Using Nearby Share by Android

Nearby Share is a service made by Google for sharing data between Android devices and computers. It is available on Android devices running on Android 6.0 and above, but phones with more recent Android versions come with better and more stable features. Works similarly to Apple’s AirDrop feature but for Android devices in a wide range of manufacturers and allows users to share content without the need for cables or an internet connection.

Released on 4th August 2020, this service has been a demanded feature for years by Android users and now it’s been catching on for many users right now. Formerly it was called Android Beam, the sharing feature between Android phones via NFC.

How it works 

Nearby Share uses Bluetooth to discover other devices within range and establishes a direct Wi-Fi connection between them to facilitate the transfer of data. This direct connection ensures that files can be shared quickly and securely, without the need for a third-party app or service. (By the way, if you are using the Files app by Google, the Nearby Share feature is just right there).

The feature also provides users with the option to adjust their visibility settings and control who can send them files. Users can choose to receive files from anyone, only from their contacts, or turn off the feature altogether.

Device visibility options.

• Contacts: You can choose to be visible to all contacts or select specific people on the list. This is the best option if you know the person and they are already on your contact list.
• Everyone: Choose this if you do not have the person on your contact list. The feature works if the two phones are close to each other, so you don’t have to worry about receiving random requests. But you can set Everyone mode to temporary. The app will reset to your default settings after a few minutes.
• Hidden: Hidden will hide your device and stop anyone from sharing files with you until you change your visibility settings.
• Your Devices: any of your devices linked with your Google account like Chromebooks, tablets or Windows PC will appear on the sharing list.

One of the most convenient aspects of Nearby Share is its ease of use. Users can share files by simply tapping the share button on their Android device and selecting the Nearby Share option. The recipient will then receive a notification that they can accept or decline the file transfer.

The best new offer by Nearby Share is that Windows users with Android devices can now send content between the devices by downloading Nearby Share for the Windows app for Windows 10 and Windows 11. 

UPDATE: It is currently out of beta and now it is officially available for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How To Use Nearby Share

Nearby Share is inactive by default, so you must first enable the feature. Go to Settings > Google > Devices and Sharing> Nearby Share and toggle the button. Additionally, you might want to add a shortcut to your phone's Quick Settings menu for easier accessibility.

After opening Settings, go to Google > Devices and Sharing > Nearby Share

Sending content using Nearby Share

The way you share a file, image or any content via the Share icon, you can find options to share via social apps, Bluetooth or email. There you can also find the Nearby Share option. For this demo, I will show screenshots from my Google Photos on my phone.

Sending images from my Google Photos library to my PC.

The phone will search for another Android device (or PC/Chromebook) within your radius. Tap on its name when it pops up in the menu. Your phone will generate a four-digit PIN code that the other person can use to verify that you are sending the file.

NOTE: The Nearby Share I am demonstrating is on Android version 13 using Material You UI up to date. Features and settings vary per older Android versions.

Receiving content using Nearby Share

If the file transfer request is sent correctly, you will see a pop-up asking you to verify the PIN code and accept the transfer. Tap on Accept. The file will transfer to the other device. And just like that, you are done.

Or if you are using the Your Devices option, the item is received directly and instantly.

Receiving on PC is no different on Android phones or Chromebook.

Receiving images on PC from my Android phone.

NOTE: Sending and receiving content via Nearby Share on PC is better and more efficient when you log in with your Google account because the content received is instant, even in the background without opening the app.

Another benefit of Nearby Share is its compatibility with a wide range of file types, including photos, videos, documents, and links. This makes it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use when it comes to sending small and large files.

Another cool update on this is that you can share files between PCs with Nearby Share and send wifi credentials from phone to PC instantly.

Accessing your received content

To access an image or video that you have received, you will see it in the Download folder in Google Photos or the phone’s media app and the Downloads folder in PC (file location can be changed in the settings). Documents and other file types will be in the phone’s Download folder. Open your file manager app and go to Downloads to find it.

Website and social media links will automatically open using the necessary app. The other phone should automatically connect to the network if you use Nearby Share to share your Wi-Fi password.

Sharing with or without data

You can share your content depending on your internet accessibility. I suggest turning off Data.

• Data: Data lets you use mobile data to transfer files. Ensure that you use this option only if it’s a small file, webpage, or social media link so that you don’t face any additional charges.
• Wi-Fi only: This mode will only use Wi-Fi to transfer files between two phones. It’s easier if both phones are on the same Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, it will set up a Wi-Fi Direct connection.
• Without the Internet: This mode will use offline methods to transfer the file. It’s slower, so it isn’t ideal for large files.

Finally, if you enable the Show Notification setting, the phone will use Bluetooth to let you know when someone is trying to send a file to you, even if Nearby Share isn’t active.

Remarks 

Overall, Nearby Share is a useful feature that simplifies the process of sharing files between Android devices, Chromebooks and PCs. Its ease of use, security, and compatibility with various file types makes it an excellent addition to the Android ecosystem.