How Does Nearby Share Work?

Android introduced Nearby Share as a universal protocol for transferring files between Android devices. It uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect two devices and send files wirelessly (similar to AirDrop for Apple devices).

While it’s primarily useful for transferring files between two Android devices, you can now use Nearby Share to transfer files between Android and Windows, and Android and Mac.

There are several ways to transfer files from Android to Mac. However, nothing comes close to the seamlessness and ease of use of Nearby Share.

How to Transfer Files From Android to Mac With Nearby Share

There’s no official version of Nearby Share for Mac. However, the extremely talented developer Gregory K offers an open-source app called NearDrop that replicates a Nearby Share server on your Mac.

So, we will install this app on a Mac to demonstrate how to use Nearby Share.

Setting Up NearDrop

Use this link to download NearDrop on your Mac; download the latest version of the NearDrop.app.zip file. Once downloaded, double-click on the ZIP file to extract it on your Mac. Double-click on the extracted file to open the NearDrop app.

You may encounter an error saying the app can’t be opened since it’s from an unknown source. Click on OK. It’s time to circumvent the error using the System Preferences app.

Step 1: Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner and select System Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to the Privacy & Security tab. You can find it in the left pane.

Step 3: Scroll down, and you should see a message saying ‘Neardrop.app was blocked…’ Select Open Anyway.

Step 4: Use Touch ID or enter your password to authenticate the app.

Step 5: You’ll see one last error warning you about a possibly malicious app. Click on Open.

Step 6: Once the app opens, permit it to access your network by clicking Allow.

Well, that’s pretty much it. NearDrop will remain open on your Mac, and you can verify this by checking whether the Nearby Share icon appears in the menu bar.

If it doesn’t, you must double-click on the NearDrop app to open it.

Sending Files Using Nearby Share

Now that you have set up NearDrop, here’s how to send files from your Android phone to your Mac using Nearby Share.

Note: Enable both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both Mac and Android devices.

Step 1: Navigate to the file you want to send on your Android phone. We’ll be showing the process using an image from the Gallery app.

Step 2: Press and hold on to the file and select Share.

Step 3: Tap on Nearby Share in the share sheet.

Step 4: Select your Mac from the list of devices shown.

Step 5: Your Mac will instantly prompt you about an incoming file. Click on it to accept the file(s), and the transfer will take place successfully.

Your received files can be found in the Downloads folder on your Mac.

What to Do if Nearby Share Is Not Working on Mac

If your Mac doesn’t show up in the list of devices or the file transfer gets interrupted midway, here are some possible fixes:

• Enable both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your Mac and Android phone.
• Try sending a smaller file to see if it goes through.
• Restart your phone and Mac.
• Ensure you have granted the right permissions to NearDrop.
• Note that you must be near the Mac (within Bluetooth range) to use Nearby Share.

FAQs