Many Android users encounter an incomprehensible icon on the screen or notice strange processes in the task manager, wondering: shareit what kind of application is this on an Android phone. This is a popular utility for quickly transferring data between devices without using the Internet or mobile traffic. The app has won a huge audience thanks to its speed and cross-platform, allowing you to send gigabytes of information in a matter of seconds.
However, behind the external simplicity there are many nuances of operation SHAREitthat are important for every smartphone owner to know. From security settings to hidden memory cleaning features, this app can be both an indispensable assistant and a source of irritation if not configured correctly. In this material we will analyze in detail the principle of operation, advantages and pitfalls of using this software.
You will understand why this application is pre-installed on many budget models, how it interacts with the system and whether it is worth keeping it on the device constantly. We will look at real use scenarios when transfer speed is more important than the convenience of cloud services, and we will give clear instructions for managing the app.
Operation principle and technical features
The app is based on the technology of creating a local Wi-Fi access point. When you initiate a transfer, your smartphone Android temporarily turns into a router to which the recipient's device is connected. This allows you to achieve data transfer rates of up to 20 MB/s and higher, which is tens of times faster than a standard Bluetooth connection.
The key advantage is that there is no need to connect to a global network. All data is transferred directly between devices over a secure channel. This is especially true in places with poor cellular coverage or when roaming, where each megabyte of traffic is expensive.
⚠️ Attention: When operating in access point mode, some smartphone models may automatically turn off mobile data. Don’t be alarmed, this is normal system behavior to save resources.
The transfer protocol supports working with any type of file: from small contacts to large video files in 4K resolution. The data compression algorithm is minimized so as not to lose the quality of media content during transmission. To establish a connection, devices only need to be within the range of the Wi-Fi module, usually 10-15 meters without obstacles.
For maximum transmission speed, try to place the devices at a distance of no more than 3-5 meters from each other and make sure that there are no thick concrete walls between them.
Main functions and capabilities of the app
In addition to the banal transfer of photos, modern SHAREit has turned into a real harvester for content management. The developers have implemented many tools that make the application useful even without constant file transfers. The user gets access to a built-in media player, a download manager, and even the ability to watch videos in high quality without downloading.
The phone cloning function allows you to transfer all settings, applications and data from the old device to the new one in one session. This eliminates the need to manually configure each setting after purchasing a new gadget. The system automatically recognizes compatible apps and restores their functionality in a new location.
- 📁 Bulk sending: the ability to select thousands of files simultaneously for batch transfer.
- 🎬 Built-in player: play video and audio files directly from the app interface.
- 📱 Control from a PC: synchronization with a computer for convenient data backup to your hard drive.
- 🎮 Game Center: section with game recommendations and the ability to quickly install them on several devices at once.
The “Flight” function deserves special attention, which allows you to transfer files even in airplane mode, using only the Wi-Fi module. This is a unique scenario when the cellular radio modules are turned off, but the local network continues to function normally.
Instructions for installing and setting up a connection
The process of setting up a connection is intuitive, but requires following a certain sequence of actions for successful pairing. First, you need to make sure that the latest version of the application is installed on both devices. Outdated versions may not see new encryption protocols, which will lead to a connection error.
To start the transfer on the sending device, you need to click the “Send” button and select files from the gallery or file manager. After confirming your choice, the app will offer to create a group or find a recipient. At this time, the “Receive” button must be active on the recipient device, waiting for an incoming signal.
Menu → Settings → Security → Allow connections from unknownsSometimes the Android system may block an attempt to create an access point, requiring confirmation of rights. In this case, you need to go to the system settings and manually allow the application to change network settings. Without this step, the connection simply will not be established, and you will see an endless search for devices.
☑️ Preparing to transfer files
It is important to note that device names in the search list are generated automatically based on the phone model. If you don't see the device you need, try changing its name in the profile settings to make it more recognizable in the general list of available points.
Data security and privacy
The issue of security when using third-party applications for data transfer is always acute. Although SHAREit claims to use secure channels, transferring files over an open Wi-Fi network in public places carries certain risks. Attackers, in theory, can intercept the data stream if additional encryption methods are not used.
The application requests a fairly wide range of permissions during installation, including access to contacts, location and storage. This is necessary for the full functionality of the functions, but causes concern among adherents of digital hygiene. It is recommended to carefully review permission requests and disable those that are not required for your specific tasks.
⚠️ Warning: Never accept files from unknown senders in public places. Executable files (.apk) may contain malicious code masquerading as a useful app.
To increase the level of protection, use the connection confirmation function using a QR code or password, if available in your version of the app. This ensures that you are connecting to exactly the device you intended, and not to a fake access point created by a hacker near you.
Local data transfer is safer than the cloud only if you control the physical environment and trust the recipient of the file.
