SHAREit APK Popularity Analysis in India: Post-Ban Persistence

Published: 25 Jul 2025

Executive Summary

SHAREit remains popular in India despite being banned in 2020. This is mainly because many people are already familiar with it, it’s easy to use, and there are ways to download it outside of the official app stores. This discussion examines why many people continue to use SHAREit and what that might mean for the future.

Background: The 2020 Ban Context

In June 2020, the Indian government decided to ban SHAREit, along with 58 other Chinese apps. This action was taken for several reasons, including:

Data security and privacy concerns
National sovereignty issues
Geopolitical tensions with China following border conflicts

Pre-Ban Statistics:

Over 400-500 million users in India
The third most active app after WhatsApp and Facebook
Strong presence in tier-II and tier-III cities
Part of 1.8 billion global users

Key Factors Behind Continued Popularity

1. Massive Pre-Existing User Base

Network Effect: File sharing requires both the sender and receiver to have the app
Established Ecosystem: Users are reluctant to switch due to familiarity
Coordination Problem: Easier to continue using the existing app than coordinating group migration

2. Technical Advantages

Offline Functionality: Peer-to-peer transfers via Wi-Fi Direct without internet
High-Speed Transfers: Up to 480 Mbps transfer speeds
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works across Android, iOS, and Windows
Considerable File Support: Efficient handling of HD videos, games, and multimedia content

3. APK Availability and Workarounds

Third-Party Sources: Available through APKMirror, APKPure, and similar platforms
Direct Sharing: APK files shared phone-to-phone using SHAREit itself
Sideloading: Tech-savvy users can easily install via APK files
Limited Enforcement: Ban focused on app stores, not individual Device usage

4. Market Gap

Lack of Perfect Alternatives: No single app offered an identical feature combination
Fragmented Replacement Market: Users scattered across multiple alternatives
Feature Preferences: Existing alternatives didn’t match SHAREit’s speed and simplicity

Pros and Cons Analysis

Advantages of Continued SHAREit Usage

Pros:

Zero Data Consumption: No internet required for file transfers
Superior Speed: Faster than Bluetooth and many alternatives
Cost-Effective: Valuable in regions with expensive or unreliable data
User Familiarity: No learning curve for existing users
Versatile Platform: Supports multiple file types and devices
Multimedia Features: Integrated entertainment options (videos, music, games)

Disadvantages and Risks

Cons:

Security Vulnerabilities: Potential remote code execution and data leaks
Privacy Concerns: Unauthorized data transmission to external servers
Legal Gray Area: Using banned apps goes against government directives
Malware Risk: APKs from unofficial sources may contain malicious code
No Official Updates: Lack of security patches and compatibility fixes
Outdated Versions: Sideloaded versions may lack critical security updates

Current Status and Alternatives

Current Status (July 2025)

The app is not yet available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. There have been no official attempts to resolve privacy issues specific to India. Users are facing limited features because the app has not received any updates in a while. Additionally, the website is reportedly not working correctly due to compatibility problems.

Here are some easy-to-use apps that let you share files with others:

1. Files by Google

Developer: Google
Key Features: Easily share files nearby, transfer files without an internet connection, and manage your files efficiently.
Where to Get It: Available on the Play Store.

2. JioSwitch

Developer: Reliance Jio
Key Features: Fast file transfers, developed in India.
Where to Get It: Available on the Play Store.

3. ShareAll

Developer: Various
Key Features: Share files across different platforms (like Android and iOS).
Where to Get It: Available on the Play Store.

4. Send Anywhere

Developer: ESTmob
Key Features: Transfer files securely and through a simple web interface.
Where to Get It: Available on the Play Store.

5. Snapdrop

Developer: N/A (Web-based)
Key Features: A web-based tool that doesn’t need an app; use it in your web browser.
Where to Get It: Access it online.

6. ShareMe (Mi Drop)

Developer: Xiaomi
Key Features: Similar to SHAREit, it offers easy file sharing.
Where to Get It: Available on the Play Store.

These options provide a great way to share files easily and quickly without needing to understand complicated technology!

User Demographics and Usage Patterns

Primary User Categories:

Rural and Semi-Urban Users: Limited internet access, cost-conscious
Students and Young Professionals: Frequent significant file sharing needs
Small Business Owners: Quick document and media sharing requirements
Tech-Savvy Users: Comfortable with APK sideloading

Usage Scenarios:

Sharing educational content and study materials
Transferring multimedia files (photos, videos, music)
Distributing APK files and software
Business document exchanges
Entertainment content sharing

Enforcement Challenges

Government Limitations:

Technical Constraints: Difficulty in blocking peer-to-peer offline functionality
Enforcement Scope: Ban limited to app stores, not individual usage
Resource Allocation: It is Impractical to monitor millions of individual devices
User Compliance: Relies on voluntary adherence to government directives

Workaround Methods:

VPN usage to access restricted content
APK sharing through alternative file-sharing methods
Third-party app store usage
Direct installation from unofficial sources

Recommendations

For Users:

Migrate to Legal Alternatives: Adopt officially available apps like Files by Google or JioSwitch
Prioritize Security: Avoid downloading APKs from unofficial sources
Stay Updated: Use apps that receive regular security updates
Respect Regulations: Comply with government directives on banned applications

For Policymakers:

Strengthen Enforcement: Develop more comprehensive blocking mechanisms
Promote Alternatives: Support development of indigenous file-sharing solutions
User Education: Increase awareness about security risks and legal alternatives
Regular Assessment: Monitor the effectiveness of app bans and adjust strategies

Conclusion

SHAREit’s ongoing popularity in India, even after its ban in 2020, demonstrates how user preferences and technology can sometimes conflict with government regulations. Many people still use the app because it enables them to share files without an internet connection and boasts a large user base. However, concerns about security and legal issues exist, which is why users should consider switching to approved alternatives.

There are safer options, such as Files by Google and JioSwitch, that meet people’s file-sharing needs while also complying with the law and keeping data secure. This situation highlights the importance of establishing clear guidelines for digital tools that prioritise users’ convenience and safety.

SHAREit APK Popularity Analysis in India: Post-Ban Persistence

Executive Summary

Background: The 2020 Ban Context

Key Factors Behind Continued Popularity

Pros and Cons Analysis

Advantages of Continued SHAREit Usage

Current Status and Alternatives

Recommended Alternatives for File Sharing

User Demographics and Usage Patterns

Enforcement Challenges

Recommendations

Conclusion