How to use Quick Share to share a file between phones
Quick Share on Galaxy devices allows you to transfer photos, videos, and documents using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You can share files with nearby devices, send them using a QR code or link, share them with contacts, or share them with supported Apple devices. You can also share files across Android and Apple devices while maintaining the original file quality.
Note:
- Quick Share between Galaxy devices is available on smartphones and tablets with Android 10.0 (Q) and One UI 2.1 or later, and on Galaxy Books released in 2020 or later.
- A Samsung Account, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connection are required.
- To share with Apple devices, your Galaxy device must have Quick Share app version 13.8.51.27 or later and Google Play services version 26.11.xx or later. Compatibility is supported by Google.
- AirDrop® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
- As of March 2026, "Share with Apple devices" is supported only on the Galaxy S26 series and will be expanded to select flagship models in the future.
- Availability and timing are subject to change and may vary by market.
Getting started with Quick Share
To share or receive files with Quick Share, make sure Bluetooth and Quick Share are enabled on both your phone and the recipient's phone.
Step 1. Swipe down from the top right to open the Quick panel > Turn on Bluetooth.
Step 2. Swipe down again to see more controls.
Step 3. Tap Quick Share Contacts.
Step 4. Tap Go to settings to choose who can share with you.
Step 5. Select one of the following options.
- No one: No one can share with you.
- Your devices: Only your own devices can share with you.
- Contacts: Only contacts who use a Samsung account can share with you.
- Everyone: Anyone can share with you. (This feature may not be available on some models.)
- Everyone (10 minutes only): Anyone can share with you for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, it changes to Contacts if you are signed in to a Samsung account, or No one if you are not signed in. Wi-Fi will turn on automatically if it is turned off.
Note: Devices signed in to the same Samsung account can always share files with each other regardless of these settings.
How to share a file between mobile devices
Quick Share provides several ways to share files, including sharing with nearby devices, using a QR code or link, sending to contacts, or sharing with supported Apple devices. You can share files with nearby Galaxy devices that have Quick Share turned on, or with Android devices signed in to the same Google account. You can also use Private sharing to prevent others from saving, sharing, or capturing shared files.
Note:
- Some file types may not be supported depending on the sharing method.
- Files such as .exe, .com, .bat, .cmd, .vbs, .reg, and .msi may not be supported when sharing via QR code or contacts.
Step 1. On the sender's device, open My files > Select a file category.
Step 2. On the sender's device, select a file > Tap Share icon.
Step 3. On the sender's device, tap Quick Share > Select one of the available sharing options.
1. Share to devices nearby
Use this method to share files directly with nearby devices without using mobile data.
Step 1. On the sender's device, select a device in the Share to devices nearby panel.
Step 2. On the recipient's device, tap Open to view the shared file.
Note:
- Turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Quick Share on both devices.
- Keep the recipient's screen on.
2. Share via QR code
Use this method when the recipient is nearby and can scan your screen. This method requires Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Step 1. On the sender's device, tap the QR code or link option.
Step 2. On the sender's device, make sure the QR code is displayed on the screen.
Step 3. On the recipient's device, open the Camera to scan the QR code.
Step 4. On the recipient's device, tap the link shown in the Camera.
Step 5. On the recipient's device, tap Open to view the shared file.
3. Share via URL
Use this method when you want to send a download link through a messaging app or email. This method requires Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Step 1. On the sender's device, tap the QR code or link.
Step 2. On the sender's device, tap Copy link to copy the URL.
Step 3. On the sender's device, send the link through a messaging app or email.
Step 4. On the recipient's device, open the message or email with the link.
Step 5. On the recipient's device, tap the link > Tap Download all.
4. Share to contacts
Use this method to send files directly to a saved contact. This method requires Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Step 1. On the sender's device, select a contact from the Share to contacts panel.
Step 2. On the sender's device, Select who to share with from the Contacts list.
Step 3. On the recipient's device, tap the Quick Share notification to view the shared file.
Step 4. On the recipient's device, tap Download all.
5. Private sharing
Use Private sharing to prevent others from saving, sharing, or capturing the file.
Step 1. On the sender's device, tap the More options icon (three dots).
Step 2. On the sender's device, tap Turn on Private sharing.
Step 3. On the sender's device, tap Set expiry > Select an expiration time > Tap Done.
Step 4. On the sender's device, continue to Share to devices nearby or Share to contacts.
Note:
- Files cannot be saved, shared, or captured with screenshots.
- Only Galaxy devices support Private sharing.
6. Share with Apple devices
You can share files between your Galaxy phone and supported Apple devices.
From your Galaxy phone
Follow the steps below to turn on sharing with Apple devices.
Step 1. On your Galaxy device, go to Settings > Connected devices.
Step 2. On your Galaxy device, tap Quick Share.
Step 3. On your Galaxy device, turn on Share with Apple devices.
After turning it on, open Gallery or My files > Select a file > Tap Share > Tap Quick Share > Select the Apple device.
Note: On the Apple device, go to Settings > General > AirDrop > Select Everyone (10 minutes).
From an Apple device
Follow the steps below to set your Galaxy phone to receive files from an Apple device.
Step 1. On your Galaxy device, open Quick Share settings > Tap Who can share with you.
Step 2. On your Galaxy device, select Everyone (10 minutes only).
Step 3. On your Galaxy device, make sure Who can share with you is set to Everyone (10 minutes only).
Then, on the Apple device, open the photo or file > Tap Share > Tap AirDrop > Select the Galaxy device.
Note:
- To update your software, go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
- Supported devices include iPhone 8 or above, iPad (5th generation) or above, and MacBook (2020 or later).
- Wi-Fi may turn off automatically when connecting to Apple devices.
- While using Mobile Hotspot or using services that utilise Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Aware such as Smart View, DeX, Multi Control, Music Share, Camera Share, and Storage Share, searching for Apple devices from Galaxy devices or Galaxy devices from Apple devices is not possible.
- You can also share files from other apps that support the share function.
- If sharing with Apple devices does not work, connect to a network, restart your device, and try again.
Quick Share and Nearby Share
Nearby Share has been merged into Samsung Quick Share. Previously, Quick Share was exclusively available on Samsung devices, and Nearby Share was the primary option for other Android devices. Now, these features have combined to serve as a single file-sharing app for all Android devices.
Note:
- To update to the latest version, go to Settings > Connected devices > Quick Share > About Quick Share.
- Menu names, paths, and screen layouts may vary depending on your device model, software version, or app version.
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