WhatsApp has been working on a nearby file-sharing feature for Android users that uses Bluetooth to transfer files for quite some time now. The feature was first reported in January 2024, but it didn't even appear in the app's beta version. A new report now claims that the instant messaging platform is adding more improvements to the feature, and it could soon roll out to beta. Notably, the company is also reportedly working on a Favorites tab.
WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo spotted the new feature in WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.24.9.22. However, the feature is not currently visible, and beta testers cannot use it. According to the report, the People Nearby feature has a screen indicating the detailed permissions required to work. A separate screen also has an animation for searching for nearby people and shows the list of discoverable users.
According to the screenshots, the People Nearby feature, found directly within the Settings menu, now informs users about the permissions WhatsApp requires to be activated. These include access to photos, media, and files, Bluetooth access, and location access. While access to files is required to display and send them to users, Bluetooth, and location services will likely be required to maintain the local network with nearby users.
Once permissions are granted, users are taken to another page where other users who have enabled nearby file sharing can be visible and transfer files to each other without requiring an internet connection. In the screenshot, WhatsApp claims that the exchange is end-to-end encrypted and the user's phone number will remain hidden.
The feature can be a good alternative for sharing large files over the Internet that can consume large amounts of data or share them through cloud services, especially when the network is unstable, or the user has limited data available. According to the report, the feature is nearing completion and could be available to beta testers via a future update.
