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On a Galaxy phone, control incoming nearby file sharing in Quick Share, not an AirDrop menu. Open Settings > Connected devices > Quick Share > Who can share with you. Choose who can discover your phone and send files. AirDrop is Apple’s name for its sharing feature; supported Galaxy phones connect with Apple devices through Quick Share.
Choose who can send files to your Galaxy
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connected devices, then Quick Share.
- Tap Who can share with you.
- Select the access level you want.
| Setting | Who can send | How long it applies |
|---|---|---|
| No one | Blocks ordinary nearby Quick Share senders. Samsung Support describes it as: “No one can share with you.” | Until you change the setting. Devices using the same Samsung account are an exception. |
| Your devices | Your own devices. | Until you change the setting. Devices using the same Samsung account are an exception. |
| Contacts | Saved contacts who use a Samsung account. | Until you change the setting. Devices using the same Samsung account are an exception. |
| Everyone (10 minutes only) | Any nearby sender. | Ten minutes. Samsung says it then returns to Contacts if you are signed in to a Samsung account, or No one if you are not. |
The same-Samsung-account exception applies even when you choose a more restrictive option. Menu names and layouts can vary by Galaxy model, software, and app version. If you do not see these controls in Settings, expand the Quick panel, tap the Quick Share control, and open its settings; the control’s label may vary by device.
Receive a file from an Apple device
Apple-to-Galaxy sharing uses Quick Share interoperability on supported Galaxy devices. Samsung’s instructions require the Galaxy to be visible as Everyone (10 minutes only) for an Apple device to send to it; Contacts alone is not sufficient for this workflow.
Recommended Free Tools
- On the Galaxy, open Settings > Connected devices > Quick Share.
- If the option appears and is off, enable Share with Apple devices.
- Under Who can share with you, choose Everyone (10 minutes only).
- On the Apple device, open the file, tap Share > AirDrop, and select the Galaxy. Accept the incoming transfer prompt on the Galaxy.
Google’s current compatibility guide lists Galaxy S26, S25, and S24 series, selected Z Flip and Z Fold models, and Z TriFold. Samsung’s support page states Quick Share app version 13.8.51.27 or later and Google Play services version 26.11.xx or later are required. Samsung’s March 2026 announcement initially described support as limited to Galaxy S26 series, while Google’s current list is broader. Availability can depend on rollout and market, so check the phone’s Quick Share settings and current software.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Send from a Galaxy to an Apple device
For the reverse direction, enable Share with Apple devices in Quick Share settings if available. The Apple recipient must set AirDrop to Everyone (10 minutes); the recipient then accepts the transfer prompt.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
If the other device cannot find your Galaxy
- Keep the Galaxy screen on and set Quick Share visibility to an option that allows the sender. Samsung’s regular nearby-receiving guidance refers to Contacts or Anyone nearby.
- Enable Bluetooth and Quick Share on both devices. Samsung’s nearby-transfer instructions also require Wi-Fi to be enabled.
- For Apple sharing, verify that the Galaxy is a supported model, that the required app and services versions are installed, and that Share with Apple devices is available and enabled.
- Samsung notes that Apple-device discovery may fail while Mobile Hotspot or certain Wi-Fi Direct/Wi-Fi Aware features are active, including Smart View, DeX, Multi Control, Music Share, Camera Share, and Storage Share. Turn off the relevant feature and try again.
- If it still fails, Samsung suggests connecting to a network, restarting the phone, and trying again.
- If a setting is missing, check software and app updates. Samsung says Apple-sharing availability can vary by market and may change; model, carrier, and software version can also affect what appears.
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