How To Easily Share Apps, Pics Etc Faster Without Using An App, Just A Feature.

Android Beam is a tool that allows you to bump two devices together to quickly share files, links and more, let’s see what it’s all about.

Before we begin

In one of our more restrictive customization pieces, this feature will only work on devices with at least Android 4.1 Jellybean, and only if they have an NFC chip installed and activated. You will need two of such devices to follow along, but we’re guessing you’ll try this with a friend at some point.

Also, while Android Beam is included in stock Android, your manufacturer or carrier may have removed, blocked or replaced it. I’ll be working from two Nexus devices today, I hope your experience is as easy to deal with.

Android Beam

As mentioned, Android Beam is a simple tool to share between devices. Sharing is app dependant, for the most part, but many apps are supported. For our usage, we’ve shared photos, web links, Maps locations and directions, YouTube video links and more.

The tool is pretty simple, at least in description, when you touch the devices together, making a connection between the NFC chips, a connection is established on your behalf and the ensuing sharing happens over Bluetooth. Point is, you need only trigger the file transfer with devices touching, the transfer will continue as long as you stay within Bluetooth range of each other.

SETUP

Before you can begin with this simple tool, you will need to make sure you are configured to go. Don’t worry, this is easy as well.

Open your main system Settings.
In the Wireless & networks section, tap More.
If it is not turned on, tap the toggle button to turn on NFC.
Tap on Android Beam and turn it on, if not already.

That’s it, go ahead and back out of here and head to your app or file that you’d like to share.

See Also 10 SIMPLE STEPS ON HOW TO MANUALLY UPGRADE ANDROID 4.4.4 TO 5.0 OR 5.1 LOLLIPOP

How to use Android Beam

Are you ready for the power of Android Beam? It’s pretty tough!

Take your two NFC enabled devices and touch them back to back to each other. You will likely have to try a few times until you line up the NFC antennas, they will be located in different places on most devices and must be very close together to take action.

When your NFC antenna align, you will get an audible and visual confirmation of connectivity.

Tap on the screen with the content to share.

I don’t want to make this sound too easy, but you’re done. The phones will handle the connections and transfers, in a few moments your receiving device will enjoy the same photo, file, video, directions, contact info…