Google's version of AirDrop is aptly known as the Nearby Share, which allows Android phone users to share photos, videos, and other files among other phone owners.

While iPhone users have long been enjoying the AirDrop feature Apple, Google only dabbled in creating its counterpart for Android devices in 2020.

(Photo : Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 05: Visitors have a look at the new Samsung Galaxy Fold smartphone at the 2019 IFA home electronics and appliances trade fair on September 05, 2019 in Berlin, Germany.

The search engine giant introduced its Nearby Share feature last June 2020, which rolled out to millions of Android users in various parts of the world, as per a report by Android Central.

Given that it is still pretty recent since the renowned tech giant introduced the new Nearby Share feature, some might have missed it, and have no idea about it just yet.

How Google's AirDrop, Nearby Share, Works on Android

According to an article by Wired, the Nearby Share of Google supports millions of mobile devices. It is available starting on phones running Android 6.0 up to the latest Android 13.

Essentially, the news outlet noted that if you bought your smartphone brand new beyond 2015, you are likely to get your hands on a device that actually supports Nearby Share.

Given that, the currently widely-used Android 12 supports Nearby Share, as well as the latest Android 13 option.

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Visitors walk past the Android stand at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona on February 25, 2019.

The feature enables Android phone users to send files and photos to other mobile devices that are close to them. Wired notes that it uses various connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, Hotspot, Bluetooth, and WebRTC, to name a few.

The media outlet goes on to add that the Nearby Share feature works for Android phone owners for up to six feet of distance.

How to Turn on Nearby Share

Before using Nearby Share, you will have to enable it first, much like how Apple Airdrop works on iPhones.

And to do so, you will have to visit the Settings menu on your phone. Then select the "Device connections" option and look for "Nearby Share."

(Photo : Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
A visitor tries out a Galaxy Tab tablet at the Samsung stand at the 2013 CeBIT technology trade fair on March 5, 2013 in Hanover, Germany. CeBIT will be open March 5-9.

From there, toggle on the Nearby Share feature. Before it gets turned on, your phone might ask you to choose your device name and visibility. You could opt to be seen only by all your contacts, "Some Contacts," or completely "Hidden."

The last option allows you to be undetected by other devices, but you could still discover them when you will have to send files.

Read Also: TikTok: 'Nearby' Feed Under Tests as Social Media Aims to Display Local Content for All

How to Send Files Using Nearby Share

To cut to the chase, here's how to send photos, videos, or files using Nearby Share on Android.

• Tap the share button on the file or photo you want to share.
• Then, select the Nearby Share icon, which sports two twisted lines.
• Upon doing so, choose the person you wish to receive it.
• From there, it would start sharing once the other person accepts it.

Related Article: Google Self Share Makes File Transferring Easy for Chromebook or Android Users

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Written by Teejay Boris