Your Android device will soon feature a tap-to-share function similar to AirDrop.

      Google and Samsung are working on a feature that allows file transfers by bringing two phones together.

      Google and Samsung are developing a tap-to-share feature for Android that resembles Apple’s AirDrop. The concept is straightforward: you bring two phones close, and files can be transferred between them without navigating through sharing menus or searching for the device name nearby.

      As reported by Android Authority, there has been increasing evidence of this feature across three different sources. It is found in Samsung’s One UI 9 builds, within the code of Google Play Services, and also in system files for Android 17. Developers monitoring these builds indicate that the feature has been evolving since late 2025, and it appears to be on track for an official launch instead of remaining a Samsung experiment.

      Google and Samsung are collaborating on this feature.

      The tap-to-share capability initially appeared in Samsung’s One UI 8.5 as a hidden experiment in Labs. Now, in One UI 9, it has been named and clearly described, instructing users to hold the top of the phone close to another device to share files.

      However, this isn't solely a Samsung initiative. Code from Google Play Services dated November 2025 includes a feature labeled “Gesture Exchange,” designed for sharing contact details similar to AirDrop’s NameDrop function. This same name has also shown up in the Quick Share app of One UI 9, indicating that the contact-sharing feature has evolved into a comprehensive file transfer system.

      The Android 17 beta builds introduce an additional aspect, mentioning an OS-level service called “TapToShare.” NFC likely takes care of the initial tap to awaken the function, after which Quick Share handles the actual file transfers.

      This feature is not limited to Samsung devices.

      What makes this particularly interesting is its potential for cross-brand functionality. Since the tap-to-share code resides within Google Play Services and Android 17 itself, it should operate across devices from various manufacturers. This could address one of the long-standing issues with Android.

      iPhone users know that AirDrop works effortlessly with other iPhones. Currently, an Android user may use Quick Share, but the experience can be inconsistent based on whether the other device runs Samsung’s software, belongs to a different brand, or needs a separate application. Integrating this feature directly into Android would eliminate that complication.

      When to expect tap-to-share.

      Google is likely to unveil this feature alongside the stable release of Android 17. Samsung devices might receive it first, given the visible progress in One UI 9 builds, but a broader rollout should follow.

      It’s worth mentioning that these findings come from code analysis, meaning nothing is confirmed until Google makes an official statement. Features identified in development builds can sometimes be delayed or canceled entirely. Nevertheless, the indications this time are notably widespread.

      It's advisable to stay updated on news regarding Android 17. If tap-to-share arrives as anticipated, transferring files between Android phones will finally feel as effortless as tapping two devices together.