How to use Nearby Share to share files between Windows and Android

Share files between devices It's often one of those everyday tasks that can sometimes become a headache. If you have multiple Android devices, a Windows laptop, or a Chromebook, you've probably looked for quick and secure ways to move photos, videos, documents, or links from one place to another without any hassle. Nearby Share may be the solution.

Nearby Share, known in Spanish as "Share with Nearby" or "Quick Share" After its recent update, it arrives as Google's direct alternative to Apple AirDrop and promises to make things very easy for those who want to exchange files in its digital ecosystem.

What is Nearby Share and how does it work?

Nearby Share is a native Google feature, designed to let you transfer files directly between devices that are physically close. Initially designed for Android (starting with version 6.0), it's also available for Chromebooks and, thanks to an official app, for Windows 10 and 11. All you need is compatible devices that are close together; you don't even need an internet connection for it to work.

The key is that Nearby Share uses different internal technologies such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WiFi and WebRTC to discover nearby devices and choose the fastest and most secure transfer method. The system detects and selects the optimal path based on the conditions, so you don't have to worry about what's being used at any given time.

The function allows Share everything from photos or videos to documents, links, contacts, Wi-Fi passwords, even entire folders and clipboard content.You don't need to install anything on Android because it comes standard on most recent phones and tablets, but on Windows, you'll just need to download a small free app from Google's official website.

Please note that Nearby Share not compatible with iPhone, at least for now. Sharing works between Android, Chromebooks, and certain Windows PCs, as long as they meet compatibility requirements and are up to date.

Prerequisites and supported devices

Before you start sharing files like crazy, it's a good idea to check if you have Everything you need to make Nearby Share work smoothly:

• On AndroidAndroid 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher is required. Just make sure your device has the feature enabled in its settings. Some manufacturers may have removed this option on older or highly customized models.
• On ChromebooksNearby Share is available natively in recent versions. Just enable it from Settings.
• On windows: You need Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit versions only), the official Nearby Share app installed, and a signed-in Google account.
• Not compatible with iPhone: : Nearby Share is not currently supported on Apple devices, although Google may release support in the future.

Also, for everything to work properly, it is necessary activate both Bluetooth and location (GPS) and, if possible, have access to a WiFi network, although an Internet connection is not required once the transfer has started.

How to enable and configure Nearby Share on Android

Activating and customizing Nearby Share is easy and only takes a few minutes.Here are the steps to get it ready on your Android phone or tablet:

1. Open the Settings from your phone.
2. Look for the section Connected devices or type “Nearby Share” in the search bar above to go directly.
3. Sign in Connection preferences and select Share with Nearby (may also appear as Quick Share).
4. Flip the switch Use Nearby Sharing or similar.

Remember that you always have to have Bluetooth and location turned onThe system may ask you for permission to enable these options if you haven't already.

You can then adjust who can discover your device:

• Your devices: Only for those with your Google account.
• Contacts: Choose specific contacts who can find you.
• Hidden: No one can see you unless you have the Nearby Share window active.
• All: Your smartphone will be visible to any compatible nearby device (you can limit this to 10 minutes if you want to avoid surprises).

You can also change the device name. to make it easier to locate, or set a generic name if you prefer privacy. In the same settings section, look for the option Device Name, edit it and save the changes.

Do not forget that Transfers will only work if the screen is on and unlocked, but you can modify the visibility levels according to your privacy preferences.

How to enable Nearby Share on Windows

To share files between your Windows PC and an Android phone, Nearby Share makes it even easier.. Just follow these steps:

• Download the official app Nearby Share for Windows from the Google website.
• Install the program and open it. If you want to always have it handy, pin the app to the taskbar by right-clicking on the icon.
• Sign in with your Google account. Assign a descriptive name for your PC so you can identify it more easily when you search for it from your mobile.

How to send files using Nearby Share on Android

Sending any type of file from your mobile to another compatible device is as simple as using the usual sharing menu.I'll explain the procedure step by step:

1. Open the photo, video, document, or file you want to send, whether from the gallery, file manager, or any other compatible app.
2. Press the button Share (the typical three-dot icon or the “send” icon).
3. In the list of options, search and select Share with Nearby (may be called “Nearby” or “Quick Share”).
4. Your phone will begin searching for nearby compatible devices. You'll need to have the feature enabled on the other device.
5. When the recipient's name appears in the list, tap it to send the file.
6. The other user will receive a notification to accept or reject the transfer.
7. Once you accept, the system will choose the fastest transmission method and send it.

The transfer is very fast, and the file quality remains intact, whether it's photos, videos, documents, or even Wi-Fi passwords. The process is the same for sending from Android to a Chromebook or a Windows PC (as long as the Nearby Share app is running on the PC).

Send files from Windows or Chromebook to Android

The magic of Nearby Share is that sharing is two-way.: You can send not only from your mobile phone but also from your PC. The procedure on Windows is just as easy:

• Open the app Nearby Share on your computer.
• Drag and drop the file or folder you want to share into the main application window.
• If you prefer, you can use the "Select Files" button to manually navigate and select the document.
• You'll see a list of compatible devices nearby that have the feature enabled. Select the target device.
• A notification will appear on your phone to accept the transfer. Once accepted, the file will be transferred immediately.

All received files are saved in the Downloads folder on your mobile or tablet., ready to open or move wherever you want.

The same goes for a Chromebook: Nearby Share integration comes standard, and the process is almost identical.

What can you share with Nearby Share?

The list of things you can send using Nearby Share is really extensive.These are some of the most interesting possibilities:

• Photos and videos without loss of quality from your gallery or Google Photos.
• PDF documents, Word, Excel, presentations and complete folders.
• Contacts, WiFi passwords, links or text from the clipboard.
• APK Apps (within the restrictions of the system).
• Files from Google Files or any other compatible manager.

All of this is transferred from device to device without going over the Internet, maintaining the privacy and quality of what you send.

Advantages and highlights of Nearby Share

Nearby Share stands out from other alternatives due to its simplicity and its complete integration into the Google and Android ecosystem.Some of its great advantages are:

• You don't need internet connection (the transfer is done locally).
• Compatible with most modern devices for Android, Chromebooks and Windows.
• Flexible configuration of visibility, privacy and data consumption.
• Fast and without loss of quality in photos, videos and documents.
• No need to install third-party apps nor use cables or external clouds.

Compared to traditional solutions like WhatsApp, email, Telegram, or the cloud, Nearby Share doesn't reduce photo size or require an external connection for transfer, making it the ideal option for meetings, offices, and homes with multiple devices.

Microsoft and Google have improved the integration between Android and Windows, making it easier to share files between mobile devices and computers in increasingly faster and more convenient ways, expanding interoperability, and facilitating hybrid workflows across different operating systems.

The process may seem lengthy, but in everyday life, you'll find that sharing any file is a matter of seconds. For users who work with photos, videos, documents, or need to regularly transfer files between their mobile phone and PC, Nearby Share is a must-have tool that simplifies the process without sacrificing quality or security.This way, you'll keep your files under control without relying on third-party apps or the cloud, and best of all: instantly and for free.