How to use Quick Share feature on Galaxy device

Last Update date : Jul 15. 2022

Quick Share is a new sharing service for sending photos, videos, and files with your friends and family. is available on previous Galaxy series when upgraded to Android 10.  File sharing has never been so easy on a Galaxy.

Before you try the recommendations below, be sure to check if your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. To update your mobile device's software, follow these steps: 

Step 1. Go to Settings > Software update.

Step 2. Tap on Download and install.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Quick Share feature highlights

Quick Share will let you share images, videos, and files instantly with your friends. You can share files with up to 5 people simultaneously without the need of pairing devices.

Step 1. First, make sure the Quick Share feature is turned on for both phones. On the other device, open the notification panel, swipe downwards, and then tap Quick Share to activate it. It will be blue when it's activated.

If the Quick Share icon does not appear in your Quick settings panel, you may need to add it.

Step 2. Launch the Gallery app and select an image. Tap the Share button and select a device to transfer the image. Accept the file transfer request on the other device.

Step 3. If you’re having trouble connecting to another device, swipe down from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings, and then touch and hold the Quick Share icon. Tap the switch next to "Show my position to others" to let nearby devices see your device when they are using Quick Share. This option will only show if Quick Share is enabled.

The "Show my position to others" option is only available on select models.

Tips about using Quick Share

  • If you are unable to locate your device ensure you have enabled your phone or tablet visibility. To enable this setting head into your Settings > Connections > toggle on Phone Visibility. You are able to share files with up to 5 devices at once.
  • Make sure the other person's screen is on. You may incur additional charges when sharing files via the mobile network.
  • Devices based on Android Q OS will support this Quick Share feature and available targets may differ by device model.
  • Receiving device must support Wi-Fi direct. Receiving device’s screen is on.
  • Wi-Fi must be turned on.
  • You can send up to 1GB at one time and a maximum of 2GB per day.

Case 1. How do I share by pointing the device among the nearby devices?

This feature is available only on Galaxy devices that support the UWB (Ultra-wideband) feature. Also, the screen of the other device receiving files must be turned on. 

If you are unable to locate your device ensure you have enabled your phone or tablet visibility, tap and hold the QuickShare icon tap then Show my position to others switch to activate it. You are able to share files with up to 5 devices at once.

Case 2. When activating the quick share feature, a blue circle appears only on certain contacts.

For the devices that support the UWB feature, it is marked by a blue circle.

If you turn off the Show my position to others, a blue circle mark doesn’t appear.

If you turn on Show my position to others, you let people nearby see your position when they quick share with you

Case 3. I cannot activate the Quick share feature.

If you’re using the Mobile Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, or Smart view feature, you cannot activate the Quick share feature at the same time. 

  • Sending device must be a Galaxy with Android 10 OS.
  • Receiving device must support Wi-Fi-direct.
  • Wi-fi must be turned on.

Case 4. When I try to transfer content to other devices thru Quick Share, an error pop-up occurs and transfer is failed.

Due to technical limitations such as below, Quick Share sometimes is impossible.

  • Cannot transfer content to other devices while receiving content from the connected devices by Quick Share.
  • Cannot receive content from other devices while transferring content to the connected devices by Quick Share.
  • Cannot transfer or receive content during two-way transmission.
  • While using the Smart View feature.

Case 5. When trying to share the contents by Quick share feature, the person I want to share with isn’t showing up.

If the person you want to share with isn’t showing up, make sure the other person’s device has Quick Share or Phone visibility turned on in the quick panel. Also, make sure the other person’s screen is on. You may incur additional charges when sharing files via the mobile network. If you still have an issue, please activate the SmartThings application and try again.

Case 6. “Waiting” text is shown.

The quick share feature doesn’t support multi-sharing. If the previous sharing requirement isn’t yet completed, others are required to wait. 

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