Quick Share Gets a Major Overhaul
Google has rolled out a significantly redesigned version of Quick Share for Android, bringing improved performance, cross-platform file sharing capabilities, and a refreshed user interface. The update, which began rolling out in May 2026, represents the most substantial update to the file-sharing feature since its rebranding from Nearby Share.
What’s New in Quick Share
The redesigned Quick Share introduces several key improvements:
- Cross-platform support — Quick Share now works with iOS and macOS devices, allowing seamless file transfers between Android and Apple ecosystems without third-party apps.
- Faster transfer speeds — The updated protocol leverages Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 for transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps, dramatically reducing transfer times for large files.
- Improved device discovery — Enhanced proximity detection makes finding nearby devices faster and more reliable, even in crowded environments.
- Renamed modes — Quick Share now offers clearer visibility options: “Receiving off,” “Your devices only,” “Contacts only,” and “Everyone nearby.”
- Share history — A new history tab lets you see and re-share recently transferred files.
How Quick Share Works
Quick Share uses a combination of Bluetooth Low Energy for device discovery and Wi-Fi Direct for high-speed file transfers. When sharing a file, your device broadcasts availability via BLE. Nearby devices running Quick Share respond, and the strongest connection is established automatically. For transfers between Android and iOS devices, Quick Share bridges the gap using Google’s cross-platform file transfer protocol, which works over a local Wi-Fi network or direct Wi-Fi connection.
Setting Up Quick Share
Quick Share is built into Android 15 and later versions. On older Android devices, it can be updated via Google Play Services. To configure it:
- Swipe down to open Quick Settings and tap the Quick Share tile (or go to Settings > Connected devices > Quick Share).
- Choose your visibility: “Your devices only” for transfers between your own devices, or “Everyone nearby” for sharing with anyone.
- For iOS compatibility, ensure “Cross-platform sharing” is enabled in Quick Share settings.
Security and Privacy
All Quick Share transfers are encrypted end-to-end using the peer-topping Wi-Fi Direct connection. Files are never uploaded to Google’s servers during transfer. The feature also includes:
- Transfer confirmation — Both sender and receiver must confirm each transfer.
- Auto-accept from contacts — Optionally allow auto-accept from trusted contacts to streamline sharing.
- No internet required — Transfers happen over local connections, so they work offline and don’t consume data.
Supported File Types
Quick Share supports virtually any file type, including photos, videos, documents, APKs, and links. The file size limit is 10GB per transfer, though transfer speed will vary based on the connection quality and devices involved.
Availability
The redesigned Quick Share is rolling out globally to all Android devices running Android 12 and later via Google Play Services update. The iOS companion app is available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad users. Windows users can download the Quick Share app from the Microsoft Store for file transfers between Android and PC.
Final Thoughts
With this update, Quick Share finally delivers on the promise of seamless, universal file sharing. The addition of iOS and macOS support removes the last major barrier to cross-platform file transfers, making Quick Share a genuine competitor to Apple’s AirDrop. For Android users, it’s a welcome upgrade that makes sharing files with anyone—regardless of their device—faster and easier than ever.
