How do I transfer files over Wi-Fi from an Android phone?

Last reviewed: September 28, 2026 · Markdown version

Use Quick Share: it is built into Android, sends files to phones and tablets near you, and reaches a Windows PC through Google's Quick Share app. It is the same feature that used to be called Nearby Share, and on Galaxy phones Samsung's Quick Share now covers the same ground. Setting up a new handset from an old one is a different job, with its own tools.

Phone to phone

Google's steps start from the thing you want to send: open it, then "Tap Share Quick Share", and pick the nearby device. The other phone has to be in "Receive" mode on its Quick Share page, unlocked, and it gets a notification to accept or decline. Google gives the reach in one line: "Quick Share is available on Android 6+ devices, Chromebooks, and on select Windows PCs through our Quick Share for Windows App" (Use Quick Share on your Android device, read 28 September 2026).

What arrives is easy to find afterwards. Google says received content is available "from the default Files app on your device > Downloads > Quick Share folder" (same page) — a folder of its own inside Download, not loose among your other downloads.

On a Galaxy, turn Quick Share on from the quick settings panel on both phones. Samsung lists the requirements — "A Samsung Account, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connection are required" — and says phone-to-phone sharing between Galaxy devices needs "Android 10.0 (Q) and One UI 2.1 or later" (How to use Quick Share to share a file between phones, Samsung UK, read 28 September 2026). Samsung's US guide adds one conflict to know about: "you cannot use Quick Share if you’re using a mobile hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, or Smart View" (Send and receive files with Quick Share on your Galaxy phone, read 28 September 2026).

Who can send to you

Both vendors let you limit it. Samsung's choices are No one, Your devices, Contacts and Everyone (Only for 10 minutes), and it recommends "using the ‘Your devices’ or ‘Contacts’ options" unless the sender is not in your contacts (Samsung US guide above). Google's page has the equivalent under Who can share with you, and warns that while you sit in Receive mode your phone is "visible to anyone nearby when you’re on that screen" (Google's Quick Share page above).

To and from a Windows PC

For a computer, install Quick Share for Windows, sign in and choose who can see the PC. Google notes that "For Samsung PCs, use Samsung’s Quick Share app available from the Microsoft Store", and that you should not open the app as administrator. Files sent to the PC are saved "in a folder called “Quick Share” under "Downloads."" (Share files between Android & Windows with Quick Share, read 28 September 2026). In our view, for thousands of files at once a cable is still worth considering — that route is described here.

When the other device does not appear

Google's checklist, in order: Bluetooth on at both ends; "Bring the devices close together, within 1 foot (30 cm) of each other"; Airplane mode on and off; wait until nobody else is sending to that device; on Android 12 or earlier, turn Location on; then restart (Google's Quick Share page above). Its send steps add one more: "If you can’t find the other device, make sure the other device is in “Receive” mode from the Quick Share page."