- Nearby Share allows you to easily transfer files between Android y Windows without cables.
- It does not require an Internet connection and guarantees security with manual acceptance of each shipment.
- It's fast, easy to set up, and supports photos, videos, documents, and more.
- There are alternatives like MobileTrans for larger or specific transfers.
Can you imagine being able to transfer files between your Android phone and your Windows PC in a matter of seconds, without the need for cables, cloud accounts, or messaging apps? Thanks to Nearby Share, a feature developed by Google, it's now possible to share photos, videos, documents, and more between devices easily and quickly. There's no excuse to keep sending them. emails just to move a file from mobile to computer.
Nearby Share is here to simplify file transfers, and most importantly, it's now also compatible with Windows, which is a leap forward compared to previous alternatives. To get the most out of this tool, here you'll find structured information about its advantages, limitations, and some helpful tips.
What is Nearby Share and how does it work?
Nearby Share is a technology created by Google to facilitate wireless file sharing between Android devices and, more recently, also with Windows 10 or 11 computers. Since its launch in 2020, it has become one of the preferred alternatives for users to quickly transfer photos, videos, folders, documents, and more, without cables or complications.
The goal of Nearby Share is very clear: Make file sharing as easy as select, tap, and sendThe feature automatically selects the fastest available technology, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or WebRTC, based on the circumstances and the proximity of the devices. It doesn't require an internet connection and works as long as both devices are nearby and have the feature enabled.
On Android, Nearby Share is fully integrated since version 6.0 (Marshmallow), so you don't need to install anything additional on your phone. For Windows PCs, you do need to install an additional app, but setup is quick and easy.
Why use Nearby Share to share files?
Sending files between devices has always been a cumbersome task, especially when it involves different systems. Before Nearby Share, solutions like emailing, uploading to the cloud, or connecting with a cable USB were common.
Nearby Share eliminates these intermediate steps and reduces There transfer to a minimum, facilitating the management of documents and multimedia files in both professional and personal contexts. In addition, it offers advantages such as:
- You don't need an Internet connection: Transfer is performed between devices using Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi Direct.
- Speed and security: The transfer is fast and always requires acceptance to ensure control and security.
- Wide compatibility: Works with Android 6.0 or higher phones and Windows 10/11 PCs with Bluetooth.
- Simplicity: Just select the file, share it, and choose the destination device.
How to install and configure Nearby Share on Windows
To share files between your PC and your Android phone, follow these quick setup and configuration steps:
- Go to the official Google page to download Nearby Share on your PC. If it's not available in your country, you can use a VPN or search for an alternative link.
- Download and install the application compatible with Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11.
- Open the app and follow the instructions: sign in with your Google account (optional, but recommended).
- Once set up, you'll be ready to receive files; the app runs in the background, and your PC will be visible for sharing from your phone.
Steps to transfer files from Android to PC (and vice versa)
Using Nearby Share is very intuitive both ways. To send a file from your mobile to your PC, or from your PC to your mobile, follow these steps:
- From Android: Select the file, tap Share, and choose "Send with Nearby." You'll see nearby devices; select your PC and accept the transfer in the notification on your computer. The file will be saved to your computer. Downloads.
- From the PC: Open Nearby Share, drag the file or use the send menu, select your phone from the list, and accept the transfer on your phone.
Remember that both devices must have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, be close together, and have Nearby Share visibility enabled.
Requirements and recommended configurations
For Nearby Share to work properly, consider these requirements:
- On mobile or tablet: Android 6.0 or higher, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, location enabled.
- On PC: Windows 10 (since 2018) or Windows 11, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, app installed and configured.
- It is recommended to sign in with Google and adjust visibility to facilitate detections.
Privacy settings allow you to adjust who can find you and see your devices, and it's recommended that you configure them according to your security preferences. You can find out how to manage visibility in Windows here..
What types of files and features does Nearby Share allow?
What files can I send with Nearby Share? The tool is very versatile and supports:
- Photos, videos and multimedia files.
- Documents in PDF, Word, Excel and other formats.
- Audio files and entire folders.
- Contacts, saved passwords, text, apps and content clipboard.
It also allows sharing web links and data between several apps compatible, as long as the recipient accepts the transfer.
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