Apple users have long enjoyed the simplicity of AirDrop for sharing files between devices. With a few quick taps, photos, documents and more are wirelessly beamed between iPhones and Macs.
Android lacked a similarly seamless solution until the 2020 introduction of Nearby Share – Google‘s answer to AirDrop.
In this comprehensive guide, you‘ll learn how to enable and use Nearby Share for wireless Android file transfers between phones, tablets and even Windows or Chrome OS devices.
What Makes Nearby Share the Android AirDrop?
AirDrop set the standard using WiFi and Bluetooth to instantly share files with Apple gadgets nearby. Users simply select AirDrop to see available devices, then transfer media or documents seamlessly without external networks.
Nearby Share matches AirDrop‘s workflow with:
- Quick discovery of nearby devices via Bluetooth + ultrasonic sound pulses
- Secure peer-to-peer WiFi connections for fast transfer speeds
- Support for sharing app content, links, media, documents, contacts and more
| | AirDrop | Nearby Share |
| — |
| Launch Year | 2011 | 2020
| Transfer Tech | WiFi, Bluetooth | WiFi, Bluetooth
| Transfer Speed | Photos: 3 seconds
4 min video: 30 seconds | Photos: 2-5 seconds
100MB video: 10 seconds
| Security | End-to-end encryption | Secure protocols
| Sharing Types | Contacts, documents, photos, videos, locations, Apple Pay | App content, contacts, documents, links, media, text
While AirDrop has a slight edge in polish, Nearby Share matches its functionality. And it continues to improve with updates.
Let‘s look at exactly how Nearby Share sends files wirelessly between devices.
The Tech Behind Nearby Share Wireless Transfers
Nearby Share uses a combination of protocols to discover nearby devices and facilitate quick file sharing, including:
- Bluetooth & Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Detects nearby devices and initiates connections
- WiFi Direct: Establishes high bandwidth peer-to-peer connections for fast data transfer
- WebRTC: Transmits data packets securely after WiFi Direct setup
- Ultrasound: Helps identify direction/distance to devices (Android 11+)
Supported connections and data speeds:
- 2.4GHz WiFi: Reliable transfers at up to 35 Mbps
- 5GHz WiFi: Faster transfers from 72 – 433 Mbps
- BLE: Slower 1 Mbps transfers for basic files
Compared to standard WiFi which routes traffic through a centralized router, WiFi Direct makes devices discovery and communication entirely peer-to-peer.
So you can beam files to another phone directly even without an external wireless network!
Latest Improvements
Recent Android 12+ updates include:
- Easier device discovery and connectivity
- Support for sharing with Windows and ChromeOS devices
- Directional proximity detection with sound pulses
- Faster transfer speeds
…and more enhancements in development.
Google continues refining Nearby Share to improve the Android sharing experience.
Now let‘s walk through getting Nearby Share activated on your device.
Step 1 – Enable Nearby Share
Nearby Share is supported on Android 6+ (Marshmallow).
To enable:
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Google > Device Connections > Nearby Share
- Toggle on Nearby Share
You should see your device name displayed on the Nearby Share screen. Feel free to rename it by tapping the current name.
By default, Android makes your device visible to all nearby devices for sharing. We‘ll adjust visibility next.
Step 2 – Configure Visibility Settings
Controlling exactly who can detect your device for sharing helps manage connections and privacy.
Under Device Visibility, choose from:
- Everyone: Any nearby device can see your availability
- Contacts only: Only your contacts will detect your device for sharing purposes
- Hidden: Only devices signed into your Google account can share (most private)
I‘d recommend starting with Contacts only to balance usability with limiting connections to only people you know.
Step 3 – Rename Your Device (Optional)
You can customize the name that displays when your device is visible for sharing.
This just makes it easier to identify your phone when sending files.
To rename:
- Tap the current device name in Nearby Share settings
- Edit name field
- Enter desired name
Fun, descriptive names work great. Just pick something recognizable!
With setup complete, let‘s walk through sending files with Nearby Share.
Step 4 – Share Files Wirelessly
Whether sharing a photo, video, document or app link, the Nearby Share process is straightforward:
- Navigate to file you want to share
- Tap share button
- Select Nearby Share
- Pick device to share with from list of those nearby
- Accept prompt on receiving device to begin transfer
And files begin transmission over the peer-to-peer WiFi Direct connection!
Actual transfer speeds will vary based on:
- File size
- Number of devices connecting
- Environmental conditions
But you can expect:
- Photos: 2 – 5 seconds
- 100MB video: 8 – 10 seconds
- 500MB video: 35 – 40 seconds
While not as fast as airdropping over dedicated wireless AC networking, it beats email, messaging services or cloud uploads for quick sharing!
Now for some tips on optimizing the connection.
Top Nearby Share Tips
Here are some handy pointers for improving Nearby Share speed and reliability based on my experience:
Get closer – Proximity impacts signal strength. Stay within 20 feet for best connectivity.
Mind your position – Avoid having backsides of devices facing each other, as antennas tend to be stronger projecting forward.
Enable 2.4GHz WiFi – The 5GHz band offers faster peak speeds but 2.4GHz provides more robust coverage for reliable sharing.
Stay unlocked – Keep device screens on and unlocked during transfers for optimal connectivity.
Limit background apps – Suspend battery intensive apps that may interfere with wireless signals.
Rename devices – Custom names help quickly identify your device when sharing files.
Turn off Bluetooth/WiFi scanning – Disabling these battery draining background functions can improve Nearby Share speed.
The Android AirDrop Alternative
While AirDrop remains the gold standard for effortless ad hoc phone-to-device wireless transfers, Nearby Share comes impressively close as a native Android solution.
Offering easy discovery of nearby devices, quick establishment of direct peer-to-peer connections, and secure transmission of media, documents and app data – Nearby Share convincingly matches AirDrop‘s functionality.
Combined with steady improvements in speed, reliability and cross-platform support, Android users can finally enjoy AirDrop-style convenient wireless sharing.
Give the steps above a try and let me know if you have any other Nearby Share questions!
