Modern smartphones allow you to store gigabytes of valuable information: from personal photos to work documents and application installation files. However, when the need arises to urgently move this data to another device, users are often faced with the limitations of standard methods. Cables get lost, Bluetooth is painfully slow, and cloud services require stable internet and load times. It is in such situations that the application comes to the rescue SHAREit, which has become the de facto standard for instant file transfer between gadgets.
This utility uses Wi-Fi Direct technology to create a direct connection between devices, which allows you to achieve transfer speeds tens of times higher than Bluetooth capabilities. You don't need a router, mobile operator or access to the global network - just two smartphones with the application installed are enough. In this article we will analyze in detail how to use SHAREit on Android, set up the connection and consider the nuances that will help you avoid common mistakes when transferring large amounts of data.
Many users download the application, but do not fully understand how it works, relying on automatic settings. While algorithms do simplify the process, knowing the basic mechanics will allow you to transfer files even in difficult conditions, such as poor signal conditions or between devices from different manufacturers. Let's dive into the world of high-speed data transfer and learn how to manage this process professionally.
Initial installation and basic configuration
The first step towards fast file transfer is the correct installation of the software. Find the application in the official store Google Play Market or on trusted resources if the store is not available. After installation, run the app and grant all requested permissions. For correct operation SHAREit access to storage, camera (for scanning QR codes) and geolocation services, which Android uses to control the Wi-Fi module, is critical.
On the start screen you will see two main buttons: “Send” and “Receive”. Before getting started, it is recommended to go to the profile settings to set a friendly name for the device. By default, a smartphone may be named with a set of random characters or a model, which makes it difficult to find in the list of available gadgets. Change the name to something that is easy to identify, such as “Samsung_S23_User” or “Work_Phone.”
⚠️ Warning: When you first launch the application, you may ask for permission to create network connections. Be sure to click Allow, otherwise Wi-Fi Direct will not activate and you will not be able to see other devices.
It is also important to check whether the wireless module on the system is enabled. Although the application tries to turn on Wi-Fi automatically, on some custom firmware or in power saving mode this process may be blocked. Make sure your screen does not go dark during setup as this may interrupt the pairing process.
☑️ Ready to transfer
The process of sending files: step-by-step algorithm
When both devices are ready, the transfer initiator must select the sending mode. Press the button Submit on the main screen. The application's file manager will open, where the data is structured into categories: images, videos, music, applications and documents. You can select individual files or entire folders. For mass selection, it is convenient to use the “Select All” function in the top menu bar.
After you have marked the desired objects, click the confirmation button, usually located at the bottom of the screen. The system will prompt you to select a recipient. If the recipient device is already in standby mode (the Receive button is pressed and the search process is started), it will appear in the list of available connections. Click on the recipient's avatar or name to initiate the connection.
In some cases, especially when pairing new devices for the first time, you may need to confirm the connection. A request to establish a connection will appear on the screen of the receiving smartphone. The user must press Accept, after which direct data transfer will begin. The speed of the process will be displayed in real time, showing the current speed in MB/s and the remaining time.
- 🚀 High speed: Transferring a 1 GB file takes less than a minute.
- 📂 Multitasking: Can send photos, videos and APK files simultaneously.
- 🔋 Energy efficiency: Battery consumption is minimal compared to uploading to the cloud.
- 🌐 Independence: Works without the Internet and tariff restrictions.
If you are transferring more than 100 photos, the application may offer to compress them to speed up the process. Disable this option in the settings if it is important for you to maintain the original quality of the images.
Do not interrupt the process by minimizing the application or locking the screen. Although modern versions SHAREit are quite stable, going into sleep mode on some smartphone models can lead to a break in the Wi-Fi Direct connection, which will require restarting the transfer from the very beginning.
Data receiving mode and connection security
To receive files, the user needs to go into standby mode. On the main screen, press the Getbutton. The application activates scanning of the airwaves in search of the sender. At this point, your smartphone creates a temporary hotspot or connects to an existing network created by the sender. This process occurs automatically and does not require manually entering passwords.
To increase security and speed up the search, you can use the connection method via a QR code. The sender selects the option to connect via QR code, and the recipient scans it through the built-in scanner in the application. This eliminates the possibility of accidentally connecting to someone else's device if there are many people nearby using SHAREit at the same time, for example, in an office or educational institution.
⚠️ Attention: Never accept files from unknown senders. Attackers can masquerade as legitimate users to transmit malware. Always check the device name before clicking the Accept button.
