Nearby Share Between Android and Windows: Easily Share Things on Windows

Sophie Green
2024-02-01
Home > Resources > Android Transfer (Backup) > Nearby Share Between Android and Windows: Easily Share Things on Windows

Summary

Seamless connectivity is a necessity to effortlessly share files between different devices. Enter Nearby Share, a feature bridging the gap between Android and Windows operating systems, makes cross-platform file sharing a breeze. In this guide, we'll explore Nearby Share between Android and Windows, including how to set it up and share files between Android devices and Windows PCs. Let's embark on a journey to simplify the way we share files across our favorite devices.

use nearby share between android and windows

Part 1: What's Nearby Share?

Nearby Share is a cutting-edge feature designed to facilitate wireless and swift file sharing between Android and Windows devices. Leveraging a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies, Nearby Share eliminates the need for cumbersome cables or third-party apps.

Its integration into both Android and Windows platforms ensures a seamless experience for users looking to share photos, documents, or any file type effortlessly. You can even send entire folders with just a few taps. However, you will need to download and install the Nearby Share app on your Windows PC.

Part 2: How to Set Up Nearby Share

Configuring Nearby Share is the first step toward unlocking its potential. From ensuring device compatibility to adjusting visibility settings, you can breezily finish the setup process on both Android and Windows devices.

For Android:

  • Open the Settings app and choose "Connections devices".
  • Tap "Connection preferences" > "Nearby Share".
  • Enable "Use Nearby Share", and then you can set "Device visibility".

set up nearby share on android devices

For Windows:

  • Download and install the Nearby Share app on your Windows PC.
  • Sign in with your Google Account and set the "Device Visibility" to choose who can share with you.
  • Then turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your PC. The setup is over.

set up nearby share on windows

Read also: 12 Reliable SHAREit Alternative Options for PC and Mobile Devices

Part 3: How to Share Things with Nearby Devices in Windows via Nearby Share

Once configured, you'll be ready to initiate and receive file transfers with just a few taps or clicks with Nearby Share between your Android and Windows devices.

2.1 Send Files from Phone to PC

It is a hassle-free task to share things with nearby devices in Windows using Nearby Share. In this section, you can send your files from a phone to a PC with Nearby Share, making the process as intuitive as possible.

Step 1: After enabling Nearby Share on your Android device and install the app on your computer, you can now navigate to the File Manager app on your phone to locate the files that you want to share.

Step 2: Select the desired files, and click "Share" > "Nearby Share".

Step 3: Click the icon of your PC, and then you will receive the files on your Windows computer.

share files from phone to pc via nearby share

2.2 Share Files from PC to Phone

Conversely, sharing files from your Windows PC to your Android phone is equally straightforward. Discover the simplicity of how to use Google Nearby Share on Windows to send files from PC to Android.

Step 1: Ensure Nearby Share is enabled on Android and Windows devices.

Step 2: Select the files that you intend to send on your PC, and right-click on the selected files.

Step 3: Choose "Share" > "Nearby Share" and your Android phone, and tap "Send". Then you will receive the files on your mobile phone.

share files from pc to android with nearby share

Or you can launch the app on your PC, and drag the files to the "Drop files or folders to send" area. Then you will get the files on your phone.

Further reading: Share Contacts on iPhone without Trouble (5 Fabulous Approaches)

Part 4: Why is Nearby Share between Android and Windows not working

Despite its user-friendly design, issues may arise. Part 4 addresses common troubleshooting scenarios and provides solutions to ensure that Nearby Share performs seamlessly between Android and Windows.

Here are some common issues and their solutions:

Nearby Share is not enabled on both devices: Please ensure that Nearby Share is switched on both your Android device and Windows PC.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are not enabled: Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your devices and turn on the features.

Device visibility settings are not configured properly: Check your device visibility settings when Nearby Share is in use.

Nearby Share app is not installed correctly on Windows PC: Please uninstall and reinstall the app on your computer.

Incompatible devices: Ensure that both your Android device and Windows PC meet the minimum requirements for Nearby Share.

Outdated software: Please update the OS on your Android phone and PC to the latest.

Part 5: Best Alternative to Google Nearby Share

Exploring alternative methods can be valuable when faced with compatibility or functionality challenges. Samsung Messages Backup, a comprehensive desktop app for file transfer and management between Android devices and computers, is one of the best alternatives to Google Nearby Share. You can back up and restore your Android data on your PC in 1 click, and preview your files directly.

This tool also allows you to manage your photos, contacts, music, and more Android data on a computer. Furthermore, it is widely compatible with most Android devices, like Samsung Galaxy S24/ Ultra/S24+/S24/S23 Ultra/S23/S22/S21/S20/S10, OnePlus 12/12R/Ace 2 Pro/11/11R/10 Pro/10/9/8/7, Honor, Xiaomi, Redmi, Sony, OPPO, Vivo, etc, ranging from Android 4.0 to Android 14.

Other highlights of this Nearby Share alternative:

- Export Android files to PC smoothly.

- Copying data from PC to Android is supported.

- File transfer between Android and Mac is seamless and efficient.

- Recognize multiple Android devices at the same time.

- Support Windows 7/8/10/11 and Mac OS X 10.9 or later.

- No ad or data loss.

Download the software to transfer files between Android devices and Windows.

download windows version of alternative to nearby sharedownload mac version of alternative to nearby share

Transfer files between Android and PC with this software:

Step 1: Install the software on your PC, and click "Android Assistant" to launch it. Then connect your Android phone/tablet to the PC with a USB cord.

Step 2: Choose "MTP" or "Transfer files" and enable USB debugging on the Android device. Then you will see the connected interface.

connect android to windows pc to share files

Step 3: Choose a file type, and select the files you'd like to transfer. Tap the "Export" icon to transfer them to your computer. To import data from PC to Android, you can click "Import" or "Add".

share files between android and pc with alternative to nearby share

Part 6: FAQs about Nearby Share

Q1: Why won't my Nearby Share connect?

There could be several reasons why Nearby Share may not connect. Common issues include incompatible devices, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity problems, firewall settings, or outdated software. Check the compatibility of your devices, ensure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled, and follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier to address potential issues.

Q2: Which Android devices support Nearby Share?

Nearby Share is available on Android devices running Android 6.0 or later. Most modern Android devices from various manufacturers, including Google Pixel, Samsung, TCL, and others, support Nearby Share. However, the availability may vary slightly depending on the device and the Android version it is running.

Q3: Can Nearby Share work on Windows 7/8?

Nearby Share is designed to work on Windows 10 with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 2004) or later. It is not officially supported on Windows 7 or Windows 8. If you are not convenient to update your Windows OS, you can use the alternative in Part 5 to transfer your files.

Conclusion

As we conclude this comprehensive guide on Nearby Share between Android and Windows, we hope you've gained valuable insights into simplifying your file-sharing experience and using Nearby Share without effort.

Even though Nearby Share is unavailable on your devices, you can use the alternative - Samsung Messages Backup, to share your files between Android and Windows devices. Embrace the seamless connectivity it offers and bid farewell to the complexities of cross-platform file sharing.

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Sophie Green Chief Editor

Sophie Green, Chief Editor of Samsung-messages-backup website, has been focusing on the realm of Android Recovery, Android Transfer (Backup), Android Device Tips, Phone Clean, and Phone Transfer technologies. Recognized contributions on leading platforms attest to her esteemed expertise and reliability.