Quick Share on Android gets a new trick iPhones could do for years

Google is launching the Pixel 11 series today, alongside a slew of new features that should make using them easier, including a nice update to Quick Share. After making it compatible with AirDrop last year, the company is now taking another trick from iPhones.

Pixel phones can now tap to send information over Quick Share

Google is adding a new option to Quick Share that allows users to tap to send contact information, photos, videos, and more. The company says in a press release that with the new feature, sharing between Android devices will be made even simpler.

Using the new feature is as simple as its name suggests, but the easiest thing to do is swap contact info with someone. Google explains that you just need to bring two compatible Android devices together to trigger an instant, two-way exchange of contact information.

How can you tap to share photos and videos over Quick Share?

You are probably going to use the option to share photos and videos this way much more. Doing that is simple and requires the following steps:

1. Choose the photos or videos you want to share
2. Open your phone’s Share Sheet
3. Tap the compatible devices together

Google’s description of the feature makes it clear that it works the same way Apple’s AirDrop has worked since iOS 17. Apple calls the contact sharing feature NameDrop, while tapping to share files comes with the Proximity Sharing moniker, but they both trigger AirDrop. 

Which Android phones support tap to share over Quick Share?

Google says the feature is now rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer devices, which means it’ll also be available on the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The company also says the feature is coming soon to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8.

The good news is that Google is promising to expand the feature to more Android devices by the end of the year. However, there’s no mention of the specific models that may support the feature.

Now make it work with AirDrop

I’ve always loved the tap-to-share features on my iPhone, as they make using AirDrop with people who are not on my contacts list much easier. I’d love for Google to make this feature cross-platform, and I’m sure this will make many people’s lives easier.

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