How to use Nearby Share on Chromebook

Nearby Share is a feature that allows you to share files wirelessly between devices in the Google software ecosystem. It basically works like Apple's AirDrop, and the way it works is not much different. Nearby Share uses a variety of connection protocols to help you send and receive files quickly. When you need to send a file, the feature will display users around you, and when you select a recipient, they will receive a notification to accept or decline the file you send.

In addition to Android (version 6.0 or later), Nearby Share is now available on Chromebooks running Chrome OS 89 or later. In this article, we'll show you how to set up and use Nearby Share on a Chromebook.

Set up Nearby Share on Chromebook

First, open the Settings menu on your Chromebook by clicking the clock in the bottom-right corner of the screen to display the Quick Settings panel. Then click the gear icon to open the Settings menu.

In the Settings screen, look to the left menu and click on the “ Connected Devices ” tab.

Next, if the feature is available, you will see “Nearby Share” listed here. Click “ Set Up ” to get started.

First, name your device and click “ Next ”. This is the name others will see when they start searching for your device with Nearby Share.

The next step is to decide who can share data with you. You have three options:

• All Contacts: All users in your contact list can see your device. You will also be able to see all nearby devices with Nearby Share turned on.
• Some Contacts: You select specific contacts who will be able to see your device via Nearby Share.
• Hidden: No one can see your device. However, you can still see all nearby devices with Nearby Share turned on.

If you choose “ All Contacts ” or “ Hidden ”, then no further setup is required.

If you select Some Contacts, the system will let you go through your contact list and select each person. Scroll through the list and select anyone you want to allow to see your device via Nearby Share.

Click "Confirm" to confirm.

That's it for the initial setup, let's get started with the data sharing process with Nearby Share.

Using Nearby Share on Chromebook

Nearby Share works in two ways—sending and receiving. First, we'll cover how to send something on a Chromebook using Nearby Share.

First, click the App Launcher icon in the bottom left corner of your screen to see all the apps on your Chromebook or Chromebox. Then, open the “ Files ” app.

Find the file you want to share and right-click on it.

From the context menu that appears, click “ Share ”.

“ Nearby Share ” will be one of the options that appear, tap on it.

Available devices will appear here. Click to select the device you want to share files with, then click “ Next ”.

Once the device receives “ Accept ”, the file transfer will begin.

Receiving files via Nearby Share on Chromebook is also simple. When a device is trying to share data with your Chromebook, you will see a notification on the screen asking if you want to “ Recieve ” or “ Decline ”.

Click “ Recieve ” and the file transfer will be completed in a few moments.