Sharing Data Between Android and IPhone Devices Is Easier Than Ever.
The last few months have been good for data sharing between Android and iPhone: Google got AirDrop working with the Pixel 10 late last year, and the feature has since expanded to many other Android phones. More models will be getting the feature in the coming months . Apple hasn’t invested as much time into data sharing between iPhone and Android, but you can’t have everything right away. At least there’s now support for end-to-end encryption via RCS, which arrived with the iOS 26.5 update .
There’s more good news for those who want to share data between Android and iOS devices and don’t have AirDrop (or don’t have it yet): Google is releasing an improved way to share data using QR codes. With just a few taps, you can send files, links, contacts, and more. The update was announced at The Android Show: I/O Edition, which Google held last week, and it appears to be rolling out to all Android devices now. If you haven’t seen it yet, it should arrive soon.
How to Share Content from Android to iPhone Using a QR Code
The updated feature is appearing in the Quick Share section on Android. When you tap the Share button anywhere on Android or in your installed apps, a pop-up window will appear with contacts and apps, and you should see the Quick Share option there. Tap it to find the new feature. The idea behind Quick Share is to quickly transfer data without using third-party apps. If your Android phone is updated and supports AirDrop, and there’s an iPhone nearby that’s ready to receive data via AirDrop, you’ll see that Apple device as an option for sharing.
Otherwise, you can use a feature Google is currently offering. If your phone has the update, you’ll see a message about the option to “Share with iPhone and other devices” using a QR code. Then, an option to “Use QR code” will appear on the right, which will quickly shrink to a QR code thumbnail. Tap it to share using a QR code.
As with the more direct AirDrop method, your iPhone must be in receiving mode. In iOS Settings, go to General > AirDrop > “Everyone for 10 Minutes.” You can then scan the QR code on your Android device using the iPhone’s Camera app, which will lead to a custom link on quickshare.google.
Google states that transferred files will remain in the cloud for 24 hours, with a maximum data volume of 10 GB during this period. You can send up to 1,000 files in a single session to up to 20 iPhone, iPad, or macOS devices. All files shared this way are protected by end-to-end encryption and do not count against your Google Drive quota.
Sharing data via AirDrop, if available, is the preferred option—but it’s also a good option for older phone models that don’t support AirDrop. You can also simply use an app like WhatsApp to transfer data between Android and iOS devices, but keep in mind that many of these apps compress files during the transfer process.
For Android devices working with other Android devices, direct connection via Quick Share should be available on most modern phones, as long as the receiving device is discoverable (this can be configured via the Quick Share icon in Quick Settings). If the device doesn’t show up immediately (perhaps because it’s running an older version of Android), a QR code is available as a fallback, which should establish a direct connection via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.