We’re still processing the fact that Google randomly announced that it had figured out a solution to AirDrop to and from Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 phones with all of Apple’s devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers. This really just came out of no where and it barely got much of an announcement. But look, it’s real and we’ve been toying with it – this stuff works both ways and it’s pretty awesome.
There is some setup, though, so if you were trying to send pics or videos or files from your Pixel 10 Pro to an iPhone or your Mac computer and were running into issues, we thought a little walk-through of our setup might help.
How AirDrop on Android (Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 series)
1. To start, you’ll need a Pixel 10 series or Pixel 9 series device (Pixel 9a excluded)
*Google says they are adding more devices in the future, but for now this is a Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 exclusive feature
2. You’ll also likely need to be on the latest Google Play System update, plus you may find an update available for Google Play Services.
*You can update Google Play System by heading into Settings>System>Software updates>Google Play system update
*You can update Google Play Services by tapping this link from your phone
3. With those updated, you’ll need an update to a semi-secret Quick Share Extension that Google has released. To update, you’ll hit this link from your phone – that’s the only way to access it. Once you are on v1.0.815689706, you should be good.
4. Alright, now that everything is updated, you are ready to share from your Pixel 9 or 10 to an Apple device. You’ll now open Quick Share, choose the “Send” tab, and then select files you want to share.
5a. On your iPhone, you’ll have to open AirDrop settings and select the option to share with “Everyone for 10 minutes.”
5b. On your Mac, you’ll open AirDrop settings and set the sharing to “Everyone.” Once those options have been selected, on your Pixel 10 you should see the iPhone or Mac listed to share with. Tap on that iPhone or Mac to start the process.
6. On the iPhone or Mac, you should now be prompted by AirDrop to “Accept” or “Decline” the file. It should also say which device is sending to you, which you can see in my case is from “Kellen’s Pixel 10 Pro XL.” If you accept, it’ll send and be available just like any other AirDrop file would be. It’s magical.
7. OK, what if you want to send from an iPhone or Mac to your Pixel 10? You can do that to. You’ll first open Quick Share on your Pixel 10 and choose the “Receive” option to make your phone available.
8. Now on your iPhone or Mac, you’ll find a file, choose to share it, and then pick AirDrop as the sharing options. This will open the AirDrop UI and you’ll see your Pixel 10 there as a receiver. Click on the Pixel 9 or 10 and then choose to “Accept” or “Decline” from your Pixel 10 to start the transfer.
Guys, this is pretty awesome and it just works so well. How long before Apple tries to break it?
UPDATE FEBRUARY 17. GOOGLE EXTENDED SUPPORT TO THE PIXEL 9 SERIES (EXCLUDING PIXEL 9A).
I'm still not seeing this on my pixel 10XL.
I doubt Apple will break it. Google isn't gonna publicly exploit an Apple feature. I'm guessing Apple approved this.
It works! Nice. Just tested it out with my MacBook and was able to send a file just fine. I was also able to receive a file from my MacBook to my Pixel 10 Pro XL as well.
"How long before Apple tries to break it?" was my very first thought when I read this news. In the meantime, I have been using the app NearDrop on my Mac (not sure if you can get it for iOS also) and I can at least send from my Pixel to my Mac (though not the other way around). Will be interesting to see how this evolves.
I use Blip to send images from my S24 Ultra to my 17 Pro & it works seamlessly. I think you can install it on Windows & Mac also.