Share files & links with Android devices near you

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

  1. On your phone, make sure Bluetooth and Location are turned on.
  2. Open your Settings app.
  3. Tap Google And then Device connections 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

  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 a device.
  5. Tap Send.
  6. You’ll get a message that says "Sending." When you get the "Sent" message, tap Close.

Get content from someone

  1. Ask your friend to use the “Share content with someone” steps above.
  2. 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.
  3. To get the content, tap Accept.

Choose who can share content with you

  1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
  2. Tap Google And then Device connections And then Nearby Share And then Device visibility.
  3. 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.

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