Android phones can now share photos, videos and contacts by tapping them together: How it works

Google has introduced Tap to Share for Quick Share for pixel devices. Coming soon to Samsung flagship smartphones.

Google has introduced Tap to Share for Quick Share, allowing compatible Android phones to exchange contact information, photos, videos, website links, locations and other content simply by bringing the phones together. The feature is rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer phones, with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 support coming soon. Google says more Android 17 or newer devices will get the feature by the end of 2026.

What is Tap to Share on Android?

Tap to Share makes Quick Share faster and simpler. (Google)

By Amit Rahi

For the past seven years, I have tracked consumer tech through constant shifts in hardware, platforms, and the way people actually use devices. Covering everything from budget gear to flagship hardware, I focus on what readers need to know, not on buzzwords or launch cycle hype. My expertise spans gaming laptops and chairs, high-performance PCs, gaming monitors, printers, smartwatches, earphones, headphones, Bluetooth speakers, tablets, and more, with a particular emphasis on how these products hold up in daily use. Reviews, explainers, buying guides, and news pieces all share the same goal: giving readers enough detail to make confident decisions without wading through fluff. Away from deadlines, I spend a lot of time gaming and watching films and anime, which naturally filters back into the work. Performance, comfort, display quality, and sound are judged the way players and viewers experience them, not just by lab numbers, which keeps my coverage grounded in real scenarios rather than just benchmarks.

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Google is making Quick Share more convenient with Tap to Share. Instead of searching for a nearby device in the Quick Share list, users can bring two compatible Android phones together to establish the connection.

The feature can be used to share contact information as well as photos, videos, website links, locations and other content. Google says it is initially available on Pixel 6 and newer phones, with support for Samsung's latest foldables coming soon.

How to use Tap to Share with Quick Share

Using Tap to Share is fairly straightforward, whether you want to exchange contact details or send files.

To share contact information

1. Unlock both compatible Android phones.
2. Bring the top portions of the two phones together, with the screens facing upwards.
3. Keep the phones close until the Tap to Share animation appears.
4. Choose which contact information you want to share, or select the option to receive the other person's contact card.

To share photos, videos or other files

1. Open the photo, video or file you want to share.
2. Tap the Share button to open the sharing page.
3. Bring the two compatible phones together.
4. The phones should detect each other and quickly establish the connection for the file transfer.

This means users do not necessarily have to search through a list of nearby devices before sharing. Simply opening the share page and tapping the phones together can make the process much quicker.

Which phones support Tap to Share?

Tap to Share is currently rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer phones. Google has also confirmed that it is coming soon to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8. The company says it plans to expand the feature to more devices running Android 17 or newer by the end of 2026.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

 

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