Android's built-in Quick Share sends big files without email or uploads

Android phones already have a built-in way to send large videos, vacation photos and documents to a nearby device without email, messaging apps or cloud storage. It is called Quick Share. Android Police writer Anu Joy says she is surprised more people do not use it.

What Quick Share does

Quick Share, formerly called Nearby Share, sends photos, videos, documents, links and other files wirelessly to nearby devices. Bluetooth finds the other device. A local Wi-Fi connection then moves the file quickly. Nothing is uploaded to cloud storage first, and the Android phone needs no separate app.

That avoids common headaches: messaging apps that squeeze photos down, email attachment size limits, and the upload-then-download routine. Speeds depend on the devices and the connection. Transfers do not need mobile data or an internet connection.

How to send a file

• Open the file, tap the share icon and choose Quick Share.
• Wait for your phone to find nearby devices, then tap the recipient's device name.
• The recipient accepts the transfer on their device, and it begins.

Both devices need Bluetooth on and need to be close together. The receiving screen should be unlocked. If a device does not show up, Quick Share has a QR code option as a backup.

For quicker access, Quick Share can be pinned to the share sheet. It also has a tile in Quick Settings, the panel that opens when you swipe down from the top of the screen. If the tile is missing, the edit button adds it. Searching for Quick Share in the Settings app also works.

Computers and Apple devices

Quick Share also moves files between a phone and a Windows PC or a Chromebook. Windows users need to install Google's Quick Share app. Chromebooks support it natively.

On select phones, Quick Share works with Apple's AirDrop too. Listed models are the Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 series, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and S25 series, and the OnePlus 15. That lets you send files to an iPhone, iPad or Mac without the other person installing anything. They must set AirDrop visibility to Everyone for 10 minutes and accept the transfer.

Phones without AirDrop support can still use the QR code option. The recipient scans the code with their camera and opens a link to download the files. This method does need an internet connection.

When it helps

The article points to simple cases. Photos taken on a phone can go straight to a Windows PC for editing instead of being emailed to yourself. A PDF can move to another device in a few taps. A video can go to someone standing nearby, even if you do not share the same messaging app. The other person's device does need to support Quick Share.