Nearby Sharing is Google’s solution for Android, an AirDrop competitor featured in Apple’s iOS. Google recently rolled out the feature via Play Services’ beta channel. Soon after, the feature started rolling out to the stable channel as well; but only for the Pixel smartphones. However just recently we realized that the Nearby Sharing feature already exists on the Samsung Galaxy devices right in the Quick Access Panel without any system update. Here is show to enable Nearby Sharing on all Samsung Galaxy devices.
Nearby Sharing is an Android feature that enables users to directly share files, images, media links, posts, etc. onto nearby Android devices wirelessly. While the devices need to be near each other, you can also choose different connectivity options to transfer files over-the-air. The feature just popped on Samsung Galaxy devices ranging from the Galaxy S8, S8+ running One UI 1.0 to the latest Galaxy S20 series, Note 10 series, and the S10 series running One UI 2.1. This includes all the devices in between like the Note 9 and Galaxy S9 as well.
Some users of Samsung Galaxy phone unexpectedly stumbled upon this option while setting up quick access panel without receiving any system updates. The Nearby Sharing toggle can be found in the quick access. All you need to do is open up the quick access panel by swiping down the notification panel twice and you will see a new quick toggle for Nearby Sharing. Just add it to the most used section and you are good to go.
Enable Nearby Sharing feature for Samsung Galaxy devices easily, Airdrop from iPhone
Here is how to enable Nearby Sharing for Samsung Galaxy devices from the Quick Access Panel without any update:
- Unlock the lock screen.
- From the home screen, swipe down twice to see the quick access panel.
- On the top right corner, click on the three vertical dots.
- Select Button Order.
- Drag the Nearby Sharing toggle to the main screen.
- Tap on the Nearby Sharing icon to setup the feature.
- This will take you to Google’s Nearby Sharing page.
- Select turn on.
- Set name of the device and start sharing.
