File transfer between two phones should be fast and without issues. For iOS users, data sharing between the Apple devices you use can be so simply done through AirDrop. But can one AirDrop from Android? Nope, since unfortunately, AirDrop only uses Apple so it is unavailable for Android. Thankfully for those with Androids though, there are a couple of wonderful options available to you, including two that are natively available as part of the operating system: Nearby Share and Quick Share. Several third-party apps also offer this capability, including AirDroid Personal.
In this article, let’s go inside the best ways to transfer file connections between Android devices, providing alternatives for transferring files easily and conveniently for Android users compared to Apple’s AirDrop.
Alternatives to AirDrop for Android
Nearby Share (Native)
AirDroid Personal: A Cross-platform Solution
Files by Google: Offline Sharing
- Nearby Share: Android Built-in File Sharing Feature
Android introduced Nearby Share in 2020 as an equivalent of AirDrop for Apple devices. Users can share files, photos, and other data across devices wirelessly with Nearby Share. The functionality is in-built starting from Android 6.0 Marshmallow and later versions, in addition to Chromebooks. For Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 10 and up, Quick Share serves almost the same purpose as Nearby Share.
How to Use Nearby Share:
Turn on Nearby Share: Open Settings > Google > Devices & Sharing > Nearby Share and toggle it on.
Choose Files to Share: Snap a photo or capture a video, tap the Share button, and select Nearby Share.
Locate Nearby Devices: This device will go through a list of nearby Android devices with Nearby Share turned on.
Complete the Transfer: Select which device you want to share with. The recipient will then receive a notification requiring acceptance or rejection of the transfer.
In general, Nearby Share is a nifty, native Android feature. However, sending multiple file types at a considerable size can be slightly slow. It only works on devices 30 feet close to each other and requires both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to work. Cross-Platform File Transfers from Android to iOS Device AirDroid is efficient if users need to transfer files between both their Android and iOS devices.
AirDroid Personal is one of the best cross-platform solutions for sharing files between Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. The nearby feature makes it easy to find and connect with other nearby devices from different operating systems or brands.
How to Use AirDroid Personal:
Download AirDroid Personal: The app will be downloaded on all participating devices.
Activate Nearby: Now go to “Nearby” from your host Android device and begin looking for nearby devices.
Start Transfer: Now choose the files you wish to share and press the Transfer button
Accept Transfer: The receiving device will then receive a notification that files are coming in.
Overall Experience: AirDroid Personal performs seamlessly across platforms. The app, apart from its file sharing functionality also includes file management, remote control, notification mirroring, and a feature of backup. This is further the reason why this app stands out with its very accommodating range of tools, especially for every kind of user’s different ecosystems of devices.
- Files by Google: Share Files Offline
Another best file-sharing app for Android users would be Files by Google, especially for people who want to share files when there is no internet. The app employs Wi-Fi Direct, which will facilitate the transfer of safe files within a matter of seconds without using mobile data.
How to Use Files by Google:
Download the App: Download Files by Google application on both devices.
Select Files: Open the app, locate the files you want to share, and then tap the Share icon.
Complete Transfer: The app will ask you to connect the device to another one through Wi-Fi Direct.
General Feel: File sharing with Files by Google is pretty straightforward and efficient. No internet connection is required, but the devices need to be close to each other, and the app has to be installed on the devices that want to transfer files to each other.
Advantages and Disadvantages of AirDrop for iPhone or iPad
Advantages of AirDrop
Fast File Transfer: AirDrop lets one share files, photos, videos, and other multimedia content at much higher speeds between Apple devices. The transfer of files via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is impressively quick upload and download – most notably for big files – without any need for an internet connection.
Smooth Integration: AirDrop forms a complete part of the Apple ecosystem; with seamless coordination among iPhones, iPads, and Macs. And none of it needs to be installed atop, nor some complicated connection to be laid out, which makes doing work on every other device quite effortless.
No Internet Needed: AirDrop works on local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you don’t need to use the Internet. It comes in pretty handy in areas where connectivity is poor or if one wants to share large files, which might otherwise burn your data.
Secure Share AirDrop provides peer-to-peer encryption, which means that file transfer between the devices is safe and your data won’t end up in the wrong hands. Only those in your contact list or those whom you choose can send or receive files.
AirDrop supports a wide variety of files ranging from photos and videos down to documents, contacts, websites, and much more. The reason is that it allows the sharing of any media file between Apple devices, from A to Z. This factor makes it an ideal medium in all respects for sharing just about every type of media across Apple devices.
Ease of use: AirDrop is pretty easy to work a few taps are enough to send or receive files. It’s easy to use, even for non-tech-savvy people.
Disadvantages of AirDrop
AirDrop is limited to Apple devices. This means you cannot use this feature to transfer files with any other device, apart from those manufactured by Apple, like your Android phones or Windows computers.
AirDrop uses Bluetooth and local Wi-Fi; thus, this type of transmission only works within a short distance, usually 30 feet. It is not good for transferring files over long distances.
Public Exposure Risk: You become much more exposed to receiving unwanted files from anywhere in public areas once you set the visibility to “Everyone.” You are powerless to receive those kinds of files that you would not want to receive hence, creating some privacy issues in this respect.
Battery Consumption: Very Convenient Although highly convenient, AirDrop uses both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for the transfer of data, which will, in all probability, consume more power than other applications and, by extension, reduce the battery life. Of course, you would not want to leave your AirDrop on if you do not need it since it is only a device that contributes to the depletion of the battery.
This means inconsistent performance. AirDrop will not work at times as it is supposed to. Some devices will not appear in the list, and transferring the processes may fail. These can be due to several reasons such as interference, software glitches, or connection hindrances which make one quite frustrated.
The transfers cannot be well managed: AirDrop does not provide good management of transfers. For instance, one cannot queue the files or track the progress of the transfer in an informative manner. It is a very basic one-time transfer, with no options to manage multiple files with additional options.
Internal link:
You can check another article by clicking here: Unlock Airdrop on iPhone & iPad: Easily Share
Last Words
File transfer between Android devices has become much smoother and user-friendly with the introduction of features like Nearby Share and other third-party apps like AirDroid Personal. For Samsung Galaxy users, Quick Share is the next best alternative, almost doing the same thing as AirDrop. For true cross-platform transfers or if you want more complex features, AirDroid Personal will do it all for you: flexibility, speed, and compatibility with nearly every platform.
FAQs About Android AirDrop
- Is an Android Device Compatible with AirDrop?
No, it is not. AirDrop is an Apple-only technology; however, nearbies for Android mobile and tablet devices to share files using Nearby Share or AirDroid.
- Can I Share Using Nearby Share with My iOS Device?
No. Nearby Share was established for Android devices running Android 6.0 or higher versions and for Chromebooks. To share across different platforms, iOS to Android, you would have to use apps and third-party applications like AirDroid.
- Can I Share Files Between Android and iPhone?
Yes. Applications, such as AirDroid Personal, permit one to share files between Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. AirDroid has smooth cross-platform sharing capability while providing additional functionality like file syncing and remote file transfer.
- Is There a Chance for Me to Use Nearby Share without the Internet?
No. Nearby Share relies on peer-to-peer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, which transfers files correctly without requiring an internet connection to do so.