What is Nearby Share and how to get started with it

It can be a pain to share large files between Android phones. Most email and messaging apps have attachment size limits or will completely ruin the quality of images and videos because of file compression. The preferred alternative is to upload the file to a cloud storage service and share a link, but those have storage limits and other inconveniences. Google has a solution, though, and it’s called Nearby Share. It lets you easily share images, videos, files, links, and even your Wi-Fi password, between Android devices and Chromebooks. Here’s everything you need to know about Nearby Share and how to use it.

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What is Nearby Share?

Nearby Share is Google’s answer to Apple’s AirDrop, only a decade too late. It works similarly to AirDrop and lets you transfer files between Android devices at the tap of a button once you have the feature set up. The beta version of Nearby Share was available on select Pixel and Samsung smartphones in June 2020 before releasing to every Android phone running Android 6.0 and higher in August of that year. Samsung has its own version, Quick Share, which makes file transfers between Galaxy devices (running Android 10 or newer) a breeze.

While AirDrop relies on offline transfers, you can use cellular data and Wi-Fi (peer-to-peer) with Nearby Share, along with Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, and WebRTC for online and offline sharing. Newer versions of Android also bring new features with them. You can share your Wi-Fi password from a phone running Android 12 (the receiving phone can run an older Android version). And an upcoming update will make it much easier to share files between your own devices.

It’s not perfect, and people come across different issues when using Nearby Share that we’ll get into later. It is telling that not many people use Nearby Share or have even heard about it, likely because of how late the feature was released.

How to use Nearby Share

How to enable Nearby Share

Nearby Share isn’t active by default, so you must first enable the feature. Go to Settings > Google > Devices and sharing > Nearby Share and toggle the button.

Frequent users might want to add a shortcut to their phone’s Quick Settings menu if it isn’t there already. Swipe down to open the Quick Settings menu and tap on the pen icon next to Settings. Look for Nearby Share on the list of additional toggles and drag and drop it into the shortcuts.

How to send a file using Nearby Share

Find the document, image, photo, or link you want to send to someone else and tap on the Share icon. Depending on the type of file and its location, you might have to long-press or tap on the three vertical dots icon at the top right corner.

In this example, I’m sharing a video file from Google Photos. Long-press the file, tap on the share icon at the top, and tap on More in the Share to apps section. You should see an icon at the top that says Nearby if you have enabled the feature. Look for Nearby Share on the list of apps if you don’t see the button.

The phone will look for the other Android phone. 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.

How to receive a file 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.

How to find a file I received using Nearby Share

If it’s an image or video, you will see it in the Download folder in Google Photos or the phone’s media app. 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.

Nearby Share settings and features

The two necessary settings to know about are Device visibility and Data. Device visibility lets you select who can send you a file transfer request.

• 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 don’t 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.

You should also change the Data setting, so you don’t run into unnecessary cellular data charges.

• 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 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.

What to do if Nearby Share isn’t working

There are a few problems users come across when using Nearby Share.

• Can’t find the other phone: If you’re having trouble locating the phone to which you want to transfer a file, it could be because of the other phone’s device visibility settings. Check and ensure you’ve changed the option to Contacts or Everyone. Remember that the temporary Everyone mode turns off automatically after a few minutes.
• Transfer speeds are too slow: You will want to use Wi-Fi or cellular data (if you have a robust data plan) for the fastest transfer speeds. Bluetooth and WebRTC are comparatively much slower and aren’t ideal for large files.
• Devices not connecting: If you’ve checked the settings and are still not able to connect to another device, try toggling the feature off and on, enabling and disabling Airplane Mode, or restarting the device. Also, check that Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location services are enabled on both phones. Ensure that the devices are close to each other. Nearby Share works within a 1ft radius.
• Clear the app cache: The feature is available on your device through Google Play Services. Try clearing the app cache if nothing else works. Check out our guide on how to clear the cache on Android.

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