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Transfer files easily on Android using the feature "Nearby Share"
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Did you know that the Android version of AirDrop is Nearby Share? The sharing feature works similarly, in that you can immediately share files, images, Instagram posts, and whatever, to anyone around you. This wikiHow article teaches you how to use Nearby Share so you can "AirDrop" on Android.
Things You Should Know
- The built-in method for Androids to AirDrop is called Nearby Share.
- To use Nearby Share, turn on Bluetooth and Location first.
- Toggle on Nearby Share, then share a file, image, or video, and tap the "Nearby Share" option.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
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Turn on Bluetooth. First, turn on Bluetooth quickly by swiping down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings menu and tapping the Bluetooth icon to turn it on.
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Enable Nearby Share. Swipe down to open the Quick Settings menu, then tap the swirly-chain icon to turn on Nearby Share.
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Choose who you want to be able to send you stuff. Tap an option to select if you want to share with everyone, your contacts, or just your devices.
- Only devices logged in with the same email address will be able to send you stuff if you select Your devices .
- If you haven't used Nearby Share recently, or want to change how data is sent, long-press on the Nearby Share icon to open Nearby Share in Settings. You'll see your information, like your account & device name, as well as some menu options. Tap the option below "Device visibility." The wording of this menu option changes depending on what you have selected. Next, select how you want to share files, via data, Wi-Fi only, or without internet. Finally, tap Update .
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Section 2 of 3:
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Navigate to the file you want to share. This can also be something on social media that you're sharing, like an Instagram post .
- Using Files by Google to manage the files on your phone is probably the easiest way to share stuff with Nearby Share.
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Tap the Share icon. The Share icon looks like a branching networking icon and is usually at the bottom or in the top right corner of your screen.
- You may need to tap a three-dot menu icon first to see "Share."
- If you're using Files by Google, tap Nearby Share , which is located at the bottom of your screen.
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Select Nearby Share . If the app works with Nearby Share, it'll be an option at the top of the Sharing menu next to "Copy URL."
- If you're using Files by Google, tap Send and select the images or files to send from your phone. Tap Continue to proceed.
- Your phone will search for nearby devices. [1] X Research source
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Tap the device to send your files to. The receiver needs to tap Accept to get your shared file. If you're logged into the same Google accounts on both the sending and receiving phone, you don't need to accept the files before they are shared.
- A green circle will highlight the device's name when the sharing is successful.
- Tap Done when you're done sending files. [2] X Research source
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Tips
- Nearby Share is Google's answer to AirDrop for Android, although there are other options out there in the Google Play Store.Thanks
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