Apple AirDrop vs Google Nearby Share: Key differences (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between AirDrop and Nearby Share? ›

As the name suggests, Nearby Share allows you to share files back and forth between Android devices and PCs. It's similar to Apple's AirDrop, with the key difference being that Nearby Share connects devices from two different companies, rather than iPhones and Macs.

airdrop is better in terms of speed (most times). but quick share/nearby share is overall better due to broader compatibility and ease of use.

What is Nearby Share: Google's version of AirDrop. In the simplest terms, Nearby Share was Google's version of Apple's AirDrop.

There are some limitations to be aware of. Tom's Guide states in their report, “Nearby Share has a 1,000-file limit”, so folders can't be too big. Another piece from Android Police reveals the upgrade is exclusive to Google Files as it doesn't seem to work properly with Samsung's own file manager.

Bullies can use this feature to send hurtful videos or embarrassing photos to their victims in public settings like school, parks, or parties, making it difficult for them to escape. AirDrop does not have the capability of flagging or blocking inappropriate content, making it a prime tool used in cyberbullying.

Apple has AirDrop, so folks can seamlessly send almost anything to other nearby Apple devices with just a few taps. Google's Android equivalent is a feature called Quick Share, and it works across Android phones and tablets, Chromebooks, and even Windows computers.

For people looking for AirDrop alternatives that work online, Snapdrop is also a great choice. The open-source software lets you share files with multiple devices across the same network. However, you can also install it on your Windows devices.

Nearby share and quick share are the same thing, it's just a rename that is being rolled out to user's phones right now. The rollout is not related to phone model and might take a few weeks to reach all phones.

Does Nearby Share Work with iPhone? No. The Nearby Share option does not work with the iOS platforms. It is exclusively designed for Android gadgets to send files between them.

AirDrop will automatically detect nearby supported devices, and the devices only need to be close enough to establish a good Wi-Fi connection, making it possible to share files across several rooms. One advantage to AirDrop is the use of Wi-Fi to make the connection.

Can you AirDrop from Google to Apple? ›

It has never been possible. The same is true for Android's Quick Share which is only able to share to other Android Devices.

Nearby Share was a functionality developed by Google that allows data to be transferred between devices via Bluetooth, Wi-FI Direct or Internet. In 2024, it was merged into Samsung's Quick Share. It was available for Android, ChromeOS and Microsoft's Windows.

AirDrop isn't just for photos. You can use it to transfer almost anything that you can share. For example, you can AirDrop a website from your iPad to your friend's phone, which is great if they want to bookmark it to read later. You can also AirDrop text from Notes to someone else's iPad or iPhone.

AirDrop is limited to iOS and MacOS (Sorry, Android and PC users). When it debuted in 2012, it was one of the features that separated the iPhone from Android phones. If you are team Android, you can use a feature called Quick Share, which does something similar.

Turning off Nearby Share can help protect your privacy and prevent unwanted file sharing. Battery Drain: Keeping Nearby Share enabled can sometimes lead to increased battery consumption, as your device is constantly scanning for nearby devices and maintaining a connection.