How to pass a file link in an Intent?

To pass a file link in an Intent, Uri is used.

Using FileProvider (Recommended method for Android N and above):
The safest and recommended way, as it prevents FileUriExposedException on newer Android versions.

You need to define FileProvider in AndroidManifest.xml and create an XML file with file paths.
Obtain Uri using FileProvider.getUriForFile().

AndroidManifest.xml:

<application>
    <provider
        android:name="androidx.core.content.FileProvider"
        android:authorities="${applicationId}.provider"
        android:exported="false"
        android:grantUriPermissions="true">
        <meta-data
            android:name="android.support.FILE_PROVIDER_PATHS"
            android:resource="@xml/provider_paths"/>
    </provider>
</application>

res/xml/provider_paths.xml:

<paths>
    <external-path name="external_files" path="."/>
</paths>

Transfer code:

// Assuming 'file' is a java.io.File object
Uri fileUri = FileProvider.getUriForFile(
    context,
    context.getPackageName() + ".provider",
    file
);

Intent intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW);
intent.setDataAndType(fileUri, "application/pdf"); // Specify the correct MIME type
intent.addFlags(Intent.FLAG_GRANT_READ_URI_PERMISSION); // Grant read permission

if (intent.resolveActivity(context.getPackageManager()) != null) {
    context.startActivity(intent);
}

Using Uri.fromFile() (Deprecated from Android N):
This method is not recommended on newer Android versions due to security issues.

Starting from Android N, passing file URIs via Intent causes FileUriExposedException when interacting with apps outside the current app.

Transfer code:

// Assuming 'file' is a java.io.File object
Uri fileUri = Uri.fromFile(file);

Intent intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW);
intent.setDataAndType(fileUri, "application/pdf"); // Specify the correct MIME type

// This code may cause FileUriExposedException on Android N+ when interacting with other apps
if (intent.resolveActivity(context.getPackageManager()) != null) {
    context.startActivity(intent);
}

Brief table:

Method	Recommendation (Android N+)	Security
`FileProvider`	✅	High (prevents `FileUriExposedException`)
`Uri.fromFile()`	❌	Low (may cause `FileUriExposedException`)

Always use FileProvider for sharing files between apps on Android N and above.