SHAREit app on Android: how it works, advantages and hidden risks

The application SHAREit has long become one of the most popular tools for transferring files between devices on Android, iOS, Windows and even MacOS. Its main advantage is the ability to exchange data without using mobile data or cloud services, which is especially valuable in conditions of limited traffic or weak Wi-Fi signal. But how exactly does this app work, how secure is it, and are there hidden pitfalls? In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects SHAREit —from technical features to alternative solutions.

Many users choose SHAREit because of the declared data transfer speed - up to 20 MB/swhich is several times faster than the standard Bluetooth. However, along with convenience, questions arise: is the application spying on your data? Does it consume too much phone resources? And why do some antiviruses mark it as potentially dangerous? Answers to these and other questions are given below.

What is SHAREit and how does it work?

SHAREit is a cross-platform application for wireless file transfer developed by the company Lenovo. It uses technology Wi-Fi Directthat allows devices to connect directly, without intermediaries such as routers or mobile networks. This means that you can send photos, videos, documents and even entire folders from one smartphone to another with a speed close to LAN connection.

The principle of operation is simple:

1. Both devices install SHAREit and enable the transfer function.
2. One of the devices creates an access point (hotspot), to which the second is connected.
3. Files are transferred over a secure channel (according to the developers).

It is important to note that SHAREit does not require an Internet connection - it is enough for both gadget were within range Wi-Fi (usually up to 10-15 meters).

In addition to file transfer, the application offers additional functions:

• 📁 Backup contacts, messages and applications.
• 🎮 Video streaming from phone to TV (via Smart TV or Chromecast).
• 🔄 App cloning - transfer of installed apps with all data to a new device.
• 📱 File management - built-in file manager with support cloud storage.

Advantages of SHAREit over Bluetooth and other transfer methods

If you compare SHAREit with classical methods of file sharing, its advantages become obvious after the first use. Here are the key advantages:

Another significant advantage is that SHAREit preserves the folder structure during transfer. For example, if you send a folder "Vacation 2026" with nested albums, it will remain the same on the receiving device, whereas Bluetooth usually “unpacks” everything into one pile. In addition, the application supports continuing an interrupted transferwhich is useful when exchanging large files (for example, movies in 4K or archives with games).

Security issues: myths and reality

Despite its popularity, SHAREit has more than once become the object of criticism from security experts cybersecurity. Main complaints:

• 🔍 Collection of personal data: The app requests access to contacts, location, storage, and even SMS (in some versions). Developers claim that this is necessary for features like backup to work, but independent studies (for example, from Kaspersky and Avastshow that SHAREit sends data to servers in China.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: in 2020, a critical flaw was discovered that allows attackers to connect to the device via SHAREit without the user's permission. The problem has been fixed, but the risks remain.
• 📦 Built-in advertising and unnecessary modules: the free version of the application contains aggressive advertising and also offers to install additional software (for example, games or utilities from partners).

B 2021 SHAREit was included in the list of applications banned for government employees in India due to suspicions of espionage. And in 2023 Google Play temporarily suspended its distribution due to a violation of the privacy policy. The application is now available again, but with the mark "contains advertising" and a warning about data collection.

⚠️ Attention: If you transfer sensitive data (documents, passwords, work files), it is recommended to use alternative methods - for example, LocalSend (open source code) or Nearby Share from Google. They do not collect unnecessary information and do not have a history of leaks.

Step-by-step guide: how to use SHAREit on Android

Install and configure SHAREit is simple, but there are several nuances that will help you avoid mistakes. Follow these instructions:

1. Installation: Download the application from Google Play (official page - com.lenovo.anyshare.gps). Avoid third-party sources (APK files) as they may contain viruses.
2. Permissions: When first launched, SHAREit will request access to storage, contacts and location. You can refuse unnecessary permissions in Android settings (Settings → Applications → SHAREit → Permissions).
3. Connecting devices:
   • On both phones, open SHAREit.
   • On one device, click "Send", on the other - "Receive".
   • Select files to transfer and wait until the QR code or device name appears in the list.
   • Confirm the connection on both gadgets.

Enable Wi-Fi on both devices|

Close background applications (especially instant messengers and games)|

Check free space on the receiving device|

Disable power saving mode (may interrupt the transfer)-->

If the transfer is frozen or interrupted, try:

• 🔄 Restart SHAREit on both devices.
• 📶 Switch to another Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (if you use it as an intermediary).
• 🗑️ Clear the application cache (Settings → Applications → SHAREit → Storage → Clear cache).

⚠️ Attention: If you transfer files between Android and iPhone, make sure that " iOSdevice). Otherwise In this case, the connection may not be established.Modem mode" (Settings → Cellular communications → Modem modeis enabled on the

Transmission speed: what does it depend on and how to speed it up?

The declared speed SHAREit - up to 20 MB/s - is not always achieved. In practice, users encounter values ​​from 2 MB/s to 10 MB/s. What does the speed affect?

• 📶 Wi-Fi module quality: Old smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy S7 or Xiaomi Redmi 4) support only the standard Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is limited by speed 150 Mbit/s (about 18 MB/s). Modern devices with Wi-Fi 5/6 work faster.
• 🔋 Background processes: If torrents are running on the device, downloads or video streaming, they “take away” bandwidth.
• 📱 Distance between devices: The further the gadgets are from each other, the weaker the signal. The optimal distance is 1-3 meters.
• 🔄 SHAREit version: In older versions (before 6.0), the speed was artificially limited. Update the application!

To speed up the transfer:

1. Switch to the channel 5 GHz in the Wi-Fi settings (if your devices support it).
2. Disable "Adaptive brightness" and "Auto-sync" - they consume processor resources.
3. Use the "Unlimited" mode in the battery settings for SHAREit.

SHAREit alternatives: what is better in 2026?

If you are confused by security problems or the functionality SHAREit is not satisfactory, consider alternatives. We tested several popular solutions and compiled a comparative table:

Our choice is LocalSend for users who value privacy, and Nearby Share for device owners on Android (since it is built into the system and does not require additional installations). If you need maximum speed and security is not important, you can try Xender, but be prepared for aggressive advertising.

Common problems and their solutions

Even such a popular application as SHAREitglitches occur. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:

• 🔌 The devices do not find each other:
  • Make sure that it is turned on on both phones Wi-Fi (not necessarily connected to the network).
  • Check if the firewall or antivirus is blocking (for example, Avast) network access.
  • Reboot both devices.
• 🐢 Slow file transfers:
  • Close all background applications, especially torrents and streaming services.
  • Try switching to another Wi-Fi channel in the router settings.
  • If you use Wi-Fi Direct, reduce the distance between devices.
• ❌ Error "Could not connect":
  • Update SHAREit up to the latest version.
  • Disable the VPN (for example, NordVPN or ProtonVPNas it may block the local connection.
  • Reset the network settings on your phone (Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).
• 📂 Files do not open after transfer:
  • Check the file extension (sometimes SHAREit changes it to .bin).
  • Use a file manager (for example Solid Explorer) to rename.
  • If this is an APK, allow installation from unknown sources.

⚠️ Attention: If SHAREit constantly produces errors, check if your device has "Developer mode" enabled to limit background processes (Settings → For developers → Background process limit). This may block the application.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions