Google offers Nearby Share functionality on Android, which allows users to share files, photos, videos, and links directly with other Android devices without having to rely on a messaging app. If this is your first time learning about Nearby Share or you haven’t made full use of the feature yet, the following post should help you understand what Nearby Share is, how it works, what kind of content you can share and receive across devices, and how to use it on your Android phone.

Developed by Google for Android, Nearby Share is an Airdrop-like file sharing service that is set to work on a variety of Android devices. You can share something with friends or family who are nearby without having to open a messaging or file sharing app and search for the device you want to send files to.

Nearby Share relies on various protocols such as Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), WebRTC or peer-to-peer WiFi via a WiFi network or a WiFi hotspot. The file transfer starts when you select a device that is paired with a contact in your area and the recipient accepts the file transfer on their phone.

To protect your privacy while using this feature, Google lets you change your visibility for Nearby Sharing between all your contacts and selected contacts, or keep it hidden from everyone. This way, you can prevent anonymous users around you from seeing your device name or sending you inappropriate content.