You have probably heard of the term “Android Instant Apps“, but you might not be exactly sure what it means. Introduced back at Google’s I/O 2016 developer conference, Instant Apps represent the next step in app evolution.
This is a universal Android solution that blends the speed and power of a native fully-fledged app with the ease and immediacy of a web app. Instant Apps basically separate each of the app’s main feature into stand-alone modules. Users are then able to load any of these modules on-demand simply by tapping on an URL.
Often times you find yourself unwilling or unable to download a large app, although you could certainly benefit from some of the app’s features in that moment. Instant Apps can solve the problem by allowing you to access certain elements of a particular app, without having to install the full app on your device. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Here’s how to take advantage of Instant Apps on your own phone. Before we begin, note that you need to have a phone or tablet running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher.
- Open Settings on your phone and tap on Google in the Personal section
- Scroll down until you find Instant Apps (usually under Google Fit) and tap on it
- Flip the toggle to on
- Accept the terms and conditions. Just tap yes, to start using Instant Apps
You’ve enabled Instant Apps on your smartphone. But how do you go about using them?
Bear in mind that not all apps have Instant Apps versions, at the moment. Here’s a list of apps available for you to try:
- Skyscanner
- Hollar
- NYTimes – Crossword
- Onefootball Live Soccer Scores
- Red Bull TV
- BuzzFeed
- Vimeo
- Wish
- Jet
- Citymapper
- Periscope
- Dotloop
- Hotpads
- Realtor
Open a browser on your mobile, pick one of the apps above and enter the search time. We used NYTimes – Crossword.
- Find the result which leads to the Play Store. Tap Install (see Note)
- You’ll automatically be taken to the Google Play Store
- You’ll notice a Try Now button on the left. Tap on it, instead of hitting Install
- Your Instant App will automatically load
- Use the app, and if you find yourself wanting more tap the Install button to get the full version on your device.
Note: Depending on your device and location, when you search for an Instant App in your browser you might notice supported Instant Apps are marked with the word “Instant’ next to their search result
Note 2: When you’re using an Instant App you’ll see a small lightning bolt icon in the upper left of the status bar.
Want to check which Instant Apps you’ve installed on your device? Go back to Settings>Google>Instant Apps.
Long press on an app to Install it on your device or Clear App Data and remove the Instant App and all the data associated with it.
