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From your Mac

Can you AirDrop from a Mac to an Android phone?

Yes, for some Android phones, when they're nearby. Google's Quick Share now works with AirDrop. Here's what Google's own help says, and what to do for every other phone.

The short answer

  • Android to Mac: works from a Pixel 8a or later and certain Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, Honor, Transsion and Motorola phones.
  • Mac to Android: Google names a Pixel 9 or later, except the Pixel 9a.
  • Nearby only. Quick Share is for devices close to you.
  • Any other phone, or anyone not in the room: email it or share a Drive link. See Send files from your Mac to Android.

Phone lists are from Google’s Use Quick Share on your Android device help page, checked October 26, 2026. Google changes the list, so check it there for the latest.

From your Mac to an Android phone

Google says a Pixel 9 or later (not the 9a) can receive from a Mac.

  1. On the phone: open Settings, search for Quick Share, tap Who can share with you, then choose Everyone for 10 minutes. Or stay on the Quick Share page in Receive mode. Keep the screen unlocked, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.
  2. On the Mac: open the file, click the Share button in the toolbar, then click AirDrop and pick the phone. In Finder, you can also click AirDrop in the sidebar and drag the file onto it.
  3. On the phone: tap Accept. Google says received files are in the Files app, under Downloads > Quick Share.

From an Android phone to your Mac

  1. On the Mac: click Control Center in the menu bar, then AirDrop. Click and hold it, or click next to it, and choose Everyone.
  2. On the phone: open what you want to send, tap Share, then Quick Share, and pick the Mac.
  3. On the Mac: click Accept on the AirDrop notification. Apple says some items go to Downloads, and you may be asked where to save a photo.

Phone not on Google’s list? It can show a QR code instead. Google says to scan it from the Mac, and the file downloads in the web browser. Google says both devices need internet, files stay on its servers for 24 hours, and you can send up to 10 GB to Apple devices every 24 hours.

Is there a Quick Share app for Mac?

Google doesn’t list one. Its help says Quick Share is on Android 6 and later, Chromebooks, and select Windows PCs through its Windows app. On a Mac, the phone shows up through AirDrop instead.

Quick Share not working with your Mac?

Go through these in order. They’re from Google’s and Apple’s help pages, checked October 27, 2026.

  1. Check the phone is on Google’s list for the direction you’re sending. The lists are different each way (see above).
  2. Check who can send. Sending to the Mac: set AirDrop to Everyone. Sending to the phone: set its Quick Share visibility to Everyone for 10 minutes, or stay in Receive mode, with the screen unlocked.
  3. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both. On an Android phone with Android 12 or earlier, Google says Location needs to be on too.
  4. Move closer. Google suggests within 1 foot (30 cm) when it isn’t working. Apple says AirDrop works within 30 feet (10 meters).
  5. Wait your turn. Google says to wait until no one else is sharing with the other device.
  6. Look for the notification. If you opened AirDrop in a Finder window, Apple says the Accept prompt appears there instead of in Notification Center.
  7. Reset the connection. Turn Airplane mode on and off on the phone, then restart it. Restart the Mac too.
  8. Check VPN or security software on the Mac. Apple says it can cause connection problems.

Still nothing, and sending from the phone? The QR code route above skips AirDrop and goes over the internet. More Mac-side checks are in AirDrop not working on your Mac?

Steps on the Mac are from Apple’s Use AirDrop to send items to nearby Apple devices. Other ways to reach nearby phones, like LocalSend, are in AirDrop alternatives for Mac and LocalSend alternatives.

For the people you send to every week: Sendoff

Quick Share needs the phone next to you. Your teammate on Android usually isn’t. Sendoff is a Mac app that lives in the notch and sends by Gmail or iMessage, so it reaches them wherever they are. Drop the file, pick the person, press Send off. It ranks your regulars first, remembers which channel each one uses, and gives you 3 seconds to undo.

Join the waitlist below, and tick the beta box if you want to test it first.