How to AirDrop on Samsung?

Posted on August 21, 2024 DevLatest In Blogs

How to AirDrop on Samsung?

AirDrop is an exclusive feature for Apple devices, allowing users to quickly and wirelessly share files, photos, and other data between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, Samsung devices, which run on Android, do not have AirDrop. Fortunately, there are several alternative methods that allow you to share files between Samsung devices or between a Samsung device and other Android or even Apple devices. This guide will detail various methods, including Samsung’s proprietary features, third-party apps, and cross-platform solutions.

1. Using Samsung’s Quick Share

Samsung’s Quick Share is the closest equivalent to Apple’s AirDrop, designed specifically for Samsung devices. Quick Share allows you to share files, photos, and other content with nearby Samsung Galaxy devices.

How to Use Quick Share:
- Ensure Compatibility: Quick Share is available on Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 2.1 or later. Ensure both devices support this feature.
- Enable Quick Share:
  - Open the “Quick Panel” by swiping down from the top of the screen.
  - Tap on “Quick Share” to enable it.
- Sharing Files:
  - Open the file you want to share (e.g., photo, video, document).
  - Tap on the “Share” icon.
  - Select “Quick Share” from the list of sharing options.
  - Nearby devices with Quick Share enabled will appear. Select the desired device to send the file.
- Receiving Files:
  - Ensure “Quick Share” is enabled on your device.
  - When someone sends you a file, a notification will appear. Tap “Accept” to receive the file.
Customizing Quick Share Settings:
- You can customize Quick Share’s visibility settings, deciding who can see your device—”Contacts Only” or “Everyone”.
- To access these settings, go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “Quick Share.”

2. Using Nearby Share

Google’s Nearby Share is an Android-wide feature similar to AirDrop, allowing file sharing between Android devices, including Samsung. It is available on most Android devices running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or later.

How to Use Nearby Share:
- Enable Nearby Share:
  - Open the “Settings” app on your Samsung device.
  - Go to “Google” > “Device connections” > “Nearby Share.”
  - Toggle “Nearby Share” on.
- Adjust Visibility Settings:
  - You can choose who can see your device—”All Contacts,” “Some Contacts,” or “Hidden.”
- Sharing Files:
  - Open the file you want to share.
  - Tap the “Share” icon and select “Nearby Share.”
  - Nearby compatible devices will appear. Select the device you want to share with.
- Receiving Files:
  - Make sure Nearby Share is enabled.
  - When someone sends you a file, you’ll receive a notification. Tap “Accept” to receive the file.
Advantages of Nearby Share:
- Nearby Share works across all Android devices and is not limited to Samsung, making it a versatile option for sharing files with non-Samsung users.

3. Using Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a universal method for file sharing available on virtually all mobile devices, including Samsung phones. While it’s slower than Quick Share or Nearby Share, it’s widely compatible.

How to Share Files via Bluetooth:
- Pair the Devices:
  - On both devices, enable Bluetooth from the “Quick Settings” or “Settings” menu.
  - Pair the devices by searching for nearby Bluetooth devices and selecting the target device.
  - Confirm the pairing request on both devices.
- Sharing Files:
  - Open the file you wish to share.
  - Tap the “Share” icon and select “Bluetooth.”
  - Choose the paired device from the list.
- Receiving Files:
  - Ensure Bluetooth is enabled and the device is discoverable.
  - Accept the file transfer when prompted.
Limitations:
- Bluetooth is slower than Quick Share or Nearby Share, especially for larger files.

4. Using Third-Party Apps

If you need to share files between a Samsung device and a non-Samsung or non-Android device, several third-party apps can facilitate this:

SHAREit:
- SHAREit is a popular file-sharing app that works across Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
- Download and install SHAREit from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Sending Files:
  - Open SHAREit on both devices.
  - Tap “Send” on the sending device and “Receive” on the receiving device.
  - Select the files you want to send, and a connection will be established between the devices.
- Receiving Files:
  - Open SHAREit and tap “Receive.”
  - Accept the incoming file transfer.
Send Anywhere:
- Send Anywhere is another cross-platform file-sharing app that supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and web browsers.
- Download and install Send Anywhere from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Sending Files:
  - Open the app and tap “Send.”
  - Select the files and tap “Send.”
  - A six-digit code or QR code will be generated.
  - On the receiving device, enter the code or scan the QR code to receive the files.
- Receiving Files:
  - Open the app, tap “Receive,” and enter the six-digit code.
Dropbox/Google Drive/OneDrive:
- Cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive offer another way to share files.
- Uploading Files:
  - Upload the files to your cloud storage account.
  - Share a link to the file with the recipient.
- Downloading Files:
  - The recipient can download the files from the provided link.

5. Using Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect two devices directly via Wi-Fi without requiring an internet connection. It’s fast and ideal for large files.

How to Use Wi-Fi Direct:
- Enable Wi-Fi Direct:
  - On both Samsung devices, go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “Wi-Fi” > “Wi-Fi Direct.”
  - The devices will search for each other and connect.
- Sharing Files:
  - Open the file you want to share.
  - Tap the “Share” icon and select “Wi-Fi Direct.”
  - Choose the connected device to send the file.
- Receiving Files:
  - Ensure Wi-Fi Direct is enabled and connected.
  - Accept the file transfer when prompted.

6. Cross-Platform Sharing with SmartThings and Link Sharing

Samsung devices offer additional cross-platform sharing methods:

SmartThings:
- SmartThings is a Samsung app that enables file sharing between Samsung devices and compatible smart devices.
- Using SmartThings:
  - Download and install the SmartThings app on both devices.
  - Open the app and connect the devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
  - Use the app to share files, media, or even control smart home devices.
Link Sharing:
- Link Sharing allows you to share large files via a link.
- Using Link Sharing:
  - Open the file you want to share.
  - Tap the “Share” icon and select “Link Sharing.”
  - A link will be generated that you can send via email, messaging apps, or social media.
  - The recipient can download the file using the link.