Google's Tap to Share finally brings AirDrop-style sharing to Android

Google has introduced a new feature called Tap to Share for Android devices, allowing users to easily share contact information, files, and media. This feature, which is similar to Apple's AirDrop, is initially rolling out to Pixel devices, specifically the Pixel 6 and newer models.

The feature uses NFC and Quick Share to enable sharing between devices. To use Tap to Share, both devices must have Quick Share and NFC enabled, and users must overlap the top of both phones with their screens up. The phones must be unlocked and kept together until they light up, at which point users can choose which contact information fields they want to share.

According to ZDNet, Samsung devices will be next to receive Tap to Share, with other devices to follow by the end of 2026. This feature is an evolution of Android Beam, which was introduced in 2011 but discontinued after about six years. Tap to Share is designed to be quicker and simpler than the current Quick Share method, although it does require devices to be in close proximity.

Brief written by urgent.news from Android Police, ZDNet — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.