File sharing between devices is now more convenient than before. For Android phones and iPhones, things changed last year, when Google announced that Pixel 10 devices can share files directly to Apple devices using AirDrop. This support later expanded to Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S26 series. Meanwhile, on the Android side, there’s Quick Share. This is Android’s file-sharing app that allows you to send/receive files quickly. It seems file sharing on Android is about to get a whole lot bigger with a new “Tap to Share” feature.
Android may soon get a new “Tap to Share” file transferring feature
Android Authority reports that, back in September 2025, they spotted early signs of NFC-based file sharing in One UI 8.5. This was present under an experimental Labs section. The animations suggested that you could bring two devices closer together to transfer files. This is something similar to AirDrop. However, it seemed like a Samsung-only experiment at that time.
Now, in leaked builds of One UI 9, there are more developments. The report claims that they have spotted a clearer version of the feature called “Tap to Share.” The description reads, “Just hold the top of your phone close to the device, and the files will be sent.” Folks at Android Authority have also spotted strings for the feature. These developments suggest that Samsung is actively working on a tap-based file transfer system that uses NFC.
Spotted in the leaked builds of One UI 9
That said, the report adds that this may not be a Samsung-exclusive feature, as it could be widely available on many Android phones. In November 2025, Android Authority discovered a separate feature inside Google Play Services. This apparently allows two devices to exchange contact information by bringing them closer. This sounds similar to Apple’s NameDrop. Internally, this feature referenced something called “Gesture Exchange” and seemed limited to contact sharing.
However, the Quick Share app in One UI 9 also reportedly references Gesture Exchange, reportedly suggesting that it’s not just for contacts but also extends to file transfers. NFC may simply act as a trigger, while Quick Share handles the actual transfer.
Not just for Samsung and Google phones
Going further, Android Authority reports that in Android 17 beta and Canary builds, they’ve been seeing references to a system-level service called “TapToShare.” This reportedly sits at the Android OS level, likely powered in part by Google Play Services. This means the feature may not be tied to one brand.
It seems like Google and Samsung are building tap-based sharing into Quick Share. Quick Share on Android could finally support an AirDrop-like tap-to-share function that could work across multiple devices and brands. While it’s not certain, Google may debut this feature with the stable Android 17 release, with Samsung devices probably getting it first.
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