Send Files Nearby With Quick Share (Formerly Nearby Share)
Skip cables and cloud uploads for nearby transfers. Quick Share is Google’s current branding for what was Nearby Share—same idea: send photos and files to a phone next to you, then lock down who can find you.
What You Need
- Two nearby Android devices (Bluetooth on; Wi‑Fi helps). Chromebooks / Windows Quick Share app also exist per Google.
- Receiving screen unlocked.
- No apps required on stock Android / Pixel; Galaxy includes Quick Share in One UI.
Google’s product is now Quick Share. Android Help: it was previously Nearby Share—if you still see Nearby Share, it still works. Galaxy phones have their own Quick Share UI (One UI) that Google’s help links out to.
Pixel & stock Android
Android Help: Quick Share on Android 6+ (many Learning Center steps note Android 13+). Keep Bluetooth on; unlock the receiving screen.
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Step 1: Open Quick Share
Open a photo/file → Share → Quick Share (or Nearby Share on older labels).
Or swipe down for Quick Settings → Quick Share tile (Edit tiles to add it). Or search Settings for Quick Share.
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Step 2: Send
On the Quick Share page, confirm the content, tap the nearby device, wait for Accept. Receiver’s screen should be unlocked. Put the other phone in Receive mode if it doesn’t appear.
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Step 3: Receive
Open Quick Share → Receive mode. Accept or Decline the pop-up. Files land in Files → Downloads → Quick Share folder.
Important: while you’re on that Receive screen, you’re visible to anyone nearby—exit Receive mode when done.
Samsung Galaxy Quick Share
Samsung US: Quick Share from Quick settings or Share sheet. Don’t use mobile hotspot / Wi‑Fi Direct / Smart View at the same time.
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Step 1: Turn Quick Share on
Swipe down with two fingers → tap Quick Share. Or Settings > Connected devices > Quick Share.
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Step 2: Send a file
From Quick Share: Send → Select file → pick files → tap the other device when it appears.
Or from Gallery/Files: Share → Quick Share → tap the device. Older help may still say Nearby Share on the share sheet.
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Step 3: Receive
Keep Quick Share on; tap the incoming notification → Accept.
Who can share with you
Pixel / stock: Settings search → Quick Share → Who can share with you:
- Your devices — other devices on the same Google Account (even if the screen is off).
- Contacts — nearby contacts while the screen is on and unlocked.
- Everyone for 10 minutes — then auto-reverts to your previous choice.
Samsung: Quick Share tile or Settings → Connected devices → Quick Share → Who can share with you: No one, Your devices, Contacts, Everyone (10 minutes only). Samsung recommends Your devices or Contacts; use Everyone only briefly. Opening Quick Share from Quick settings can temporarily widen discoverability—check the pop-up.