Do you want to share files on Nearby Share on Android and you are finding it difficult, all you need is in this article to do it with ease!
Finally, it will be a little easier to share files, images, links, and other content between Android devices. Google is launching a new Android feature called “Share Close” that enables direct sharing between any device running Android 6 and later versions.
Near Share is already available on selected Pixel and Samsung phones, and Google says it will reach other devices in the coming weeks.
Near Share works just like Apple’s AirDrop function for iPhone: just select the Near Share button from the Share menu and wait for a phone to appear nearby. Whatever you share will then be sent directly to the other phone using your preferred transmission method.
As with AirDrop, you can set your preferred visibility for closed sharing at different contact levels: all, some, or hidden. According to Google, it is even possible to “send and receive files anonymously.” (Welcome to AirSlothing, Android users).
The nearby Share also shares files directly using the method that your two phones can find the fastest: “Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC, or Peer-to-Peer WiFi,” which Google says should work offline.
Near Share is the Google equivalent of Airdrop. It uses various protocols to transfer content between devices and is fully integrated into the operating system itself.
During this first version, the function for selecting Pixel and Samsung devices is available. Google plans to gradually provide this feature on all Android devices.
Sharing files between Android devices has always been tedious. While Bluetooth and WiFi were popular additions in this area, no app or service has managed to come close to the functionality that iOS offers through its airdrop function. Fortunately, all of this will change with Google’s imminent release, which became official today.
If you have a nearby share on your device, you can use the guide below to easily transfer files between different devices.
- Open the file (such as a photo or video) you want to share, and then tap the Share button to display the Share menu. If it’s a photo or video you’d like to share, you can also use Google Photos or the Gallery app directly. You will find the “Share” icon at the bottom of the screen or on the 3-point menu button.
- Once you’ve enabled closed sharing on your device, the sharing menu will appear like the one shown below. Tap the Nearby option below the thumbnail.
- If it is your entry time of using the nearby Share, grant the service the necessary permissions.
- Tap the contact you want to share files with.
- Wait for the other device to accept the files you have sent.
- Your file transfer should now begin, and you should be able to exchange files between two Android devices without any problems.
If you want to share files confidentially, all you have to do is change their visibility in the nearby settings. Change your visibility to “Hidden,” and no one can see them in the list of nearby devices.
You may also select how many contacts you wish to be available for nearby sharing. You can also protect privacy by customizing this feature. Let’s have a careful look at the three methods of exchanging contacts in the nearby sharing offerings.
Hidden:
This means that none of your anonymous devices or nearby contacts can see your device in your nearby sharing list.
Specific contacts:
This option allows you to select specific contacts from your contact list. Only these contacts can see your device nearby in your sharing list.
All Contacts:
This setting makes your device visible to all users in the vicinity of Near Share. Your device is also visible to anonymous users, so you can share files with anyone around you. While convenient, this is the least sensitive setting for close or Near sharing.
Google also encrypts the connection between the sender and the recipient when you use Near Share, and adds a layer of security to your data regardless of your device’s settings for Near Share.
How to Send Files Offline
The nearby Share automatically determines the best connection mode between two devices based on various factors such as device settings, device hardware, available connectivity options, etc.
Once you have a connection that has been established, the best protocol for use between two devices, whether BT, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), WebRTC, or point-to-point WIFI via a WIFI network or a WIFI access point.
This means that you don’t have to make any additional changes to share files offline. Connect to each device and start a file transfer. The nearby Share should be able to send and receive files easily.
After you’ve turned on nearby sharing on your Android device, you can change the name of your device to whatever name you want it to appear when a contact wants to share with you.
You can do this by tapping nearby (using the Settings app or Quick Settings) on the Device Name field. If a dialogue box appears, enter a name so that it appears near Share, and then tap Rename.
This is how you make sure that a number on your contact can find you.
When you set up proximity sharing for the first time, you will be asked to set up number verification on your phone. Once the review is complete, your contacts can share files using your phone number, not just your email address.
To do this, tap the “Set Number Verification” box at the top to be taken to a new screen where you can verify your phone number. You can add your phone number and enable automatic verification on your device by pressing the lever next to your device model.
After you’ve added and verified your phone number, other people who have saved your phone number on your device can use the nearby Share to find and share files on your phone.
How to Choose a Transfer Protocol for Nearby sharing
Nearby sharing uses various protocols such as Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), WebRTC, or point-to-point WIFI over a WIFI network or WiFi access point. This feature allows you to decide which of these protocols is used when sharing content between devices.
To close a sharing log, open the close sharing settings screen (using the Settings or Quick Settings app) and tap the Data option. You can choose between three options: data, only WiFi, and no Internet. Identify the option you wish to choose and select Update.
- Using the Nearby Share-15-c Using the Nearby Share-17
- Data: If you select this option, files can be shared using mobile data.
- WiFi only: You can select this option if you do not want data to be calculated when sharing files with your contacts.
- No Internet: This option allows you to share files without WiFi or mobile data. The content is shared via Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy.
While Nearby Sharing supports devices with Android 6.0 and higher, the function is currently implemented to select Pixel and Samsung devices.
In the course of the rollout, this function should be available for most Android smartphones. Nearby sharing is also available for Chromebooks, so you can seamlessly share files between your laptop and mobile device.