In August last year, Google disclosed that starting with Samsung phones and Google Pixel phones, the Google version of iPhone AirDrop will be available on Android phones. The Nearby Share feature is similar to the iPhone AirDrop available on Mac, and iOS devices.
The new feature works just like the iPhone AirDrop, but you will need to set up a few things before using the feature.
For years, this feature has been adored by iPhone users, Yes! And now Android device finally has the Google version of iPhone AirDrop known as Nearby Share. The new feature can be used to share links, videos, photos, and other files to someone’s else device that’s nearby!.
Nearby Share is now rolling out to other Android devices — ranging from Android 6.0 and above. It might take some time before it reaches your device, or the feature might be sitting there right now. Nearby Share will appear on your device once it is available.
Follow the below steps to set up the Google version of the Apple AirDrop.
How to set up the Nearby Share
Enabling the feature is the first step you take before using it as a sharing option on your device.
Now, turning on the feature is pretty much easier. All you have to do is go to the “Settings” app on your device > Google > Device connections and then the Nearby Shares.
Well, if you don’t find the Nearby Share, that means, the feature is not yet available on your device, and you need to continue checking in from time to time.
On the Nearby Share page, after you click on it, you will be presented with three privacy options to choose from.
The visibility options are;
- All Contacts,
- Some contacts,
- Hidden
All Contacts
When you select your visibility option as “All Contacts”, any of your contacts that enabled the Nearby Share will see you as an available contact when sharing content with Nearby Share.
Some Contacts
With this privacy option, you choose the contacts that can be able to send content to your device.
Hidden
When you select “Hidden” This privacy option is a bit private, your contact won’t show up on any device. When turned on, no one would be able to see your device.
If using the “Some Contacts” privacy option, you will need to scroll down and select the contacts you want to allow to see your device. And only the contacts you choose will detect your device when your phone is on and unlocked.
When Nearby Share is turned-on on your device, you will be able to see a nearby device.
Then make a selection of the data usage. Choose how you want to share your files, either by sharing with data or without data. After making the choice you tap on update.
After you are done setting up the “Nearby Share” on your Android device, you can now use the feature.
How to use the Nearby Share
First of all, your device’s Bluetooth, Location, and Wi-Fi must be turned on. And you will need to find a receiving device with Bluetooth, Location and Wi-Fi turned on, and also has “Nearby Share” enabled, with the screen on, and the device unlocked.
Nearby Share can be used through different places such as web browsers and other apps. (Chrome for example could be used).
Plus: Depending on the device, Nearby Share could also appear as a shortcut on your phone screen.
The Nearby Share will then look for nearby devices. On the other end, the recipient device will receive a message that says “Device nearby is sharing” The receiving device then taps on the “tap to become visible”.
You are now visible to the receiving device and ready to send and receive files ranging from photos, videos, links, and other files.
Now once the receiving device is visible, it will show up on the screen of the sender’s device. Select the nearby device, and the receiving device will be asked to either “Accept” or “Decline” the content that is being sent.
On the receiving device, tap on “Accept”, and the file will be sent to the recipient. It takes only a second for the files to be sent across to another device.
