You can now use Android’s Nearby Share on PC

Envy Apple AirDrop's convenient file transfer? Now, Android users can easily experience similar features! With the new Nearby Share Beta app, Android devices can be seamlessly file sharing with Windows 10 and 11 computers.

Installing Nearby Share app on Windows computer

Android system has built-in Nearby Share functionality since the Marshmallow version, and there is no need to download additional apps. But Windows computers need to download dedicated applications. Visit the official Android website and click "Start use beta" to download it. Please note that the function is currently in the beta testing stage and there may be some bugs.

[Related reading: Please consider these 5 security issues before installing any application]

After the installation is completed, you need to log in to your Google account. Even if your phone and computer use different Google accounts, the steps will be slightly more complicated. Using the same account will automatically complete the file transfer.

Set up Nearby Share app on your PC

After installing and logging in, you need to adjust some settings in the Nearby Share app. First, you can change the computer name (the default is the same as the Windows system name). This name appears on the receiver device where you share the file, and it is recommended to use a neutral name.

Next, you can set device visibility by clicking the "Receive from" drop-down menu. The default setting is "Your Contacts", which only allows your mobile phone contacts to send files. You can also choose "One" (allow all non-Apple devices to connect) or "Your device" (visible only for devices logged into your Google account). Finally, selecting Device Hide will require manual activation to be enabled for file sharing.

Click on the gear icon (settings icon) in the upper right corner of the application interface to find more options. In "Save Received Files to", you can change the location where the Nearby Share file is saved (the default location is the Downloads folder). To protect privacy, you can turn off the Send Usage and Diagnostic Data switch.

How to Send Files Between Windows and Android Devices via Nearby Share

After setting is complete, make sure that all devices participating in the sharing are unlocked and Bluetooth is turned on.

On the PC side, drag and drop the file into the open Nearby Share app, or click the "Select File" or "Select Folder" link at the bottom of the interface. Nearby Share will list nearby available devices and select the target device to start the connection. If you use the same Google account, the process will be completed automatically and the phone will receive a notification. You can open the file directly in Google Photos (pictures) or in the download folder. If the account does not match, you will need to accept or reject the file on your phone.

[Related Reading: Easily implement wireless sharing between Apple, Android and Windows devices]

Sending files from your phone to your PC is just as easy. Open the file in the mobile app, click the "Share" or share icon, and select "Nearby". As long as your PC is unlocked, you will see its name on the screen, click on it, and the transfer will start automatically or after you accept the prompt on the computer screen.

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