# Upcoming Changes to the Nearby Connections API

DevFeed: [Upcoming Changes to the Nearby Connections API](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/upcoming-changes-to-the-nearby-connections-api-4229.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2026/07/upcoming-changes-nearby-connections-api.html>)

Author: Android Developers (noreply@blogger.com)

Published: 2026-07-20T13:00:00Z

Content type: release

Language: en

Sources: [Android Developers Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/android-developers-blog.md>), [Android Developers Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/android-developers-blog-2.md>)

Topics: [API](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/api.md>), [Android](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/android.md>), [App](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/app.md>)

Tags: [android](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/android.md>), [api](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/api.md>), [app](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/app.md>), [applications](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/applications.md>), [developers](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/developers.md>), [privacy](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/privacy.md>), [radio](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/radio.md>), [update](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/update.md>), [workflows](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/workflows.md>)

## AI overview

Android is changing the Nearby Connections API in late 2026 so it will no longer automatically enable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth radios for applications. Developers must manage radio state manually and notify users when radios need to be enabled.

## Source excerpt

Posted by Wei Wang, Engineering Manager, Android BeTo User privacy and transparency are core to the Android experience. To better align with these principles, we are updating the default behavior of the Nearby Connections API regarding how it interacts with device radios. What is changing? Previously, the Nearby Connections API could automatically toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios ON to facilitate connections without explicit user intervention. Moving forward, the API will no longer automatically enable these radios for 1P and 3P applications. What this means for developers If your app relies on Nearby Connections, you will need to update your implementation to account for these changes: Manual Radio Management: You must ensure that the necessary radios (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) are enabled before initiating Nearby Connections tasks. User Notification: If the required radios are disabled, your app must now inform the user and request that they enable them manually. The API will no longer programmatically turn them on for you. Timing These changes are scheduled to take effect in late 2026. We recommend reviewing your connection workflows now to ensure a seamless transition for your users.