You can use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC to share content with other devices near yours. You can share things like photos, videos, documents, and links.
Note: Some of these steps work only on Android 6.0 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
Turn sharing on or off
- On your phone, make sure Bluetooth and Location are turned on.
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap Google
Device connections
Nearby Share
Turn on.
- To turn off Nearby Share, tap Settings
. Then turn off Nearby Share.
Share content with someone
- Open the content, like a photo or webpage.
- Tap Share
Nearby Share.
- You may need to tap Turn on.
- Hold your phone and your friend’s device close to each other.
- Under "Looking for nearby devices," tap a device.
- Tap Send.
- You’ll get a message that says "Sending." When you get the "Sent" message, tap Close.
Get content from someone
- Ask your friend to use the “Share content with someone” steps above.
- You’ll get a notification that someone is sharing content with you.
- If you haven’t already, to make your device visible, tap the notification.
- If you’re prompted to turn on Nearby Share, Bluetooth, or Location, tap Turn on.
- To get the content, tap Accept.
Choose who can share content with you
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Google
Device connections
Nearby Share
Device visibility.
- Choose your options:
- All contacts: Your device is visible to your 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 while Nearby Share is open.
Fix problems sharing content
If you try to share content with someone, but it doesn’t work, try these steps:
- 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.