Wi-Fi Direct isn't a new feature to BlackBerry 10, in fact it has been available since OS 10.2 but we haven't actually shown it in action here to CrackBerry yet, so there's no time like the present to do so. After all, you might be new to the BlackBerry 10 OS and didn't realise this was something you could do. I've actually started using it more as I recently got hold of a BlackBerry Leap and usually I use NFC to transfer photos and files between my devices but since the Leap does not have NFC, I've had to find other ways and W-iFi Direct was the next best thing.

One thing to note is if you're a BlackBerry Z10 you won't find this option, unfortunately.

To transfer files over Wi-Fi Direct both devices must be in the same physical location to each other but you don't require an Internet connection.

How to transfer files using Wi-Fi Direct

  1. On both devices, turn on the WiFi - Settings->Networks and Connections->WiFi
  2. Tap the Wi-Fi Direct tab
  3. On the sending-device, navigate to the file you want to share (you can share documents, photos, videos, etc). Also, note that you can send multiple files at the same time. Just use the select more option to choose more than one file/photo.
  4. Tap on Share and choose Wi-Fi Direct from the list
  5. Devices able to receive via Wi-Fi Direct will be displayed, choose the device from the list. (Note: If you don't do Step 2, you won't see a device appear here)

Wi-Fi Direct Share Card
  1. On the receiving-device, a Connection Request toast will appear, tap Accept
  2. Another toast notification will appear asking you to accept the File Transfer over Wi-Fi Direct, tap Yes and the file will send

Wi-Fi Direct Request Connection and File Transfer toasts

Quick and easy, right?

If you wanted, you could make the Connection Request at Step 2, after to go into the Wi-Fi Direct tab. When the list of devices appear, on one device just tap the name of the other device and the Connection Request toast will appear, just Accept the connect here. This means later on, when sharing the file you would only have to say Yes to the file transfer.

Once you're done transfer/sharing files, you can just back out of the Wi-Fi Direct screen or just close Settings down.

For more BlackBerry 10 tips, tricks and how-tos you can visit our BlackBerry 10 Help section.

Read more