Nearby Share and Quick Share | Difference & How to Use Them

Nearby Share and Quick Share are two popular transfer apps for file sharing on Android devices. While they work similarly, there are some notable differences between Nearby Share and Quick Share.

May by May Updated December 5, 2023
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A Brief Introduction of Nearby Share and Quick Share 

In the fast-paced world of technology, file sharing has become an important aspect of your digital lives. Nearby Share and Quick Share are two prominent transfer tools to help you transfer files between Android devices.

# Nearby Share

Nearby Share, a feature introduced by Google, aims to simplify the process of sharing files between Android devices. This wireless file-sharing tool utilizes a combination of Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi Direct to establish a connection between devices. The user-friendly interface and straightforward setup make Nearby Share an attractive option for Android users looking to transfer files effortlessly.

Nearby Share

# Quick Share

Quick Share is Samsung’s response to the growing demand for efficient file sharing solutions. Designed for Samsung devices, Quick Share facilitates file sharing between compatible Samsung smartphones and tablets. Quick Share combines Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct, designed to offer users a fast and reliable file-sharing experience.

Quick Share

How to Use Nearby Share and Quick Share to Transfer Files

Now that you know what Nearby Share and Quick Share are, how to use them to transfer your files? Follow the simple instructions below to do that.

# 1. How to Share via Nearby Share

Step 1: Locate and long-press the file that you wish to share and simply tap the Share icon (three vertical dots icon at the top right corner).

Step 2: Next, look for the Nearby Share icon > You’ll spot an icon labeled Nearby at the top or scroll through the list of apps to find Nearby Share.

Select Nearby Share

Once initiated, your phone will actively search for the other Android device. Identify the target device in the menu and tap its name. A four-digit PIN code will be generated on your device, offering a verification method for the recipient to confirm the file transfer.

# 2. How to Use Quick Share to Transfer Files

Step 1: Launch Quick Share on both devices > Access the Notification panel > Swipe down and locate Quick Share to enable seamless sharing.

Step 2: Open the specific files you wish to share > Long-press the file and then tap the Share icon within the app and select Quick Share from the array of sharing alternatives.

Select Quick Share

Step 3: The app will initiate a scan for nearby devices > Once done, select the target device to kick off the file transfer.

Step 4: On the receiving end, file transfer requests will promptly pop up > Accept the request to seamlessly conclude the file transfer process.

The Difference Between Nearby Share VS Quick Share

To truly understand the strengths and weaknesses of Nearby Share and Quick Share, it’s essential to compare their features comprehensively. So, what is the difference between Quick Share and Nearby Share? Here’s a simple Excel to make a comparison between them:

Transfer Apps

Device Supported

Transfer Method

Limitations

Nearby Share

Android

Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections

  • Limited when transferring Android to iOS
  • Required an internet connection

Quick Share

Samsung Galaxy Devices

Only Wi-Fi Direct

  • Limited when transferring Android to iOS
  • Limited to Samsung Galaxy Devices

Simply put, Nearby Share and Quick Share are both used for Android devices. However, if you want to transfer files from Android to iOS, iOS to Android, or iOS to iOS, what should you do? Luckily, there is an alternative app to help you manage your important files. Scroll down for more information.

FoneTool - Alternative for Nearby Share and Quick Share [Free & Safe]

FoneTool is a good phone transfer app for Android, iOS, and even Windows users. With the assistance of FoneTool, you can easily transfer data (such as music, photos, videos, documents, and more) on different devices. Some advantages of FoneTool are listed below:

Comprehensive Data Transfer: FoneTool supports the transfer of multiple data types, including contacts, apps, music, photos, videos, documents, and more.
Cross-Platform Capability: In addition to Android-to-Android transfers, FoneTool enables data migration from iPhone to iPhone without relying on iCloud.
WLAN Connectivity: FoneTool utilizes WLAN for the transfer process, but you do not need to be connected to a specific network to activate Wi-Fi.
User-Friendly Interface: FoneTool boasts a user-friendly interface, making the file transfer process straightforward for users of varying technical proficiencies.

So, how to transfer files from one Android device to another using FoneTool? Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Acquire the FoneTool app on both Android devices > Launch FoneTool and authorize WLAN access > Activate Wi-Fi without tethering to a specific network.

Step 2: Navigate to Connected Devices within the application > Choose Connect to Android to forge a secure link between your former and current Android devices.

Connect to Android

Tip: If you need to share files from Android to iOS, you can choose Connect to iOS to send your files.

Step 3: On your previous Android device, go to File Transfer > Handpick the files earmarked for transfer and kickstart the process by selecting the Send command.

Send Files

Step 4: Confirm the transfer on your target Android device. Upon the transfer is done, you can check your files on your target Android device.

In addition, if you need to transfer files between iPhone and PC, you can use the desktop version of FoneTool. Simply click the icon below to download the desktop version and dive into the rich functionality of FoneTool.

Download Freeware Win 10/8.1/8/7/XP
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The Bottom Line

That’s all about Nearby Share and Quick Share. This post has given a brief introduction to the two phone transfer tools and shown how to use them to transfer files on your Android devices. Besides, if you need to share files on other platforms such as iOS or Windows, you can make use of FoneTool. With the help of FoneTool, you cannot only facilitate efficient file transfers but also let you encrypt backup for iPhone.

FoneTool - All-in-one iPhone Data Manager

Transfer, backup and manage data on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch in an easy way.

  • iOS 18 Compatible
  • iPhone 16 Supported

Free iPhone Manager - FoneTool

  • Full/Selective Backup iPhone
  • Transfer between iPhone and PC
  • 1-Click Transfer iPhone to iPhone
  • WhatsApp Backup & Transfer
  • Fully compatible with iOS 18
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