How to Use Nearby Share on Android

Learn to share files, photos, and links instantly between Android devices using Nearby Share. Set up sharing preferences and transfer content wirelessly.

Enable Nearby Share in Settings. Open Settings and tap Google. Select Device connections, then tap Nearby Share. Toggle the switch to turn on Nearby Share. Your device will now be discoverable to other Android devices when sharing content.
Configure your device visibility. In the Nearby Share settings, tap Device visibility. Choose Hidden to only receive from contacts, Contacts to be visible to people in your contacts, or Everyone to be discoverable by all nearby Android devices. Select your preferred visibility level based on your privacy needs.
Set your device name. Tap Device name in Nearby Share settings. Enter a name that others will see when you appear in their sharing list. Choose something recognizable but not too personal, like your first name or a nickname. Tap Save to confirm the change.
Choose what to share. Open the app containing the content you want to share, such as Photos, Files, or Chrome. Select the file, photo, or link you want to transfer. Tap the Share button and select Nearby Share from the sharing options.
Select the receiving device. Wait for nearby Android devices to appear in the Nearby Share interface. Tap the name of the device you want to send to. The receiving device will show a notification asking to accept or decline the transfer.
Accept the transfer on the receiving device. On the receiving device, tap Accept when the Nearby Share notification appears. The transfer will begin immediately. Large files may take several minutes to complete, while photos and small files transfer in seconds.
Monitor transfer progress. Both devices will show a progress indicator during the transfer. Keep the devices close together and avoid interrupting the connection. Once complete, both devices will show a confirmation message and the shared content will be available on the receiving device.