Sending photos between two iPhones is easy with AirDrop. Between two Android phones, Quick Share does the job. But mixed families and friend groups have long struggled to send files across the two.

That’s finally getting easier. Google’s Quick Share now works with Apple’s AirDrop on supported phones, and the Android 17 update brings this to more devices. Here’s how to share files between Android and iPhone, whichever phones you have.

Quick Take

The easiest ways to share files between Android and iPhone:

Quick Share with AirDrop: on supported Android phones, send directly to nearby iPhones
Quick Share QR code: works with any iPhone, and files stay available for 24 hours
Cloud links: Google Drive, Google Photos or iCloud links for large albums
Messaging apps: quick, but they can compress photos and videos

Checked on 4 October 2026 using Google’s Android Help and published Android 17 rollout details. Feature availability varies by phone model.

According to Google, Pixel 8a and later, plus certain Samsung and other Android phones, can share directly with Apple devices using Quick Share’s AirDrop support. Motorola also lists file sharing with iPhones via Quick Share among its Android 17 features.

Sending from Android to iPhone

On the iPhone, open Settings → General → AirDrop and set it to Everyone for 10 Minutes.
On the Android phone, select the photo or file and tap Share → Quick Share.
Choose the iPhone from the nearby devices list.
Accept the file on the iPhone.

Sending from iPhone to Android

On the Android phone, open Quick Share settings and set who can share with you to Everyone for 10 minutes.
On the iPhone, tap Share → AirDrop and pick the Android phone.
Accept the file on Android. It’s saved in the Files app’s Quick Share folder.

Both phones need Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on, and the screens unlocked and nearby.

If your Android phone doesn’t support direct sharing with AirDrop, Google offers a QR code option:

Select the files and tap Share → Quick Share.
Choose the option to share using a QR code.
Scan the code with the iPhone’s camera and download the files.

Google says the files stay encrypted and available for download for 24 hours.

Method 3: Cloud Links for Large Files and Albums

Google Photos: create a shared album or link; it works on iPhone through the app or a browser
Google Drive: upload files and share a link
iCloud (from iPhone): share an iCloud link to photos or files, which opens in any browser

Cloud links are the most reliable way to share files between Android and iPhone when you have trip albums, long videos and work files, and the other person doesn’t need to be nearby.

Short on space before downloading big albums? See how to free up storage on your phone.

Method 4: Messaging Apps

WhatsApp, Telegram and email are the simplest way to share files between Android and iPhone when you only have a few items. They’re convenient for a few photos, but apps may compress images and videos. For full quality, send them as documents or files, or use cloud links.

Which Method Should You Use?

Situation	Best method
Both phones nearby, Android supports AirDrop sharing	Quick Share with AirDrop
Nearby, older Android phone	Quick Share QR code
Large albums or long videos	Google Photos or Drive link
Person is far away	Cloud link or messaging app
A few quick photos	Messaging app (send as file for full quality)

Set AirDrop and Quick Share back to Contacts only or Your devices after sharing
Never accept files from unknown people in public places
Turn off location data on photos you share publicly
Remove shared cloud links when no longer needed

More tips in our guide to protecting your online privacy.

If your Android phone supports Quick Share with AirDrop, that’s now the fastest way to share files between Android and iPhone. If not, the Quick Share QR code or a Google Photos link works with any iPhone.

Check whether your phone is getting the Android 17 update, which brings iPhone sharing to more Android phones.

Can Android use AirDrop?

Supported Android phones, including Pixel 8a and later and certain Samsung and other models, can share with Apple devices through Quick Share’s AirDrop support.