Close Menu
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    • Home
    • Leadership Alliance
    • Exclusives
    • Internet Governance
      • Regulation
      • Governance Bodies
      • Emerging Tech
    • IT Infrastructure
      • Networking
      • Cloud
      • Data Centres
    • Company Stories
      • Profiles
      • Startups
      • Tech Titans
      • Partner Content
    • Others
      • Fintech
        • Blockchain
        • Payments
        • Regulation
      • Tech Trends
        • AI
        • AR/VR
        • IoT
      • Video / Podcast
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Home » WhatsApp’s new Nearby Share to enable file transfers without internet connection
    WhatsApp-724
    WhatsApp-724
    AI

    WhatsApp’s new Nearby Share to enable file transfers without internet connection

    By Zoey ZhuJuly 24, 2024No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    • WhatsApp is developing a new feature called Nearby Share, allowing users to share files without an internet connection.
    • The feature, inspired by Apple’s AirDrop, will work across different platforms, including Android and iOS.

    OUR TAKE
    The introduction of Nearby Share on WhatsApp signifies a major leap in file-sharing capabilities, eliminating the dependency on internet connections. This feature can be particularly beneficial in areas with unstable network coverage. By adopting a cross-platform approach, WhatsApp potentially sets a new standard for seamless, secure file transfers.

    — Zoey Zhu, BTW reporter

    What happened

    WhatsApp is reportedly developing a feature similar to Apple’s AirDrop, named Nearby Share. This was initially discovered by WABetaInfo in an April 2024 Android beta and has recently appeared in an iOS beta. Nearby Share will enable users to send various file types, including photos, videos, and documents, to nearby smartphones without needing an internet connection. This is particularly useful for transferring large files when network coverage is limited or unstable.

    On Android, the feature functions similarly to AirDrop, allowing WhatsApp to share files as long as your phone can find, connect to, and determine the relative position of nearby devices. Recipients must give permission to receive files. However, the implementation on iOS differs; users need to scan a QR code to initiate file sharing, as iOS does not support the nearby device detection method.

    The reason for WhatsApp’s switch to QR codes on iOS is unclear. Android Authority speculates it could be an added security measure to prevent malicious files, while 9To5Mac suggests it may be due to iOS limitations. Regardless, this development marks a significant step for WhatsApp in enhancing its file-sharing capabilities across different platforms.

    Also read: WhatsApp starts rolling out Passkeys on iOS  

    Also read: Meta’s WhatsApp unveils new AI tools for businesses

    Why it’s important

    WABetaInfo states that files sent through Nearby Share will be protected by end-to-end encryption, similar to all WhatsApp messages. Notably, the feature is set to work across different platforms, including Android and iOS, meaning users will not be hindered by OS limitations, potentially making it superior to AirDrop.

    Development on Nearby Share is ongoing, with Meta reportedly refining the tool’s design while working out the details regarding permissions and privacy measures. As the company continues to test the software, certain aspects will likely see adjustments over time and may not be included in the final version.

    There is no official release date for the feature yet. WABetaInfo claims that the launch date remains uncertain due to several factors. Nearby Share is currently unavailable to testers, but those interested in trying out other features can download the latest WhatsApp beta from Google Play and Apple’s TestFlight.

    AI encryption META
    Zoey Zhu
    • Instagram

    Zoey Zhu is a news reporter at Blue Tech Wave media specialised in tech trends. She got a Master degree from University College London. Send emails to z.zhu@btw.media.

    Related Posts

    HPE completes Juniper deal under DOJ terms

    July 7, 2025

    RigNet Pte Ltd: Delivers cyber‑secure offshore operations

    July 7, 2025

    Fujitsu Asia: People‑AI vision drives APAC digital growth

    July 7, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    CATEGORIES
    Archives
    • July 2025
    • June 2025
    • May 2025
    • April 2025
    • March 2025
    • February 2025
    • January 2025
    • December 2024
    • November 2024
    • October 2024
    • September 2024
    • August 2024
    • July 2024
    • June 2024
    • May 2024
    • April 2024
    • March 2024
    • February 2024
    • January 2024
    • December 2023
    • November 2023
    • October 2023
    • September 2023
    • August 2023
    • July 2023

    Blue Tech Wave (BTW.Media) is a future-facing tech media brand delivering sharp insights, trendspotting, and bold storytelling across digital, social, and video. We translate complexity into clarity—so you’re always ahead of the curve.

    BTW
    • About BTW
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Team
    TERMS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.