Once the transfer is complete, the files are automatically saved to the appropriate internal storage folders. Photos go to the gallery, documents go to the downloads folder, and application installation files go to the root directory or a special folder SHAREit. You can find them through any file manager along the path /Android/data/com.lenovo.anyshare.gps/files/ or through the standard "Files" application.
App transfer and backup
One of the most popular features of the application is the ability to transfer installed apps. This is especially true when purchasing a new smartphone, when you need to quickly transfer the entire set of familiar utilities. In the “Applications” section SHAREit displays all apps installed on the device, dividing them into system and user ones.
Select the desired icons and send them to the target device. It is important to understand that not just shortcuts are transferred, but full-fledged installation packages .apk. On the receiving side, after the download is complete, the system will automatically prompt you to install the app. This allows you to avoid re-downloading tens of gigabytes of traffic from the application store, which is important with limited mobile data.
| Data type | Average size | Transfer time (Wi-Fi Direct) | Transfer time (Bluetooth) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo (100 pcs.) | 300 MB | 15 sec | 12 min |
| Video (1 film) | 1.5 GB | 45 sec | 60 min |
| Application (Game) | 2.0 GB | 1 min | 80 min |
| Documents (Archive) | 500 MB | 20 sec | 25 min |
There is also a function to backup settings and data for some applications, although it does not work with all apps due to Android security restrictions. For a full backup, it is better to use the system’s built-in tools or cloud services, and SHAREit use it specifically for quick migration of installation files and media content.
Why are some applications not transferred?
System applications built into the manufacturer's firmware are often protected from extraction and transfer by third-party utilities. In addition, some banking applications and services with a high level of security block the creation of APK copies of themselves to prevent cloning.
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the reliability of the technology, users may encounter difficulties. The most common problem is that devices do not see each other. In 90% of cases, this is due to the fact that geolocation is disabled on one of the smartphones. In Android versions above 6.0, access to location services is required for Wi-Fi scanning to work. Check the settings and turn on GPS.
Another reason for failures may be an IP address conflict or a network stack failure. Try restarting both devices and starting the application again. Also make sure that none of the devices are connected to an external Wi-Fi network, which may take priority over the direct connection. Ideally, it is better to turn off the mobile data during the transfer so that the system does not try to switch data streams.
If the transfer starts but freezes at a certain percentage (for example, 99%), this may indicate a lack of free space on the receiving device or a damaged memory sector. Clear at least 10-15% of free space before mass transferring files. Also check whether Do Not Disturb mode or hard power saving settings are activated, which may kill the background receiving process.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you do not find the option you need, use the search in your phone settings.
The main reason for an unsuccessful transfer is disabled geolocation on one of the devices or an active power saving mode that interrupts the operation of the Wi-Fi module.
Alternative usage scenarios and web version
Few people know but SHAREit allows you to transfer files not only between smartphones, but also to a computer. To do this, you need to install a special version of the app on your PC or use the web interface. In the application on your phone, select the “Connect to PC” function and follow the instructions to create a bridge between devices over the same Wi-Fi network.
This method is convenient for quickly uploading footage from the camera to your computer’s hard drive without using wires. The transfer speed in this scenario is limited only by the capabilities of your router, but is still significantly higher than USB 2.0 in some cases. In addition, this allows you to manage your phone files directly from the monitor screen.
The application also has a built-in media player and download manager, which turns it into a content harvester. You can watch downloaded videos directly in the app interface, create folders and sort files. However, it is worth remembering that installing a large number of third-party file managers can slow down the system, so use these functions as necessary.
Is it safe to use SHAREit to transfer personal data?
Yes, the transfer occurs over a local Wi-Fi Direct channel, the data does not go to the Internet and is not saved on the developer’s servers. However, always check the name of the device you are connecting to to avoid files being intercepted by attackers in public places.
Why does the application require access to contacts and calls?
These permissions are often requested for social functions within the application (find friends, profile), but are not strictly necessary for transferring files. You can revoke these permissions in Android settings without losing basic functionality.
Is it possible to transfer files to iPhone via SHAREit?
Yes, the application is cross-platform. The principle is the same: install SHAREit on iOS and Android, make sure both devices are in transfer mode, and connect them. The speed will be high, but the pairing process may take a couple of seconds longer due to differences in the OS.
What to do if the transfer speed drops to Bluetooth levels?
This is a sign that the Wi-Fi Direct connection has not been established and the application has fallen back to the backup protocol. Restart both applications, turn off the mobile data and make sure that the devices are close to each other (no further than 5 meters).
Are files deleted after transfer?
No, the original files remain on the sender’s device. A full copy is created on the recipient's device. Removal occurs only if you manually empty the downloads folder or use the “Cleanup” function inside the application itself.