How to use Nearby Share on Android

Google Nearby Share is the go-to app if you want to quickly share content between Android devices. It’s similar to Apple’s AirDrop, and it allows you to share files, including music, apps, passwords, images, and videos, easily and reliably online and offline. Read on to know how to use the Nearby Share feature on Android.

What do you need to use Nearby Share

Check out the requirements to use Nearby Share on your Android phone.

1. Both the devices should be running Android 6.0 or higher  

2. Turn on the Bluetooth of the sending and receiving device.

3. Grant permission to location or GPS access of both the devices.

4. Make sure the two phones are placed in a proximity of at least 16 feet (5 meters)

How to share a file using Nearby Share

To share files using Nearby Share, turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your Android device. Once you are ready to share an image, webpage, or file you wish to share, select them and tap on the share icon. You will find the Nearby option.

ALSO READ: How to transfer files with Nearby Share on Windows

To share the files, hold your phone close to the receiving device. Once your phone detects the receiving device, select the device name and tap Send. You will get a Sending pop-up until the process is completed. Tap on close once the ‘Sent’ message appears.  

How to share Wi-Fi passwords using Nearby Share

To share your saved Wi-Fi password with someone, go to Settings and select Wi-Fi settings. Go to More Settings and choose the Saved Networks option. When you enter this menu, you will find a list of saved Wi-Fi networks you have used so far.

Select the Wi-Fi network name whose credentials you want to share and look for the Share option. You will find an option for Nearby Share. Select the receiver’s device name and hit the Send button.  

How to share apps using Nearby Share

It’s not just files, you can also send an app to someone using this feature. To share, open Google Play on your Android phone and tap on your profile photo. You will find a “Manage apps and devices” option. Select the “Send apps” option, and the list of downloaded apps will open.

ALSO READ: How to transfer data from an iPhone to Android

Select the app you want to share and tap the send button. The other person will receive a “Receive apps” request, which they need to accept.

How to receive a file using Nearby Share

To receive a file using Nearby Share, go to Settings on your Android device and tap on the Google option. You will find a “Device Connections” or “Devices and sharing” option. Select Nearby Share and toggle the Device visibility to turn it on, holding your phone close to the sender’s device. Once the sender hits the Send button, you will get a notification asking to accept the requested files. Tap on Accept, and the files will be transferred to your phone.

Now that you know how to send and receive files, enjoy seamless exchanges between your friends and colleagues like a breeze.