Soon you will be able to share photos, videos, documents on WhatsApp without internet

In a recent Android beta version, the app has received a new feature — People Nearby — that is said to enable file transfer between two WhatsApp accounts without an internet connection.
Now, the offline file transfer feature has been in work for a while. But, the latest update from WABetaInfo reveals the setup screen for the feature that reveals the required permissions for the feature to work.

WhatsApp to allow file transfer without internet connection

The screenshot comes from WhatsApp for Android beta 2.24.9.22 and as per the screenshots, it shows that WhatsApp is working on a way to allow users to transfer photos, videos, documents and other files without cellular or internet connection.
However, for the feature to work users will have to provide necessary permissions, including the option to be discoverable by nearby users. Other permissions required for the feature to work are access to storage and media files, location and the ability to connect with other devices on the local network.

Notably, users will have the option to revoke these permissions at their will. Moreover, the People nearby file transfers will be end-to-end encrypted like the messages and calls on the platform. Along with this, the phone number will be hidden throughout the transfer process.

How it works

The functionality of the People Nearby feature appears to be pretty straightforward and looks similar to Quick Share which transfers files between two nearby devices. On WhatsApp, it will rely on the nearby location of the two devices and use it to transfer files between them. As per the screenshot, there will be a dedicated screen where users will see all the available nearby devices to share files, photos, etc with them.
Do note that the feature is currently in testing phase and visible only to a limited number of beta users. We expect WhatsApp to expand its availability to more beta users in coming weeks.