Google Nearby Share, which is an Android alternative to Apple’s Airdrop, recently, received a major update with the inception of its Windows Beta client. It made it possible for users to seamlessly transfer files between Android and Windows devices without any hassle. Even we have a guide on how to use Nearby Share to transfer files on Android and Windows. Now, an unofficial macOS client is here to sync files between Android, Chromebook, and macOS.
Coming from the developer grishka on Github, the NearDrop is now available for macOS machines. It works perfectly if using the same network while receiving on macOS. There are some issues that don’t let the app send files from macOS to Android and Chromebook. However, you can receive files from both the Android and Chromebook. Still, it is a game changer for Android users who would be delighted to send files to macOS wirelessly.
Related: Google renames Fast Share, its upcoming version of AirDrop, to Nearby Sharing
Note: Enabling notification is much required for the app to properly function on macOS. It is promptly working on macOS Ventura.
Steps to use Nearby Share on macOS (NearDrop)
Table of Contents
- Download the latest build of NearDrop from GitHub.
- Install it by moving the app after unzipping it to Application Folder.
- Then, Open it, and confirm the popup of running an app from an unidentified developer.
- Now, give Notifications permission to the app, and make sure both devices are connected to the same device.
- On your phone, Select the Files you would like to share, and then press Share, Select the nearby Share option. (Note: Here’s our guide to sharing files using nearby Share on Android.)
- You will see MacOS on your smartphone as a target. It may take a few seconds to appear.
- Now, a notification will appear on your macOS, then click Options > Accept.
- The file will be transferred to your Downloads folder.
There might be some hiccups while using the NearDrop on macOS, but minor workarounds will make it work as revealed by Redditors.
Nearby Share is a major step towards cross-platform transfer for Android, and Chromebooks. It will ease the Android users to send or receive files on macOS. In the near future, we expect Google to officially lend Nearby Share support for macOS and other Operating systems.
FAQs related to use of Nearby Share on macOS
Google Nearby Share is a feature for Android users that enables them to transfer files wirelessly to other Android devices, Chromebooks, and now even Windows and macOS machines.
NearDrop is an unofficial macOS client for Google Nearby Share, developed by grishka on Github. It supports file syncing between Android, Chromebook, and macOS devices.
irst, download the latest build of NearDrop from Github, then install it by moving the app after unzipping it to the Application Folder. Open the app and confirm the popup of running an app from an unidentified developer. Next, give Notifications permission to the app, and make sure both devices are connected to the same network. On your phone, select the files you would like to share and then press Share, select the nearby Share option. You will see MacOS on your smartphone as a target. It may take a few seconds to appear. Now, a notification will appear on your macOS, then click Options > Accept. The file will be transferred to your Downloads folder.
Unfortunately, NearDrop does not support sending files from macOS to Android or Chromebook devices. However, it does allow you to receive files from both devices.
