This is how fast file sharing works on Android

For some years now, you may experience Sharing nearby while sharing a file. It seeks to speed up and simplify file sharing with people around you. It also offers a slight amount of privacy protection so that you are not always visible.

While we’re at it, you could only share files with third-party file managers. By doing so, you had to give all possible permits to do their job. It was about a decent dose of courage and trust in the application. Here and there, the application contained malware and had access to all your data.

This is how Sharing near works

Select your file to share and tap Share. In addition to the classic in-app sharing options, you should also see the Nearby share option there. The system then checks to see if you have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and location turned on (which is used to detect nearby Bluetooth devices). If everything is in order, a search for nearby facilities will be performed.

Then the device you want to send the file to should appear there. If it doesn’t appear there, it’s possible that your device’s visibility is switched to Hidden, or you don’t have its email address in Contacts. You can check this by clicking on the gear (Nearby Sharing Settings). You can also set the View for some contacts – you select a few contacts for which you want to be visible.

Then confirm the sending and the recipient will receive a message that you want to share a file with them. It is then up to him whether to accept the file. If so, the transmission will start via Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC or Peer-to-Peer protocol (directly via Wi-Fi), even though you may be without an Internet connection, Gizmodo mentions.

More less than AirDrop

It’s just that Sharing Near doesn’t support Apple devices, but AirDrop doesn’t support Android either. There’s another major difference, AirDrop lets anyone with your Apple device see your device (if you have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location on). In terms of privacy, it’s a slightly worse thing than Android. But after all, you will still have to confirm the transfer yourself if you want to receive the file.

Both solutions are reliable, have stable speeds and are easy to use. Sharing nearby has another benefit – if someone in your area is currently using it, you’ll be notified to turn it on if you don’t happen to have it turned on. This is useful if you have forgotten or the recipient does not yet know about this option. It’s such a small invitation to discover this feature.