How To Share Nexus 5 Content Via ‘Android Beam’
Don’t you hate the laborious and monotonous process of using the USB cable to transfer files between smartphones? Okay, it’s not that bad, but it’s still somewhat time consuming. Google has a simple solution to this problem: Android Beam.
What Is Android Beam
Designed exclusively by Google, Android Beam is a setting which allows users to share content on the Nexus 5 (and other select Android devices) by pointing it at another smartphone or device. Instead of using the USB cable, you simply point your Nexus 5 at another device and Android Beam sends the data via a wireless signal.
Note: both devices must support Near Field Communication (NFC) and have Android Beam enabled. If one of the devices doesn’t support NFC, or if it doesn’t have Android Beam enabled, you won’t be able to transmit/receive data using this method. The good news is that Google’s flagship smartphone, the Nexus 5, meets both of the prerequisites. Android Beam is turned off by default, however, so you’ll need to make some adjustments to your phone’s settings before you can beam data to other devices.
Steps To Enabling Android Beam
- Turn on your Nexus 5 and access the Settings.
- Tap the More… option under Wireless & networks.
- Tap the box next to NFC to enable near fear communication (AKA wireless data transmission).
- Tap the box next to Android beam.
Assuming you followed the steps mentioned above, you should now be able to transmit and receive data with other Android Beam-compatible smartphones and devices. When you are ready to use this feature, check to make sure the other device has NFC and Android Beam enabled.
Next, open something on your Nexus 5 that you’d like to share (e.g. webpage, text massage, picture, etc.). Now place the back of your Nexus 5 against the back of the second device (display screens should be facing away from each other). Within seconds, you should hear a sound or feel a vibration, indicating the two devices are connected via Android Beam. A message “Touch to beam” should appear on your screen. Tap your screen and your Nexus 5 will begin to transmit data to the other device. When the transmission is complete, a message will appear on your screen saying “Beam complete.”
Note: if the second device is compatible with Android Beam but doesn’t have the necessary app, it will automatically bring up a link on Google Play for the user to download the app.
Did this tutorial work for you? Let us know in the comments section below!
