How to Keep Android From Using Your Mobile Data
I love the Nearby Share feature in Android because it finally – finally – lets you transfer files to another Android phone, just like iPhone users have been able to do it with AirDrop since 2014. I’ve always hated having to go to third-party apps to make this happen on Android, so it’s a welcome relief that Google has finally entered the modern era (at least of file sharing).
However, there is one parameter that you will want to explore before you start zipping files between Android devices. This tip is kindly provided by Rich DeMuro , who was the first to turn it on my radar. While that doesn’t change the rules of the game, if you absolutely hate the idea of using a data connection instead of Wi-Fi – or prefer to have your phone use as little mobile data as possible for whatever reason – you’ll want to know about it.
Open the Settings app on your Android phone and type Nearby Share in the search box at the top. If that doesn’t work, swipe down on your phone screen to open Android quick settings, then swipe down again to open the full list of quick settings. Click on the pencil icon in the bottom left corner, scroll down and add Nearby Share, if it exists, in the quick settings menu. Tap on it and then tap on your profile picture to open Nearby Share settings.
In the Nearby Share settings, find the Data option:
Tap it and you will get a screen below where you can indicate that you want to use only your Wi-Fi internet connection for file sharing. If you’re feeling wild, you can also set up Nearby Share to not use your internet connection at all. If you do this, Android devices involved in the file transfer will be forced to connect directly to each other.
That’s all! While you probably won’t be using Nearby Share enough to cause problems with your data plan, it’s worth knowing about the feature, especially if you’re nearing the data limit imposed by your plan, or worse, if you’re already over it. month. Every little savings helps, doesn’t it?