How to Use Google’s Nearby Share Beta App for Windows to Share Files Between Android and Windows Devices With Nearby Share [Step-by-Step Guide]

Transferring files between an iPhone and a Mac is always easy, but Android users often miss that feature, and some have even switched to iOS because of it. Previously, this was a significant issue that caused people to leave Android as their primary device. Later on, Google debuted its own file-sharing app and made a great takeover of Apple’s AirDrop. I agree that AirDrop is more impressive, but as a beginning, NearBy Share serves better than ever. After all, it uses Bluetooth and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi to share content.

Nearby Share is also available on Windows to share files between Android and PC. Surprisingly, even after two years of its launch, many people need to learn how to use Nearby Share and make things easier. Although it has a pretty easy-to-use UI and Google has also provided a support guide to use it, some still need more support. For this reason, we are here to explain everything you need to know about Nearby Share, along with some common fixes that may arise.

How to Share Files Between Android and Windows Devices with Nearby Share?

Nearby Share, as the name suggests, allows you to share anything with nearby devices. It uses Bluetooth, WebRTC, and Wi-Fi to set up connectivity and share files over it. Many people ask, “Does Nearby Share require internet?” The simple answer is no, since all the work is done over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Nearby Share is available on multiple platforms, including Windows. It is in-built into Android phones launched after 2019, but being a Google product, it is integrated with the Google Files app.

With Google Nearby Share, you can share any type of data, whether documented, audio, video, contacts, or anything you want. As I said, it is an excellent rival to Apple’s AirDrop. Most of you know these things, but you may need to learn the practical procedure for sharing files with Nearby Share. So, below we are sharing instructions and pre-requirements to know before proceeding. Let’s get started.

• Your phone must have Android 6.0 or above.
• Your PC must have at least Windows 10 or above, with the condition that such Windows 10 version should be 1803 or later.
• Your phone and PC should be within a maximum of 16 feet (5 meters).
• Both devices should have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.

Please fulfill the above requirements; otherwise, you can’t set up a connection between your phone and PC or share any data. After these things, the first phase is setting up and installing Nearby Share on Windows PCs and Android phones. There is no need for Android phones as it comes as an in-built feature, but you need to download and set it up for Windows. So, follow the below steps to do that thing.

1. Visit the Nearby Share downloads page and download it for your PC.
2. When the download completes, install the .exe setup file using on-screen instructions.
3. Now open Nearby Share on your PC and enter your Google Account (optional).
4. Under “Visible to others as,” enter your device’s name.
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5. Next, select the “Everyone” option under the “Receiving” section.
6. Finally, click “Done,” and your setup is now finished.

You have met the pre-requirements and set up Nearby Share on Android and Windows PCs. Now the wait is over because you can share files between your PC and phone. So, decide whatever you want to share and follow the below-mentioned instructions to learn how to communicate using Nearby Share.

Note: Here, we will let you know from both sides. First, we will tell you to share files from Phone to Windows, and next, from Windows to Phone.

Share Files from Phone to Windows

Note: The files shared from the phone to the PC will be saved in the downloads folder. However, you can change it by clicking the gear icon on the NearBy Share app on your PC, then clicking on the “change” option next to “save received files,” choosing your desired location, and you’re done.

1. On your phone, go to the photo, video, or document that you want to share.
2. Select the file and tap on the share option.
3. Next, select the NearBy Share option from the given menu.
4. Your phone will locate available NearBy Share devices.
5. Select your Windows PC from the available machines.
6. On your PC, open NearBy Share and accept the receiving request from your phone.
7. In a moment, your file will be transferred to your PC and saved in the downloads folder.

Share Files From Windows to Phone

1. Head to the files that you want to share.
2. Right-click on it and select “Send with NearBy Share.”
3. The NearBy Share app will open, and you can select your phone from the available device section.
4. Your PC will send a file to receive requests to your phone.
5. On your phone, accept the received request from your PC.
6. Your phone will receive and save the files.

Furthermore, using NearBy Share seems easy, provided you follow the steps mentioned here. Even though this thing is more straightforward, there are still a few common problems that people have encountered over the last two years. But we want you to avoid getting stuck with such common issues on your first experience. So, let’s look at some common tips to avoid such problems.

• Always set the receiving settings to “everyone.”
• Make sure to turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• Keep the devices within 30 cm of each other.
• Restart your device periodically.
• Ensure that no one else shares content with other devices.
• Make sure to turn on the location on both devices.

Conclusively, NearBy Share is a great and handy way to resolve the file-sharing problem between Windows and Android. Although it is currently in beta and only available in the US and some other countries, don’t worry; with these tips, you can easily share files between them. And, of course, if there is any issue from the developer’s end, they will surely address it. You should know everything about sharing files between Windows and Android. Even after that, if any user has a query, ask them below.

Frequently Asked Questions