Share files or apps with Nearby Share

You can send and receive files or apps with Android devices near you.

Important: This feature may not yet work in your region. You may still find this sharing flow even if you have the latest version of the app. This feature is available for Android 6.0 and above.

Learn how to send files to devices near you through these videos in English

• When receiver's device has Nearby Share enabled on Files by Google
  
  Send and Receive files using Nearby Share in Files by Google

• When receiver's device doesn't have Nearby Share enabled on Files By Google
  
  Send files to devices near you using Nearby Share in Files by Google

Turn sharing on or off

1. On your Android device, turn on Bluetooth .
   1. From the top of the screen, swipe down.
   2. Tap Bluetooth .
2. Turn on Location .
   1. From the top of the screen, swipe down. 
   2. Touch and hold Location . 
      • If you don't find Location :
        1. Tap Edit  or Settings .
        2. Drag Location  into your “Quick Settings.”
3. Turn on Nearby Share .
   1. On your Android device, open Files by Google .
   2. At the top left, tap Menu   Settings .
   3. Scroll to Nearby Share .
   4. Turn on Nearby Share .

How Nearby Share handles your data

Nearby Share collects certain information to perform services on your device. Some of this functionality uses Google Play services. For example, Nearby Share collects:

• Your account and device names for purposes like system functionality and account management. For example, we use your account and device name to help other devices you share with identify the sender or receiver of the transfer.
• Contacts for purposes like system functionality and account management. For example, you can set up a list of contacts that you’re visible to and can share with.
• Usage information, crash logs, diagnostics, and other performance data for purposes like analytics.

The data that Nearby Share collects is encrypted in transit.

To turn Nearby Share off on your device, go to Settings Google Devices & Sharing Nearby Share.

Send files or apps

Important:

• In order for the recipient to get files or apps, your recipient's device must be running the latest version of Files by Google that includes "Using Nearby Share" note on the "Share" tab.
• If the receiver cannot update or install Files by Google app, receiver can still receive files or apps from any Android phone with Nearby Share. Go to Settings Connected Devices Connection Preferences Turn on Nearby Share.

1. On your Android device, open Files by Google .
2. At the bottom, tap Nearby Share .
3. Tap Send .
4. Select the files or apps you want to share.
   • You can share up to 500 files. When you reach the maximum number of files to share, you’re notified.
5. At the bottom, tap  Next.
   • A Nearby Share half sheet pops up where you can find Android devices near you.
6. Select the person you want to share files with.
7. After the files or apps are transferred, you’ll be redirected to the “Nearby Share” tab.

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Receive files or apps

Important:

• To receive files or apps, your device must be running the latest version of Files by Google that includes "Using Nearby Share" note on the "Share" tab.
• If you cannot update or install Files by Google app, you can still receive files or apps from any Android phone with Nearby Share. Go to Settings Connected Devices Connection Preferences  Turn on Nearby Share.

1. On your Android device, open Files by Google .
2. At the bottom, tap Nearby Share .
3. Tap Receive .
   • A Nearby Share half sheet pops up with the files or apps shared with you.
4. Tap Accept.
   • To delete all files transferred, tap Cancel.
5. After the transfer is complete, to find the files received, tap Browse Downloads.

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Troubleshooting issues

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

• To make your phone visible to the other user:
  1. From the top of your screen, swipe down.
  2. In “Quick Settings,” tap Nearby Share .
• On both devices, check if Bluetooth is turned on. Learn how to turn on Bluetooth. 
• On both devices, check if Location is turned on. Learn how to turn on Location. 
• Keep the devices within 1 foot (30 cm) of each other.
• Turn Airplane mode on and off.
• Turn off your device. Then, turn it back on.
• Make sure no one else shares content with the other device.

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