How to send files with Nearby Share on your Galaxy phone

Nearby Share on your Galaxy phone allows you to wirelessly send and receive files with ease. Learn how to enable and use this feature to share photos, videos, and documents between compatible devices. Discover tips for sharing securely and handling sensitive information
Two Galaxy devices showing a photo-sharing interface with available contacts and apps.
Two Galaxy devices showing a photo-sharing interface with available contacts and apps.

How to send files with Nearby Share on your Galaxy phone

Notes
  • Availability of sharing features and functions will vary by device, carrier, and software version. To share files with your PC, you can use Link to Windows or the old-fashioned way using a USB cable.
  • Auto Blocker with Maximum restrictions enabled will automatically remove location data from images shared from the Gallery.
  • Before using Nearby Share, make sure to enable your Location, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. To transfer files to a non-Samsung phone, the device needs to have Nearby Share or be compatible with Ultra-wideband technology, as found on the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G and other Galaxy phones. If an LED View Cover is attached to the device, be sure to open the cover before sharing files. Do not fold the cover back.

Want to impress someone with your amazing photography? You can impress them even more by sending them your pictures wirelessly via Nearby Share. Before starting, make sure that you are signed into your Google account. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to a file you’d like to share and select it. Tap the Share icon, and then tap Nearby Share. Tap Turn on if needed.
    Share icon highlighted in the Gallery app
  2. Your phone will begin looking for another device. Hold your phone and the other device close together; make sure both devices are unlocked. The other device will appear under “Looking for nearby devices.”
  3. Tap Send when it appears. You’ll get a message that says “Sending.” When the transfer is successful, “Sent” will appear on your phone.
  4. If someone is sending something to you using Nearby Share, you will receive a notification on your phone. Tap the notification; if prompted, tap Turn on. From there, tap Accept to receive the file from the other device.
    Accept highlighted in Nearby Share pop-up

Sharing Precautions:

  • Use caution when sharing sensitive information. For added security, consider using Private Share instead. 
  • Devices running One UI 5 detect images containing personal information (e.g., IDs, passports) and prompt you to use Private Share if desired.

Why Is my phone discoverable to everyone?

When you use Quick Share, your device may become discoverable to everyone nearby by default. This can lead to unwanted contacts finding your phone unless you manually adjust the sharing settings. 
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How to change Nearby Sharing options in Quick Share?

You can adjust sharing options through the Quick Share settings.

  1. Using two fingers, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to expand the Quick panel on your Galaxy phone. Then, tap the Quick Share icon. 


      
  2. At the bottom of the "Who can share with you" pop-up, tap your preferred option:
  • No one: Your device won’t be discoverable to anyone. 
  • Contacts only: Only your saved contacts can discover your device.
  • Everyone: Your device will be discoverable to all nearby devices (default setting).
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Why should I change this setting?

Adjusting the Nearby sharing option ensures that only trusted contacts can discover your device. This prevents unwanted individuals from accessing your phone or sending you files through Quick Share.
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Secure Folder not visible in share panel

If Secure Folder app being absent from the share panel, follow these steps:

  1. Swipe down from the top right corner of the device screen to open the Quick pane, and then tap the Settings (gear) icon.
  2. Tap Security and privacy, and then tap More security settings.
  3. Tap Secure Folder. If Secure Folder was set to hide, tap Show from the pop-up.
  4. Within Secure Folder, tap on the More options (three vertical dots) icon in the top right corner, and then tap Settings from the menu.
  5. Turn on the switch labeled Allow background activity while locked, and then turn on Show Secure Folder apps in share panel. 
  6. Swipe down and tap Other security settings, and then turn on the switch labeled Show Secure.
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Additional Tips

  • Check settings regularly: Since the sharing option changes temporarily each time you access Quick Share, it’s a good idea to double-check the settings periodically. 
  • Use contacts only: If you only want to share with people you know, select ‘Contacts only’ for added privacy. 
  • Disable Quick Share When Not in Use: If you don’t frequently use Quick Share, consider disabling it when not needed to avoid accidental discoverability.  
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