How to Use Google Nearby Share for Android and Windows Devices

Google has extended its file-sharing capabilities to Windows PC with the introduction of Nearby Share Beta for Windows.

The service was launched in 2020 for Android devices, enabling quick and hassle-free file transfers across nearly three billion users. Now, users can easily send and receive content between Android devices and Windows PCs.

The app can be downloaded and set up in minutes, and file transfers can be done automatically between your own devices, even if the screen is off, as long as both devices are logged into the same Google account.

Sharing files from Android devices to Windows PCs is easy, with users just needing to ensure that the Nearby Share Beta application is running on their PC. As the rollout continues, Nearby Share Beta for Windows will soon be available in select regions globally.

Google Nearby Share vs. Apple Airdrop: Which is Better?

If you use Android, you are likely familiar with Google’s suite of services and applications, including Google Fast Pair. One of Google’s lesser-known but handy features is Nearby Share, which allows you to swiftly and securely share files with nearby individuals.

Nevertheless, why choose Nearby Share over comparable services such as Apple’s Airdrop? Let us examine the advantages of Nearby Share and how they compare to Apple’s Airdrop.

The adaptability of Nearby Share is one of its main benefits. In contrast to Airdrop, which only functions between Apple devices, Nearby Share can be used on any Android smartphone operating Android 6.0 or later.

This means that Nearby Share is compatible with Samsung, Pixel, and Huawei devices, among the most widely sold smartphones in the market.

Speed is another advantage of Nearby Share. Powered by Google’s intelligent technology, Nearby Share enables the transmission of files between devices over Wi-Fi or mobile data swiftly and securely. This is particularly helpful for people who are constantly on the move and seldom have access to Wi-Fi.

In addition, Nearby Share was created with privacy in mind, so you can rest assured that your data will remain secure during sharing. You can securely exchange files with adjacent individuals without fretting about unauthorized access.

Airdrop is exclusive to Apple devices. This implies you cannot use Airdrop to share files with an Android phone user.

In addition, Airdrop can be picky about file transmission speed, with many users experiencing delayed or abortive transfers, particularly over Wi-Fi. This could be frustrating for those who must swiftly and effectively transmit enormous files.

Overall, both services have their advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, it is evident that Google’s Nearby Share provides a more flexible, dependable, and effective file-sharing experience. Nearby Share is worth contemplating if you use Android or are looking for a better way to exchange files with nearby individuals.

Prerequisites of Google Nearby Share

Google Nearby Share is an impressive tool provided by Google that makes it easy for individuals to exchange files with one another. This capability is available on Android and Windows devices, with specific conditions satisfied.

Users must first have a Google ID and be signed into their Google account on their device. Users must also enable their Bluetooth and location settings for Nearby Share to detect other nearby devices.

With these prerequisites met, Nearby Share establishes a peer-to-peer connection between two devices over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct.

Users can transfer files using this connection without requiring an internet or a cellphone connection. However, it is vital to remember that for the transfer to be effective, both devices must be within range of one other, hence the name Nearby Share!

To send files with Google Nearby Share, users must first open the file and click on the share icon. They may then choose Nearby Share as the sharing option, and their smartphone will begin searching for other Nearby Share-enabled devices in the area.

The user will be prompted to transfer when another device detects the file. The receiver will be alerted with whom the file is being shared and can choose whether to accept or deny the transfer.

Nearby Share is unusual in that it enables numerous file transmission techniques. Users can share files with everyone near proximity or select people from their contact list.

Files can even be shared anonymously, meaning the sender’s name and email address will be hidden from the recipient. Users may utilize this tool to safely share data without worrying about privacy.

In the next part, we will go over how to send and receive files using Google Nearby Share as a step-by-step guide and some important tips and tricks for making the most of this tool.

How to Use Google Nearby Share

Now let us look at how to utilize Google Nearby Share to send and receive files.

Before you can begin sharing or receiving files, you must first activate Nearby Share on your PC. Download and install Google Nearby Share Beta.

Step 1: Turn on Nearby Share

Open the Nearby Share Beta from Google and log in using your Google account. You are shown the different Receive file options on the left. A list of nearby recipients appears when your device detects another device with Nearby Share enabled.

You can share the file with everyone near you, select persons from your contacts list, or share anonymously. On the right, you see the option to send files from your PC to nearby devices, including your Android device, labeled “Receive from your device.”

Step 2: Choose the file to share

You can begin exchanging files after Nearby Sharing is enabled. Go to Files on your PC. Then, locate the file you wish to share. This might be a picture, a movie, a document, or anything else. Once clicked, the app scans and identifies all nearby devices that are available. Here, you see the app automatically user’s Bluetooth-enabled Android device.

Step 3: Click the Device Icon to Send

When you’ve chosen the recipient, press the Send button. The file will be delivered immediately to the recipient’s device through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct.

Step 4: Receive files

The receiver will be told that a file has been shared with them and will be allowed to accept or decline the transfer from the built-in Nearby Share on your Android. When the user accepts to receive the file, the file is received and confirmed with the display screen, as seen above.

Step 5: Receive files

If someone else wishes to share a file with you using Nearby Share, Nearby Share Beta on your PC will notify you. You may then accept or deny the transfer. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct will download the file to your device when you accept.

That’s all there is! You now understand how to send and receive files with Google Nearby Share. Whether you are sharing images with friends at a party or emailing essential papers to coworkers, Nearby Share makes file sharing simple and convenient without the need for an internet or cellular connection.

Conclusion

Google Nearby Share Beta for Windows and Android devices is a fantastic solution for transferring files quickly and securely between devices. The program is easy to use and has various advantages over other services.

It is a good alternative for consumers searching for a dependable file-sharing experience because it is compatible with most Android smartphones, including Samsung, Pixel, and Huawei handsets.

Nearby Share is more than a file-sharing platform. It also enables users to share and receive data fast and securely. The software was created with privacy in mind so that users may share data with confidence without fear of illegal access.

Google Nearby Share enables file transfers fast and effortlessly, regardless of where you are. Nearby Share Beta for Windows is the way to go if you need to transmit a huge file to a coworker or share vacation images with friends and family.

You may also explore some best secure managed file transfer tools for business.