Problems with advertising and unnecessary software
One of the main complaints from users about the free version of the application is the abundance of advertising. Banners can appear in the most unexpected places on the interface, and pop-ups sometimes overlap control buttons. This is done to monetize the project, since the main functionality is provided for free.
In addition, the app often offers to install additional services, games or partner applications. Inexperienced users may accidentally agree to install junk software by clicking “Next” too quickly. As a result, the phone's memory becomes clogged with unnecessary utilities that slow down the system.
| Content type | Where it occurs | How to disable |
|---|---|---|
| Pop-up banners | At startup and completion transmissions | Settings → Notifications → Marketing |
| Game recommendations | Home screen of the “Games” tab | Hide the tab in the interface settings |
| Push notifications | Android notification curtain | Long press on the icon → Notifications |
| Autostart | Background process of the system | Battery settings → Limit background activity |
To minimize irritation, it is recommended to go to the settings of the application itself and disable personalized advertising, if such an option is available in your region. It is also worth preventing the application from sending push notifications through the Android system settings, leaving only important system alerts.
How to completely remove advertising without root access?
It is impossible to completely remove advertising in the free version without modifying the APK file, which is unsafe. The best way is to use the paid Premium version or alternative open source applications such as LocalSend.
How to properly remove Shareit from your phone
If you decide to stop using the app, simply dragging the icon to the trash may not be enough. Often, after uninstalling the main application, temporary files, caches, and created folders with transmission history remain on the system. To completely clean it, you need to perform several additional steps.
First go to the smartphone settings, section “Applications”, find it in the list SHAREit and click “Delete”. Confirm the action. After this, it is recommended to use any file manager to find and delete the folder named SHAREit in the internal storage. This is where all received and sent files are stored.
Don't forget to check startup. Some versions of the application register themselves in system services so that they start when the phone is turned on. If, after deleting, you see processes associated with the name of the developer, you should forcibly stop them through the “For Developers” menu or special cleaning utilities.
⚠️ Attention: Before deleting, make sure that all important files received through the app are saved in a safe place (for example, in Google Photos or on your computer), otherwise you will lose access to them.
In rare cases when the app was preinstalled by the manufacturer as a system one, the “Delete” button may be inactive. In this situation, only the “Disable” option is available, which will hide the application from the menu and prevent it from launching, but will not free up memory space completely.
Use the Files by Google application to search for residual files after removing apps - it automatically finds orphaned files (orphan files).
Alternative ways to transfer files on Android
The market for data sharing applications does not stand still, and SHAREit there are many competitors offering a cleaner interface and no advertising. One of the most promising solutions is the Quick Share protocol (formerly Nearby Share), built directly into the Android system.
This tool does not require the installation of third-party software and works at the operating system level. It uses a combination of Bluetooth for device discovery and Wi-Fi Direct for data transfer, providing high speed and security. For users of the Google ecosystem, this is the most logical and convenient choice.
- 🚀 Quick Share: a native solution from Google, integration with the system.
- 🔓 LocalSend: an open source application, without unnecessary water and the Internet.
- 🍏 AirDrop: standard for iPhone users (not directly compatible with Android).
- ☁️ Cloud services: Google Drive, Yandex.Disk for asynchronous transfer.
The choice of a specific tool depends on your needs. If you need to quickly transfer a photo to a friend with a different phone here and now, the built-in tools are ideal. If you need a mass migration of data from an old phone to a new one while maintaining the folder structure, specialized utilities may still be more useful.
Is it safe to use SHAREit to transfer bank documents?
Technically, transferring encrypted PDF files is safe, since the data does not go to the Internet. However, the risk lies in the human factor: if you make the wrong destination in the list of nearby devices, the file may go to the wrong place. For critical documents, it is better to use secure encrypted messengers or personal meetings transmitted via cable.
Why does SHAREit slow down your phone?
The application can consume a lot of resources in the background, scanning the network or indexing files. In addition, the abundance of advertising modules loads the processor and RAM. The solution is to limit background activity in the battery settings or replace the application with a more lightweight analogue.
Is it possible to transfer files between Android and iPhone via SHAREit?
Yes, the app supports cross-platform operation. To do this, you also need to install the SHAREit application from the App Store on your iPhone. The transfer speed may be slightly lower due to iOS restrictions on working with background network processes, but the functionality is fully preserved.
Do you need the Internet to use SHAREit?
No, the Internet is not required. The application creates a local Wi-Fi Direct network between devices. The only time when the Internet is needed is the initial download of an application from the store or updating its database, but the file transfer itself occurs offline.
Where are the files received through SHAREit stored?
By default, all received files are saved in the folder /Internal Storage/SHAREit. Inside it are created subfolders for different types of content: Receiver for received files, as well as separate directories for video, music and applications. The path can be changed in the app settings.