How Nearby File Sharing Works on LendAFile
LendAFile Nearby is an opt-in discovery and invitation layer for Quick Share, Quick Request, and Rooms. It helps two nearby devices connect without copying a link, while the existing temporary sharing workflow still handles the actual file transfer.
How Nearby File Sharing Works on LendAFile
Learn how to share files with nearby devices using LendAFile Quick Share, Quick Request, and Rooms without creating an account.
What Nearby does
Turn on Nearby from the public navigation bar, allow browser location access, and keep at least one public LendAFile page open. After creating a Quick Share, Quick Request, or Room, choose Nearby and select one device. Only that selected device receives the invitation. Nearby does not broadcast a file or private link to every device it discovers.
Share files between a phone and PC
Create a Quick Share on the device holding the files, then choose the receiving phone or computer from Nearby. The recipient accepts and continues through the normal temporary download page. The same process works from a phone to a PC, between two phones, or between computers when both browsers can report sufficiently accurate nearby locations.
Request a file from someone nearby
Quick Request reverses the direction. Create the request, choose the nearby device, and the recipient can accept before opening the existing upload workflow. The sender keeps the normal protected request Room and can still use the link or QR code if Nearby is unavailable.
Invite someone to a Room
A Room invitation opens the existing join flow. The recipient still supplies a display name, and password protection still applies when the Room owner enabled it. Nearby never sends the Room password and does not weaken Room authorization.
Location and privacy
Nearby uses browser geolocation only after the explanatory prompt and browser permission step. The server holds coordinates and reported accuracy in a short-lived presence record so it can filter devices within the site-wide radius. Coordinates are never returned to another device, sent to GA4, or copied into normal analytics history. The presence expires shortly after all eligible tabs close or is deleted immediately when Nearby is turned off.
Device names and browser limits
Modern browsers often hide exact hardware models. LendAFile therefore uses reliable generic labels such as Windows PC, Android Phone, iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Linux PC unless the browser exposes a model. You can name the device locally; the sanitized label is visible only while Nearby is discoverable.
If no device appears
Confirm that Nearby is on in both browsers, location permission is allowed, and both devices have a public LendAFile page open. Location accuracy indoors may be wider than expected. You can always fall back to the existing private link, QR code, or Room code because Nearby is an optional connection method rather than a separate transfer system.
Try Nearby
Create a Quick Share, Quick Request, or Room, then choose one nearby device.
Does Nearby require an account?
No. It uses a temporary anonymous device identity stored in the browser.
Can every nearby device see my file link?
No. Discovery shows only a temporary device label. The invitation destination is delivered only after you select one device.
Does a Nearby Room invitation bypass the password?
No. The normal Room name and password checks still apply.
Is my precise location shown to other users?
No. Other devices receive only a temporary public device ID, sanitized label, and broad device category.