How to Fix Nearby Share Not Working on Android

Before 2020, Android users needed third-party applications to share files and links between two Android phones. Later on, Google came ahead and introduced an innovative feature called “Nearby Share.” This feature allows every user to share quickly without any lag. But note that this feature is only available on Android devices running Marshmallow or a later version. 

Unlike Apple’s Airdrop, Nearby Share uses Bluetooth and sets up a Wi-Fi connection between two Android phones. Even Nearby Share allows users to share files wirelessly without the internet, but sometimes users encounter issues. Like when they scan a device to share, that device does not show up. So, here we will explain to you some ways to fix it. 

Fix: Nearby Share is not working on Android.

If there is an issue with Nearby Share, it is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. Based on my observations, Google has not acknowledged this issue. However, the problem may be caused by the user. And here comes confusion about which things are causing the issue. So, below, we are addressing a few things through which you can fix this issue if this is happening to you as well.

Note: The below fixes are the most common reasons for Nearby Share not working. Here, we are assuming that you are complying with standard Nearby Share requirements. Like compatibility, we enabled visibility settings, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, bringing the device closer.

Restart your phone.

The devices that you are sharing files with could be subject to disconnection. For this reason, you need to give your phone a new start. As you attempt to share files, background processes are running. Whenever this happens, we recommend restarting both devices and using Nearby Share again.

Reset the network settings.

After restarting the device, if the issue persists, it means there is some issue with the network. For this, you need to reset the network settings. This is considered to be in airplane mode, so don’t worry. The connection is lost when you use an airplane device. So, to reset that connection, turn on airplane mode for a few seconds and then turn it off. As a result, network settings will reset, and sharing will return to its original state.

Clear Google Play Services cache files.

A nearby share is part of Google Play Services if Google Play Services has stored cache files for a long time. Then it gets corrupted and causes problems with Google Play Services. As a member of it, it may be possible that Nearby Share will not work due to this issue. In such a case, we recommend clearing the cache files of Google Play Services. To do that, follow the steps given below.

1. Open the Settings menu on your phone.
2. Scroll down to the Apps section.
3. Now select Google Play Services from there.
4. Next, tap on the Clear Cache option.
5. That’s it, and you are done.

Update Google Play Services.

Google Play Services may have received a new update, and due to not updating to the latest update, Nearby Share is not working. For this reason, you need to update Google Play Services to the latest version. Although it is a simple process, to have a clear view, you can take the help of the below-given steps.

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Scroll down to the Apps section.
3. From there, select Google Play Services.
4. Now tap on App Details to go to the Google Play Services page.
5. Next, tap on Update and wait for it to complete.
6. That’s it, and Google Play Services is now updated.

Reset your phone.

This is the last fix you can try. Otherwise, you need to raise a help request with Google support. In the event of any settings disturbances, all bugs or glitches will be fixed after resetting the phone. As a result of the reset, the phone will return to its default settings. As a result, this is the last and most effective fix. To reset your phone, follow the steps mentioned below.

Note: Before the reset, ensure a backup of all your cherished files; otherwise, all of that will be lost.

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Scroll down to Additional Settings.
3. Tap on Backup & Reset.
4. Now tap on all straightforward content, including settings.
5. Following this, your phone will begin to reset and reboot automatically.
6. That’s it, and you are done.

Besides that, some users want to know how to use Nearby Share. To enable this feature, open Settings >> Google >> Devices & Sharing >> Nearby Share. Enable. Now to share files, find the file you wish to share and hold it for a second. Tap on Share> Nearby Share >> Select the phone with which you want to share. Now verify the shared PIN on the file-receiving phone. In a moment, the file will be shared and saved to your downloads folder or another folder you selected. These are things related to Nearby Share. If you have questions, feel free to ask them all below.

Frequently Asked Questions