Google keeps adding new features. And today we are going to explain everything you need to know about the Multi-device services on Android: what they are, how they work, and steps needed to enable this feature.
So, if you have a compatible device, don't miss this tutorial and discover what Multi-Device Services are on Android, how they work and the steps required to activate this tool on your devices.
Table of Contents
What are multi-device services on Android devices?
The first thing you should know is What is this tool?. As Google explains in its support web, multi-device services on Android allow for better integration and synergy between devices that use the same Google account.
This functionality, introduced starting with Android 11, improves the user experience by facilitating interaction and data transfer between multiple devices. For example, you will be able to share internet, switch between devices during video calls, or transfer content between them effortlessly.
A very useful feature, since Multi-Device Services in Android offer seamless connectivity between Android devices, which helps to enjoy a more unified ecosystem, where tablets, phones and other devices work together.
To give you an idea of how Multi-Device Services on Android works and what they offer, you should know that You will be able to use a phone as an internet hotspot from another nearby device or continue a video call from another terminal without losing the connection. Amazing, right?The best thing of all is that the only requirement is that the devices have the same Google account. It couldn't be easier.
What devices are supported
Multi-device services are available on Android devices running version 11 or higher. It's important to note that Android Go does not support this feature, as it is intended for high-end and mid-range devices that have sufficient processing power.
So if your equipment is not compatible, you will not be able to use the Multi-Device Services on Android that Google launched. To confirm that your phone, tablet, or other device is running Android 11 or higher, just follow these steps. Go to “Settings,” select “About phone,” and check which Android version is installed.
In short: you'll need this to use Multi-Device Services on Android
- Two or more devices running Android 11 or higher.
- Google account active on both devices.
- Bluetooth enabled on all participating devices.
How to enable multi-device services on Android devices
Enabling this feature is quite simple and only requires accessing the device settings. Below, we will tell you all the steps to follow. Remember that It is essential that both devices share the same Google account and have Bluetooth activated so they can detect each other.
Please note that depending on the model, the steps may vary slightly as each manufacturer uses its own custom layer. These are the official data published by Google, so you will have no trouble adapting the steps to your model.
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Go to the Google section and select Devices & sharing.
- Within this menu, select Multi-Device Services.
- Make sure that Use multi-device services is enabled. Repeat this process on all devices you want to connect.
Once enabled, devices will be able to recognize each other when they are nearby, as long as they both have Bluetooth turned on and use the same Google account.
How to manage your multi-device services on Android devices
Now that you know how they are activated, Let's see how to manage these multi-device services on Android devices to get the most out of them.
View connected devices
To check which devices are within your multi-device group, go to the settings mentioned above and select Device groups. All the devices connected to your Google account will appear there. This will let you know which devices can interact and share data with each other.
Remove a device from the group
If you want to remove a device from the group, follow the steps above until you reach Device Groups, select your Google account, and turn off the device you want to remove. This will disable multi-device services for that particular device.
What can I do with multi-device services on Android devices?
Once you have configured it, you can choose from these three options, although Google is increasing the functions from time to time:
- Share internet between devices: If you are away from home and need to connect to the internet on your tablet or laptop, you can use your phone as a hotspot without any complicated configurations.
- Seamless video calling: Switching between devices during a video call is another of the most interesting features of multi-device mode. For example, if you start a video call on your phone and want to continue it on your tablet, you can do so without interrupting the communication.
- App sync: Apps that use cross-device services, like Google Meet or Gmail, can automatically sync to make it easy to share data across devices. This includes transferring files, sharing media, or sending important information between nearby devices, so you'll always have it all at your fingertips.
As we have told you, Google has announced that it will continue to expand the capabilities of multi-device services, adding new features and optimizations to improve connectivity between devices in its ecosystem. So, if you have multiple Android devices, enabling and managing this feature will allow you to make the most of their connectivity and synchronization
So, now that you know what Multi-Device Services are on Android and how they work, don't hesitate to use this native feature on your devices to get the most out of them.