Share files & links with Android devices near you

Important: Some of these steps only work on Android 6.0 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Turn sharing on or off

  1. On your phone, make sure Bluetooth and Location are turned on.
  2. Open your Settings app.
  3. Tap Google And then Devices & sharing And then Nearby Share And then Turn on.
  4. To turn off Nearby Share, tap Settings . Then turn off Nearby Share.

Share content with someone

Important: Your friend will need to accept the content you send. Learn how to get content from someone.
  1. Open the content, like a photo or webpage.
  2. Tap Share  And then Nearby Share.
    • You may need to tap Turn on.
  3. Hold your phone and your friend’s device close to each other.
  4. Under "Looking for nearby devices," tap your friend’s device.
  5. Tap Send.
    • You’ll get a message that says "Sending."
  6. When the "Sent" message shows, tap Close.

Get content from someone

  1. You’ll get a notification that someone is sharing content. 
    • If you haven’t already, to make your device visible, tap the notification. 
    • If you’re asked to turn on Nearby Share, Bluetooth, or Location, tap Turn on.
    • If you didn’t get the notification or if your friend can’t find your device, fix problems sharing content with these steps.
  2. To get the content, tap Accept.

Choose who can share content with you

  1. Tap Google And then Devices & sharing And then Nearby Share And then Device visibility.
  2. Choose your options: 
    • All contacts: Your device is visible to your nearby contacts while your screen is on and unlocked.
    • Some contacts: Your device is visible to nearby contacts you choose while your screen is on and unlocked.
    • Hidden: Your device is only visible when someone tries to share content and you make your device visible.

Fix problems sharing content

If you try to share or receive content, but it doesn’t work, try these steps:

  • On the receiver’s phone, to make your phone visible, swipe down from the top of the screen. In your Quick Settings, tap Nearby Share .
  • On both phones, check if Bluetooth is turned on. Learn how to turn on Bluetooth.
  • On both phones, check if Location is turned on. Learn how to turn on location.
  • Bring the devices close together, within 1 foot (30 cm) of each other.
  • Turn Airplane mode on, and then off.
  • Turn your phone off, then back on.
  • Wait until no one else is sharing content with the other phone.

Related articles

Was this helpful?
How can we improve it?