It is being said that WhatsApp has been working on a nearby file-sharing feature for Android users for some time now that uses Bluetooth to transfer files. This feature was first reported in January 2024, but it has not even appeared on the beta version of the app. Now a new report claims that the instant messaging platform is adding more improvements to the feature and it may be rolled out in beta soon. Notably, it is also reported that the company is also working on the Favorites tab.

there was a new feature spotted WhatsApp feature tracker in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.22 build by WABetaInfo. However, this feature is not visible at the moment and beta testers will not be able to use it. According to the report, people nearby The feature now comes with a screen citing the detailed permissions required for it to work. A separate screen also has an animation for finding people nearby and shows a list of searchable users.

WhatsApp has file-sharing feature
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

As per the screenshot, people nearby The feature, which is located directly within the Settings menu, now informs users about the permissions required to turn on WhatsApp. These include access to photos, media and files, access to Bluetooth, and access to location. While users need access to files to show and send them, Bluetooth and location services are needed to maintain a local network in close proximity to users.

Once permission is granted, users are taken to another page where other users who have activated file-sharing nearby can become discoverable and communicate between each other without the need for Internet connectivity. Can transfer files. In the screenshot, WhatsApp claims that sharing is end-to-end encrypted and the user’s phone number will remain hidden.

This feature can be a good alternative to sharing large files over the Internet that can consume large amounts of data or sharing them through cloud services, especially in situations where the network is unstable or the user has no Limited data available. According to the report, the feature is near completion and may be available to beta testers through a future update.