Google Nearby Sharing is a great alternative to AirDrop for transferring files between two Android devices. Recently, the ability to use Nearby Sharing has also been extended to Windows computers, making it easier than ever to share files between the two platforms. Just a few days later, we also now have an unofficial build of Nearby Sharing for macOS.
Using Nearby Sharing on Mac lets you seamlessly send files from your Android device to your Mac without the need for a third-party app. It’s just as good as using AirDrop to transfer files from your iPhone to your Mac. In fact, we feel that Nearby Sharing is even faster. So, if you use your Android phone with your Mac, here’s how to use Android’s Nearby Sharing with your Mac to transfer files.
But first things first.
How does Nearby Sharing work
Android introduced Nearby Sharing as a common protocol for transferring files between Android devices. It used Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to establish a connection between the two devices to send files wirelessly. While transferring files between two Android devices is mostly useful, you can now use Nearby Sharing to transfer files between Android and Windows as well as Android and Mac.
There are several ways to transfer files from Android to Mac that have existed for a long time. However, nothing compares to the seamlessness and ease of use you get with Nearby Sharing.
How to use Nearby Sharing on Mac
There is currently no official version of Nearby Sharing for Mac. However, extremely talented developer Gregory K has come up with an open source app called NearDrop that clones the Nearby Share server on your Mac. We’ll be installing this app on your Mac to demonstrate how you can use Nearby Sharing.
Setting up NearDrop
Step 1: Visit the link below to download NearDrop on your Mac. Make sure you download the latest version of NearDrop.app.zip document.
Step 2: Once downloaded, double-click the ZIP file to extract it on your Mac.
Step 3: Double-click the extracted file to open the NearDrop application.
You will most likely get an error saying that the application cannot be opened because the application is from an unknown source. Click the OK button. It’s time to fix the error using the System Preferences app.
Step 4: Use the Apple logo in the top left corner and click on the System Settings option.
Step 5: Navigate to the ‘Privacy & Security’ tab. You can find it in the left pane.
Step 6: Scroll down and you will see a message along the lines of ‘Neardrop.app has been blocked…’. Select the Still Open option.
Step 7: Use Touch ID or enter your password to authenticate the app.
Step 8: You will see a final error warning you about a possibly malicious app. Click the Open button.
Step 9: When the app opens, allow the app to access your network by clicking Allow.
Yes, that’s pretty much it. NearDrop will remain open on your Mac, and you can verify this by checking if the Share Nearby icon is visible in the menu bar.
Otherwise, just double-click the NearDrop app to open it.
Send files using Nearby Sharing
Now that NearDrop is up and running, here’s how to send files from your Android phone to your Mac using Nearby Sharing.
Step 1: Navigate to the file you want to send on your Android phone. We’ll show the process with pictures from the Gallery app.
Step 2: Long press on the file and select the Share option.
SStep 3: Tap Share Nearby in the share panel. Before doing this, enable both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your device.
Step 4: Select your Mac from the list of devices displayed.
Step 5: You will immediately receive a prompt on your Mac about an incoming file. Click on it to accept the file(s) and the transfer will be successful.
Your received files can be found in the Downloads folder on your Mac.
What to do if Nearby Sharing isn’t working on Mac
If your Mac doesn’t show up in the list of devices or file transfers get interrupted midway, here are some possible fixes:
- Turn on 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 as well as your Mac.
- Make sure you have given NearDrop the right permissions.
- Note that you must be near your Mac (within Bluetooth range) to use Nearby Sharing.
Frequently asked questions about Nearby Sharing on Mac
1. Is Nearby Sharing on Mac safe?
NearDrop is an open source application, so you can access the source code of the application to check for malware. The app is safe and you can use it to transfer data from your Android phone to your Mac.
2. Is Nearby Sharing the same as AirDrop?
While the technologies are similar, AirDrop is different because it only works between Apple devices. Nearby Sharing works between Android, Android and Windows devices, and even Android and Mac.
3. Can I use AirDrop on Android?
No, AirDrop is strictly limited to Apple devices only.
Seamless file transfer
Transferring files across platforms has always been a hassle. And that’s exactly why users have stuck with their respective ecosystems all these years. However, with Nearby Sharing on Mac, transferring files between Android and Mac is more seamless than ever. You no longer have to worry about using Android with your Mac!
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
