Back in Google IO in 2016, Google announced Android 7.0 Nougat and a new feature called. Instant Apps. This allows our smartphones and tablets to use and enjoy apps without actually installing them. After a short wait, some users are finally seeing this feature. In this guide, we will explain how to enable Android Instant Apps in Nougat.
The idea behind this is simple. Users can temporarily install and use Android apps directly from a web search or shared link without downloading the app.
It gives an app full access to a beautiful design, interface, performance and more without the user having to install it. This is not a web-optimized version of the app, but a complete and complete experience at the touch of a button.
Google showcased Android Instant Apps on stage, but confirmed that it didn’t arrive until sometime in 2017 with Android 7.0 Nougat. Now that many are running Android 7.1.2 Nougat and similar, this feature is starting to show up in search results.
Popular apps like the shopping app Wish are already taking advantage of Instant apps. We can search for things to buy, use the Wish app and buy them in seconds using their beautifully designed app. The phone loads what it needs and discards it when you’re done.
This is the evolution of Android and how we use apps. Instead of filling up our phone and storage with apps, everything happens instantly. If this new feature got you excited, below are the steps to enable it on select Nexus smartphones or tablets, as well as the Google Pixel and Pixel XL.
How to Activate Android Instant Apps
Until recently, this feature was in testing by Google and users were left out of the fun. However, we now see select apps like Wish and potentially others already offering it. Google has featured it on Wish, BuzzFeed, Viki, and even Periscope.
This should work on most smartphones or tablets running Android 7.0 Nougat. It’s not just Nexus or Pixel phones. Or soon it will be. All you have to do is enable Android Instant Apps in settings under the Google tab and browse the web.
Other details
Our image above shows you exactly what to look for, where it is and what to expect. Once owners log into Google and activate Instant Apps, you’re all set. Now it’s just a matter of finding an app with built-in Instant Apps that will work as advertised. Wish seems to be the first, but many more will be available in the coming weeks. If not already. We just need to find them.
Go ahead and search for something like Wish and one of the many search results will have “instant start” under its icon. Being redirected to the Google Play Store automatically adds parts of the app to our smartphone temporarily, rather than downloading an app and waiting for it to be installed. It gives you the option to launch Instant Apps or browse the web version instead.
Users can browse the store as if the app is installed and even use Google’s secure payment system and everything. Find what you want, buy it and that’s it. Now the app will be removed from our temporary storage as if nothing happened. Saving both time and space.
Popular shopping or news-based websites and apps will be the first to take advantage of this, but we can expect to see more soon. It will be interesting to see companies leverage Android Instant Apps in different ways. Or how they can see an installed user base if the app is being uninstalled after use. Give it a try today and enjoy.
