, and application data intact, AOMEI FoneBackup provides an efficient, one-click solution. Using USB speed and full encryption options, it ensures your new iPhone retains every app and piece of personal data seamlessly.