Cross-Platform Sharing Arrives: Quick Share Now Works With Apple’s AirDrop

Google is finally breaking down one of the most significant barriers between Android and iPhone users: effortless cross-platform file sharing. Beginning with the Pixel 10 family, Quick Share can now work directly with Apple’s AirDrop — marking a huge milestone for mobile interoperability.

A Long-Awaited Fix for Everyday Sharing Problems

For years, users have had one consistent frustration: sending files between Android and iPhone isn’t exactly smooth. Whether it’s family photos, vacation videos, or important documents, sharing across platforms has required workarounds, third-party apps, or cloud links.

But Google says that shouldn’t be the case. According to the company, sharing moments with friends and loved ones should “just work,” regardless of the phone you own. That feedback led to today’s major update — the first phase of true cross-platform file transfer.

Quick Share Now Works With AirDrop

Google has announced that Quick Share on Android will now integrate with Apple’s AirDrop. This means:

• Android to iPhone
• iPhone to Android
• Android to Android

…all work seamlessly using fast, secure peer-to-peer transfer.

The new capability rolls out first to the Pixel 10 family, with Google confirming that more Android devices will receive the feature soon.

Security Built at the Core

Beyond convenience, Google highlights that security was a non-negotiable part of this rollout. The new cross-platform sharing system comes with:

• Encrypted transfer safeguards
• Privacy-first system behavior
• Independent security expert testing

It follows Google’s recent push for tighter ecosystem compatibility — including RCS adoption and alerts for unknown Bluetooth trackers.

How to Use Quick Share With AirDrop (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the full procedure so you can try it yourself on a Pixel 10 device:

How to Send a File From Pixel 10 (Quick Share) to an iPhone (AirDrop)

1. Open the file you want to share (photo, video, document, etc.)
2. Tap the Share icon.
3. Select Quick Share.
4. Wait for nearby devices to appear — you will now see iPhones listed.
5. Select the iPhone device name.
6. On the receiving iPhone, tap Accept in the AirDrop pop-up.
7. The file transfers instantly using the new cross-platform protocol.

How to Send a File From iPhone (AirDrop) to Pixel 10 (Quick Share)

1. On the iPhone, open the file you want to send.
2. Tap Share → AirDrop.
3. Your Pixel 10 will appear as an AirDrop target.
4. Tap the Pixel device name.
5. On the Pixel 10, tap Accept when the Quick Share prompt appears.
6. The file will transfer directly to your Pixel.

Tips for Best Performance

• Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices.
• Keep both devices within close range (around 1–3 meters).
• Ensure your Pixel 10 has the latest system update installed.

Rolling Out Today — With More Devices to Follow

Google says this is only the beginning. The Pixel 10 family is getting it first, but the company confirms that more Android smartphones will soon receive the update through upcoming patches. This move signals a future where cross-platform compatibility becomes the norm, not the exception.

You can watch the feature in action on the Pixel 10 Pro in Google’s demo video, and if you own a Pixel 10, you can test the feature today.