A method for streaming and nonstreaming media transfer between devices includes receiving, by a server, a request message for a handoff of content from a first device displaying the content to a second device. The method further includes generating a handoff protocol for the handoff in response to the handoff request message. The method further includes transmitting, to one of the first device and the second device, a first notification message that includes a plurality of handoff parameters, based on the handoff protocol, that identifies an algorithm for the handoff of the content. The content is displayed with the second device after the handoff is complete.