Android’s Quick Share adds tap-to-share for Pixels, coming to some Samsungs

# What changed Google updated Quick Share — Android's answer to device-to-device sharing — to add a tap-to-share option. The new flow lets compatible phones exchange contact cards, photos, videos, and other share-sheet content when you bring the phones close together. Google announced the change as part of its Made by Google 2026 coverage.

# Which phones get it first The rollout starts on Pixel 6 series phones and newer, available starting the day of Google's announcement. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Fold 8, and Flip 8 are listed as receiving the feature soon. Google also said the capability will reach more Android devices by the end of the year but didn't list additional models.

# How it works in practice Open the share sheet in any app and choose Quick Share. Then bring the tops of the two phones together, or hover one phone's top above the other. The feature relies on NFC and proximity sensors to detect a nearby compatible device and initiate the transfer. When the phones make contact or close proximity, the devices register each other and complete an instant, two-way exchange.

A short chime and an edge-light effect are part of the demo Google shared, designed to give clear feedback that the connection is established before the transfer begins.

# What you can share

# Where this matters Tap-to-share reduces friction for quick transfers between close-range devices. It is most immediately useful for handing off contact cards and single or small batches of media files between nearby users who both have compatible devices.

# What Google has said about broader availability Google stated it plans to expand tap-to-share to more Android devices by the end of the year, without naming which manufacturers or models will be included. That leaves the timeline and device coverage beyond Pixels and the specified Samsungs open for now.

# Quick user checklist

• Update Quick Share or system software if prompted.
• Open the share sheet in the app with the content you want to send.
• Bring the tops of the two compatible phones together or hover to trigger the connection.
• Accept the transfer if required by the receiving device.

# Where to look next Look for carrier or OEM updates for Samsung phones if you own a Fold or Flip model. Watch for Google to name more supported devices before the end of the year. Lifehacker and Android Authority published step-by-step how-tos and early impressions shortly after the announcement if you want practical walkthroughs.

# Bottom line Tap-to-share brings a simpler physical gesture to Quick Share: open the share sheet and touch or near-touch compatible phones to establish an instant transfer. It starts on recent Pixels now, with a small set of Samsungs following and broader Android availability promised by year's end.