How to use Quick Share with Apple AirDrop

Quick Share can now send files directly to AirDrop on supported Android phones, and compatible phones can receive files from Apple devices too. That means an Android user and an iPhone user can exchange a photo nearby using their existing sharing menus. Compatibility still depends on the Android device, so check the requirements before relying on it.

How the rollout changed

Google introduced AirDrop compatibility on November 20, 2025, starting with the Pixel 10 family. In May 2026, it announced expansion to more Android partners and a QR-code option for phones without direct AirDrop support.

Google's current Quick Share help page lists Pixel 8a or later and certain Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, Honor, Transsion and Motorola devices for sending to Apple devices. It does not say every model from those manufacturers is supported. The same page gives narrower Pixel guidance for receiving from Apple devices: Pixel 9 or later, excluding Pixel 9a. Its Apple-receiver section also uses the narrower Pixel wording, so check the current instructions and your phone's updates if your model falls between those descriptions.

Quick Share itself is available more broadly than its AirDrop compatibility. Having the Quick Share button does not by itself confirm that your phone can directly exchange files with AirDrop.

Send from Android to an Apple device

Keep both devices nearby, turn on Bluetooth, and unlock the receiving device. On the iPhone, iPad or Mac, open AirDrop settings and select Everyone for 10 Minutes. Then:

1. On Android, open the photo, document or other content.
2. Tap Share, then Quick Share.
3. Select the Apple device from the nearby list.
4. Ask the recipient to check the request and tap or click Accept.
5. Wait for the transfer to finish and open the received file to check it.

Confirm the device name with the recipient before sending, especially in a crowded place. Google says the direct connection is peer-to-peer and does not route content through a server. Its initial interoperability uses AirDrop's temporary Everyone mode, so do not assume Contacts Only will work for this exchange.

Send from an Apple device to Android

On a compatible Android phone, unlock it and open Quick Share in Receive mode. Google's instructions also permit Everyone for 10 minutes for the Pixel models it identifies for receiving. On the iPhone, iPad or Mac, select the file, open the Share menu and choose AirDrop. Select the Android device when it appears, then accept the incoming request on Android.

Check the sender and filename before accepting. Google says received files are available in the device's default Files app under Downloads → Quick Share. The location or app name may vary by manufacturer. When finished, leave Receive mode or restore your preferred visibility setting.

Use the QR option if direct sharing is unavailable

Google provides a separate Android-to-Apple QR flow for devices without Quick Share's AirDrop support. Select the content in Quick Share, tap Use QR code, and have the Apple user scan it and open the resulting Google webpage. The recipient can save or download the files from that page.

Both devices need Internet access, and Google says the end-to-end encrypted files are uploaded to its servers and available for 24 hours. They do not use the sender's personal Google Drive storage. Current limits include 10 GB per 24 hours; check Google's instructions for the other limits and possible mobile-data charges. This QR fallback describes Android sending to Apple; it does not establish an Apple-to-Android equivalent.

If devices do not appear

Check that Bluetooth is on, the receiver is unlocked, and the correct temporary visibility or receive mode is active. Move the devices close together; Google recommends within 30 cm while troubleshooting. Retry after checking that neither device is already handling another transfer. Google also notes that Wi-Fi may disconnect during direct sharing and reconnect after leaving Quick Share.

If a compatible device still does not appear, check for device updates and consult the manufacturer's guidance. Use the QR route where available, or another file-sharing method that both people can access.