WhatsApp is an instant messaging platform where you can share media files, documents, etc, over the internet. Now, you might not need an internet connection on your smartphone to share files via WhatsApp. What’s more interesting is that offline file sharing via WhatsApp works between Android and iPhone.
By default, the iPhone has AirDrop to share contacts, files, photos, and much more with other Apple devices. Similarly, you have Quick Share for Android devices. WhatsApp is trying to replace these sharing options with a new feature called, “People nearby.”
The People nearby feature has been rolled out as a testing feature in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.22 and iOS 24.15.10.70. This feature will be officially available for all smartphones with the future update.
If you want to test this feature on your Android Smartphone, you can to enroll in Google Play Beta Program. Unfortunately, this program is not accepting participants as it has reached the maximum number of testers. On the other hand, iPhone users need to enroll in the TestFlight Beta Program.
How Do People Nearby Feature Works on WhatsApp
This feature is under development, and no details were found on how it might work. Since it does not use WiFi, it might use Bluetooth technology to detect nearby devices and share files offline.
WhatsApp Beta has announced that this feature is in the early stage of development. However, the final implementation might change significantly before its official release. The only clear update about the WhatsApp offline file-sharing feature was that it uses a QR code to scan and share files.
You need to scan the QR code shown on the other phone’s WhatsApp to send and receive the media files offline.
Advantages of Sharing Files Offline Using WhatsApp
- This feature will be of great help when you want to share files offline in rural areas without the Internet.
- It helps you share photos and videos that you have captured during your travels without worrying about roaming charges.
- Sharing high-resolution photos, videos, and documents without the internet can help you save mobile data to a greater extent.
- It is compatible with sharing files between Android phones and iPhones.
- You can share the files privately, and only the intended recipients can access the content.
That’s all about the new People nearby feature which is under development. When this feature is officially released for Android and iPhone, we will let you know how to use it to share files offline.