Nearby Share Not Working – Windows to Android

This post has been Last Updated 3 months ago by Kunal

This is the ultimate blog post that has successfully assisted numerous individuals in resolving Nearby Sharing issues, whether it’s not working from Windows to Android or vice versa. These are proven tips and tricks that can instantly address and fix the problem.

File transfer between your Windows PC and Android device should be seamless, and Nearby Share is supposed to make it effortless. But what if it’s not working? Don’t fret! This guide will diagnose the issue and get your files flowing again in no time.

Nearby Share is a great tool for wirelessly transferring files between Windows and Android devices. If you’re experiencing issues, this guide will help you troubleshoot step-by-step.

Prerequisites for Successful Nearby Share

Before we dive into troubleshooting, let’s ensure your devices meet the basic requirements for Nearby Share to function properly:

Here are the requirements for the nearby share, to make sure you are following and fulfilling these requirements.

How To Fix The Nearby Share Not Working Windows To Android

Basic Checks

• Proximity: Ensure your devices are within Bluetooth range (ideally closer than 16 feet).
• Wi-Fi Network: Connecting both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (optional) can enhance stability.
• Restart Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues. Try restarting Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices.

Advanced Troubleshooting

This particular tutorial involves troubleshooting a Google Pixel 6 and a Samsung M33. Basically, I have faced the Nearby Share issue on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 with these Android devices. What I did to fix it, all those solutions are listed below. Feel free to read and apply these fixes, which I am going to share now.

1. Check Network Connection

Ensure that both your PC and Android are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. In my experience, I found that establishing a stable Wi-Fi connection significantly improved Nearby Share performance. For instance, when I encountered connectivity issues, double-checking the Wi-Fi settings on both my PC and phone resolved the problem.

2. Restart Your Devices

Restart your PC and device. I’ve noticed that a simple restart can work wonders in resolving connectivity issues. In my case, when Nearby Share wasn’t functioning correctly, a quick restart of both devices often did the trick.

3. Update Nearby Share

Ensure that Nearby Share on both devices is updated to the latest version. Check for updates on the Google Play Store for your Pixel 6a and the Microsoft Store for your Windows 11 PC.

Regularly updating the app has been crucial in my experience, as outdated versions might have compatibility issues. For example, when I faced transfer problems, updating Nearby Share resolved the issue.

4. Adjust Windows Firewall Settings

Check if the Windows Firewall is blocking the connection. You can try temporarily disabling the firewall or adding an exception for Nearby Share.

In my case, when Nearby Share failed to establish a connection, adjusting Windows Firewall settings proved helpful. You should navigate to “Settings,” then “Privacy & Security” or “Windows Security,” and look for “Firewall & network protection.” From there, choose “Allow an app through the firewall” and add Nearby Share to the list of allowed apps.

5. Review Bluetooth Settings

Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices, as Bluetooth connectivity issues can affect Nearby Share.

I recommend verifying that Bluetooth is turned on, as this has resolved issues for me in the past. For instance, when Nearby Share wasn’t functioning, rechecking Bluetooth settings on both my PC and phone helped restore connectivity.

6. Reset Nearby Share Settings

On your Android but for me it’s Pixel 6a, go to Settings > Google > Device connections > Nearby Share. Tap on the three dots in the top right corner and choose “Reset.” In my case, when I encountered persistent issues, resetting Nearby Share settings on my phone proved effective. You might find this useful if other troubleshooting steps don’t yield the desired results.

7. Check Your Google Account

Make sure you are signed in with the same Google account on both your PC and Pixel 6a. This step is crucial for seamless Nearby Share functionality. For example, when files weren’t transferring successfully, ensuring both devices were signed in with the same Google account resolved the issue.

8. Consider Alternative Solutions

If Nearby Share continues to be problematic, you may want to explore alternative solutions like Snapdrop. In your case, if Nearby Share isn’t meeting your expectations, trying out alternatives like Snapdrop, which worked well for me, could be worth considering.

Nearby Share Related Issues

1. Can’t Spot the Device You Need?

• Check Visibility:
  • In My Experience: When you can’t see the device you’re looking for, it often helps to toggle the discoverability settings on both your PC and phone. For example, when I faced this issue, a simple toggle refreshed the list.
  • Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Are On: Make sure both your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on and functioning properly. This is crucial for Nearby Share to work smoothly.
  • Restart Both Devices: A reboot can resolve various connectivity issues. When the device isn’t visible, restarting both your PC and phone can be a useful step.

2. Discovered Device, But Can’t Share?

• Verify Settings:
  • In My Case: If you can’t share to a discovered device, check if the target device allows file reception. I once couldn’t share files until I confirmed this setting.
  • Check Storage Space: Ensure there’s sufficient storage space on the receiving device. In my situation, insufficient space was the culprit for failed transfers.
  • Look for Restrictions: Check for any temporary sharing restrictions on the receiving device. Adjusting these settings might resolve the issue.
  • Try Different File Type: If you’re still having trouble, try sharing a different file type. This can help rule out format compatibility issues.

3. Files Moving at a Snail’s Pace?

• Optimize Speed:
  • Move Closer: Physical proximity can significantly improve transfer speeds. If files are moving slowly, consider moving closer to the receiving device.
  • Ensure Stable Internet Connections: Slow transfers may be related to network issues. Ensure both devices are connected to a stable internet connection if applicable.
  • Pause and Resume: If the transfer is dragging, pause and resume to potentially refresh the connection. This simple action might make a difference.
  • Consider Cloud Storage: For large files, consider alternative methods like cloud storage. This can be more efficient for hefty data transfers.

4. No Nearby Sharing Notifications?

• Adjust Settings:
  • Check and Enable Notifications: Ensure Nearby Share notifications are enabled in your settings. Notifications are crucial for a smooth sharing experience.
  • Restart the App: If notifications are still missing, restart the Nearby Share app on both devices. This can sometimes resolve notification-related issues.
  • Temporarily Disable Battery Optimization: If you’re still having problems, temporarily disable battery optimization for the Nearby Share app. This might be affecting notification delivery.
  • Reinstall the App: As a last resort, if all else fails, consider reinstalling the Nearby Share app on your Windows device if available. This can eliminate any software glitches causing notification issues.

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Alternative File Sharing Methods (Optional)

Recently, Google released its official Nearby Share app for Windows PCs. You can download it from the Microsoft Store, and it boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies connecting with your Android devices. For users facing difficulties with the built-in Nearby Share functionality, this app could be a worthwhile alternative.

While Nearby Share is the most convenient option, alternative methods exist if you need immediate file transfer:

• Bluetooth File Transfer: This older method is slower but doesn’t require internet connectivity.
• Cloud Storage Services: Upload your files to a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox and access them from any device.
• File Transfer Apps: Cross-platform apps like Snapdrop or Send Anywhere offer convenient file sharing without relying on Nearby Share.

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Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to diagnose and resolve any issues preventing Nearby Share from working between your Windows PC and Android device. Remember, basic checks often do the trick, but advanced troubleshooting options are available if needed. Don’t hesitate to explore alternative methods if immediate file transfer is necessary.

That concludes today’s blog post. In this post, we’ve delved into the various problems, solutions, and fixes for sharing files between Windows and Android, focusing on Google Pixel and Samsung M33 devices using the Nearby file-sharing platform.

These tips and tricks represent the strategies we’ve applied to address issues with Nearby Share not working seamlessly between Windows and Android, regardless of the direction of the file transfer.

If there are any doubts or something is not working then here’s the page to contact us.