Introduction
Tired of emailing photos to yourself or struggling with slow Bluetooth transfers? Then the world’s most favourite operating system. Android is having a cool answer and that is Nearby Share. This powerful, built-in feature allows you to quickly and securely share files, links, images, and even entire folders with any nearby Android device (or compatible ChromeOS laptop) without needing a Wi-Fi network or cumbersome pairing process. This guide will show you how to enable, configure, and master Nearby Share for instant peer-to-peer file transfer.
How to send files between devices instantly
You can check out the guide below and follow the steps to send files between devices instantly.
Step 1: Enable Nearby Share
- Nearby Share uses a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to find nearby devices and facilitate the fastest possible transfer.
- Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
- Look for the Nearby Share tile. (If it’s not visible, you may need to tap the pencil icon to edit and add the tile).
- Tap the Nearby Share tile to ensure it is active.
Step 2: Configure Your Device Visibility
- To receive files, you need to set your visibility. Tap and hold the Nearby Share tile (or go to Settings > Google > Devices & sharing > Nearby Share) to access the configuration screen.
- Tap on Device Visibility.
- Choose one of the three options:
- All contacts: Your device is visible only to people in your Google Contacts list. (Recommended for daily use)
- Some contacts: You select specific contacts who can see your device.
- Hidden: Your device is not visible to anyone, but you can still share files out.
- Everyone: Your device is visible to anyone nearby with Nearby Share enabled. (Only use temporarily)
Step 3: Sending a File
- Sending a file is as simple as using the standard Android Share menu:
- Open any app that contains the file you want to send (e.g., Google Photos, Files app, or a web browser).
- Select the item (a photo, document, or link).
- Tap the Share icon (usually three connected dots or a chevron).
- In the Share sheet, select Nearby Share.
- Your phone will scan for nearby devices. Once the recipient’s phone name appears, tap it.
- The recipient will receive a notification prompting them to Accept the incoming transfer.
Step 4: Receiving a File
- When someone attempts to send you a file, a notification will pop up on your screen saying “Incoming Share from [Sender’s Name].”
- You will see a preview of the file (or a file type icon).
- Tap Accept to begin the transfer.
- Once the transfer is complete, the file will be saved automatically to your device’s Downloads folder, or a dedicated folder within the relevant app (e.g., shared images will appear in your Gallery/Google Photos).