Sending files between Android phones has become extremely easy, and Nearby Share is the best built in tool for it.
You don’t need mobile data, Wi Fi, Bluetooth file manager apps, or any third party tools. Everything happens offline and instantly.

Most people still use WhatsApp to send photos or videos, and then complain that the quality becomes bad.
Nearby Share solves that.
It sends files in full quality, very fast, and works even when you have zero internet.

Let’s walk through everything clearly, just like a friend explaining how it works.

Also read: How to Use Split Screen and Pop Up Window on Android for True Multitasking

1. What Nearby Share Actually Does

Nearby Share uses a mix of technologies to transfer files:

• Bluetooth for discovering nearby devices
• Wi Fi Direct for fast file transfer
• Ultra low energy signals to connect quickly

This means the transfer happens offline, phone to phone, without losing quality.

You can send:

• Photos
• Videos
• Apps
• Documents
• APK files
• Audio
• Contacts
• Links
• Even entire folders

Everything stays instant and private.

2. Why Nearby Share Is Better Than Other Methods

Before jumping into the steps, understand why this feature is powerful:

• Works without internet
• Transfers files at high speed
• No quality loss
• No cables needed
• No pairing required
• Built into every modern Android phone
• Works with Windows too using “Quick Share”

It’s basically Android’s version of AirDrop.

3. How to Turn On Nearby Share

Nearby Share usually comes turned on by default, but check it once.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Google
3. Tap Devices and Sharing
4. Select Nearby Share
5. Turn it On

You can also pull down the quick settings panel and enable Nearby Share directly from there.

4. Set Your Device Visibility

You can choose who can find your device when sharing.

Options include:

• Everyone (best for quick sharing)
• Contacts only
• Your devices
• Hidden

Choose Everyone when sharing with someone beside you, then switch back later if you want.

5. How to Send Files Using Nearby Share

Sending is extremely simple. Just follow this:

Steps to send:

1. Select the file you want to share
2. Tap Share
3. Choose Nearby Share
4. Your phone will scan for nearby devices
5. Ask the other person to turn on Nearby Share
6. Tap their device name
7. They accept the request
8. Transfer starts immediately

Speed is very fast for photos and videos.

6. How to Receive Files Using Nearby Share

Receiving is even easier.

1. Turn on Nearby Share
2. Keep your screen on
3. Wait for the sender to find you
4. Tap Accept when you see the incoming request

Your file gets saved automatically in the correct folder.

7. Use Quick Share to Send Files Between Android and Windows

If you want to send files to your laptop, Nearby Share now works with Windows using Quick Share.

Steps:

1. Install Quick Share for Windows
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi Fi
4. Choose the file
5. Select Share to Windows

This makes cross platform sharing super smooth.

8. Tips to Improve Speed

To make transfer even faster, keep these things in mind:

• Keep phones closer
• Turn on Bluetooth and Wi Fi
• Disable hotspot temporarily
• Keep visibility on Everyone during sharing
• Keep the screen awake

You will get the maximum possible speed this way.

Also read: How to Improve Internet Speed on Android Using Built in Tools Only

Final Thoughts

Nearby Share is one of the easiest and fastest ways to share files offline between Android devices. It saves time, keeps quality intact, and removes the need for extra apps. Once you start using it, you’ll never go back to sending files through WhatsApp or slow Bluetooth methods.
Try it once and you’ll see how fast and convenient file transfers become.