Android Beam – how it works

Android Beam is a handy feature for sharing data between devices. However, this has not been offered since Android 14.

Activate Android Beam and share data

If you want to quickly exchange data between two Android devices, Beam is a handy feature. If the phones have an NFC chip and are running Android 4 or higher, you can easily use the service. However, the feature was removed from Android 14 and later.

• To activate Android Beam, go to “Settings” on your device and select “Wireless & Networks” and then “More”.

• Activate the NFC switch. The “Android Beam” entry can be found there. Select it and activate the corresponding switch.

• Your device is now ready to send and receive files via NFC.

• To share, open a photo on one device, for example.

• Hold both Android Beam-enabled devices together with their backs facing each other.

• The device with the photo will display the message “Touch to beam”. If you now touch the screen, the other device will receive the photo.

• Of course, you can share not only photos, but also videos, websites, contacts and much more.

Android Beam discontinued – alternatives for newer smartphones

There are numerous ways to transfer data quickly and easily from one Android device to another – even without Android Beam.

• Beam’s successor is called Quick Share. All you need to do is activate your Wi-Fi.

• Another alternative to Android Beam is the Airdroid tool. This also allows you to transfer data to your PC.