Quick Share on Android is Google's built-in feature for wirelessly sending files, photos, and links to nearby Android devices and Chromebooks, and it was formerly known as Nearby Share. This tool is the closest Android equivalent to Apple's AirDrop, making it the go-to solution for Android users who want a fast, app-free way to share content without needing an internet connection.
What is Quick Share on Android?
Quick Share is Google's built-in feature for sharing files, photos, and links wirelessly between nearby Android devices and Chromebooks. It was formerly known as Nearby Share and functions similarly to Apple's AirDrop, but exclusively within the Android ecosystem. The feature automatically chooses the fastest method for transferring data, using P2P Wi-Fi, WebRTC, Bluetooth Low Energy, or standard Bluetooth depending on what works best between the two devices.
Which Android phones support Quick Share?
Quick Share works on most Android phones running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher. For Samsung Galaxy devices, the requirement is Android 10.0 (Q) with One UI 2.1 or later, and for Galaxy Books, support starts with models released in 2020 or later. The feature is built into Android through Google Play Services, so keeping that updated ensures compatibility. Google Play Services must be updated to the latest version for the feature to be available. You can verify if you have the feature by going to the Google Play Store page for Google Play Services and tapping Update if displayed. Nearby Share is compatible with Chromebooks, similar to AirDrop compatibility between an iPad/iPhone and a MacBook.
How to turn on Quick Share on your Android phone
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- To check for Nearby Share, navigate to Settings > Google > Device and sharing (not Connected Devices > Connection preferences).
- Turn on Device visibility to make your phone discoverable to nearby devices.
- Choose your visibility preference: Everyone (visible to anyone nearby while the screen is unlocked), All Contacts, Some Contacts, or Hidden (only visible when you manually activate sharing). In Device Visibility settings, 'Hidden' means your device won't display as visible unless Nearby Share is activated, but you'll receive a notification prompting you to launch it if someone nearby has it activated.
Quick Share is automatically enabled if you have only one account on your device and that account is on at least one other Android device. Data usage options include Data, Wi-Fi Only, or Without Internet.
How to send files with Quick Share
There are two main ways to send files using Quick Share. The first method is to open the content you want to share, such as a photo, video, document, or link, and tap the Share icon. To send a link, open your web browser, go to the website, tap the three-dot icon, and tap Share. From the share menu, select Quick Share or Share Nearby. The second method is to swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel, tap the Quick Share tile (if missing, tap Edit to add it), and then select the files you want to send.
Once Quick Share is activated, hold the devices close together, within 1 foot (30 cm) if they don't connect automatically, and tap the name of the nearby device you want to share with. The recipient must accept the transfer, and after it completes, tap Done.
How to receive files with Quick Share
To receive files, ensure Quick Share is turned on in your device settings and that your screen is unlocked and visible. When someone sends you a file, you will see a notification prompting you to accept or decline the transfer. As a receiver, you get a prompt that notifies 'Device Nearby Is Sharing'; tap the notification to become visible. You can also receive files through the Files by Google app: open Files by Google, tap Quick Share, and then tap Accept when a transfer request appears. Both devices must have Bluetooth and Location turned on for the transfer to work.
Can you use Quick Share from Android to iPhone?
Quick Share does not work with iPhones. It is exclusive to Android devices and Chromebooks, and Apple’s AirDrop only works between Apple devices. For cross-platform file sharing between Android and iPhone, you must use third-party apps like ShareIt, Send Anywhere, or MobileTrans, which act as intermediaries since neither built-in feature supports the other ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Quick Share use mobile data?
Quick Share uses a direct connection between devices (such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct) and does not require mobile data or an internet connection. You can adjust data usage preferences in the Quick Share settings to limit transfers to Wi-Fi only or allow them without internet.
Can I share files with someone who doesn't have Quick Share?
No, both devices must have Quick Share enabled and be running compatible Android versions. The feature is built into Google Play Services, so most modern Android phones already have it, but the recipient must have it turned on and their screen unlocked to receive files.
Is Quick Share the same as Samsung Quick Share?
Yes, Google and Samsung merged their nearby sharing features under the name Quick Share. Samsung devices running Android 10 with One UI 2.1 or later use the same Quick Share feature, and it works seamlessly between Samsung and non-Samsung Android phones.
How do I make my device invisible to others on Quick Share?
Set your device visibility to Hidden in the Quick Share settings. This prevents your phone from appearing in other devices' searches unless you manually activate sharing for a specific transfer. You can also choose Some Contacts to limit visibility to only trusted people in your contact list.
Why can't I find a nearby device to share with?
Ensure both devices have Bluetooth and Location turned on, their screens are unlocked, and they are within close range (about 1 foot or 30 cm). Also confirm that the target device has set its visibility to allow sharing and that it is not set to Hidden.
Does Quick Share work for managing and transferring photos?
Yes, Quick Share is ideal for managing and transferring photos between Android devices. You can select multiple photos at once by touching and holding them in your gallery app, then tap Share and choose Quick Share to send them all at once without losing quality or using cloud storage.
