Android’s Quick Share uses Bluetooth to discover nearby devices, then Wi-Fi Direct or Wi-Fi Aware to transfer files without an internet connection.
If the direct link is interrupted, the transfer may continue over mobile data.
The feature is built into Android; visibility requires Bluetooth to be on and the screen to be unlocked.
How is the transfer done?
Bluetooth helps your phone find nearby devices. To transfer files, Quick Share creates a direct Wi-Fi connection, either via Wi-Fi Direct or Wi-Fi Aware. This means that files don't go through a cloud service and don't need an internet connection. The transfer is much faster than sending via email or Google Drive. If the direct connection is interrupted, it can be resumed via mobile data.
Files are transferred without compression. According to MakeUseOf, there is no size limit. You can also send something to someone who is not in your contacts, as long as they have allowed their device to be visible. If you send files to your own device that uses the same Google account, the transfer is automatically accepted.
Quick Share was created by integrating Google's Nearby Share service with Samsung's Quick Share. That's why it's already available on Android phones, without separate installation.
Send file
You can open Quick Share from Quick Settings or from your phone's Settings. Sending is easy from your file manager:
- Long press the file you want to send.
- Click the share icon.
- Select "Quick Share".
- Choose the recipient's device.
- The recipient accepts the request.
You can also create a QR code for the files. The recipient scans it with their Android phone to receive them via Quick Share.
To make your device visible to available recipients, Bluetooth needs to be turned on and your screen needs to be unlocked. If your device still isn't visible, change your visibility settings in Settings > Quick Share.
Transfer to iPhone and Windows
Some Android phones can also send files to AirDrop-compatible devices, such as iPhones and iPads. To send files to a Windows computer, you must first install the Quick Share app there.
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