Share files with devices near you

You can share text, images, files or web pages with other Android and Chromebook devices that are nearby. You can also receive and connect to saved Wi-Fi networks sent from Android devices.

What you need

• Chrome OS version 91 and up. Learn how to update your Chromebook’s operating system.
• Android version 6.0 and up. Learn how to check and update your Android version.

Important: If you use your Chromebook at work or school, you may not be able to use these features with your phone. For more help, contact your administrator.

Set up sharing

Important: Nearby Share is off by default. To send or receive files nearby, turn on Nearby Share on your device.

1. On your Chromebook, at the bottom right, select the time Settings .
2. On the left, select Connected devices.
3. Next to “Nearby Share,” select Set up. 
4. Choose a name for your device and select Done.
5. Select your Device visibility. 
6. 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.
7. Select Confirm.

Tip: To turn sharing off, go to Settings Connected devices and turn off Nearby Share.

Share content with someone

1. On your Chromebook, open Files .
2. Right-click the file you want to share and select Share   Nearby Share.
   • To share multiple files, Ctrl + click the files you want to share and select Share  Nearby Share.
3. Select the device you want to share your file with Share. 
4. Once the receiver confirms the share, your file is sent.

Share content from apps

You can also share files from inside apps.

1. In the corner of your screen, select the Launcher  .
2. To find all of your apps, select Up arrow .
3. Select the app that contains your content and find your content within the app.
4. Select Share Nearby Share.
5. Select a device Share.
6. Once the device that receives the content confirms the share, your content is sent.

Get content from someone

Important: To get files from someone, your device must be visible to them. To make your device visible temporarily, on your Chromebook, select the time Nearby Share. Temporary visibility mode is on for 5 minutes, after which the device is no longer visible to nearby devices.

1. You get a notification that someone wants to share content.
2. Select your Device name and Device visibility.
3. Select Turn on.
4. To get the content, select Accept.

Choose who can share content with you

1. On your Chromebook, at the bottom right, select the time Settings .
2. Select Nearby Share Device visibility.
3. 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.

Turn on sharing temporarily

Important: If you want your device to be temporarily visible to everyone nearby, you can turn on your Nearby Share from quick settings.

1. On your Chromebook, at the bottom right, select the time.
2. Select Nearby Share.