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Why AirDrop Isn’t Working Between a Galaxy Phone and an iPhone

Galaxy-to-iPhone sharing uses Samsung Quick Share’s Share with Apple devices feature. Check model and market support, required versions, and discovery settings.
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If AirDrop sharing isn’t working between a Galaxy phone and an iPhone, first check whether the Galaxy supports Samsung’s Share with Apple devices feature in Quick Share. This is Samsung’s documented route for nearby Galaxy-to-Apple sharing—not Apple AirDrop support on every Android phone. Samsung says that, as of March 2026, the feature is supported only on the Galaxy S26 series, with expansion planned for select flagship models; availability and timing may vary by market.

First check whether your Galaxy is eligible

Samsung’s support page, last updated April 24, 2026, lists the Galaxy S26 series as the only supported Galaxy models for Share with Apple devices at that time. Samsung says support is planned to expand to select flagship models, but does not promise a date or list those models. Check current availability for your market before troubleshooting further: Samsung’s Quick Share support guide.

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Samsung lists Apple compatibility as iPhone 8 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, and MacBook (2020 or later). If the Galaxy is not supported, changing the iPhone’s AirDrop setting will not enable this Quick Share feature.

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Set up Quick Share and AirDrop for the transfer

  1. Update the Galaxy components. Samsung requires Quick Share app version 13.8.51.27 or later and Google Play services version 26.11.xx or later for sharing with Apple devices. To check for a Galaxy software update, go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
  2. Enable sharing with Apple devices on the Galaxy. Open Settings > Connected devices > Quick Share, then turn on Share with Apple devices.
  3. Allow discovery on the Apple device. On the iPhone, open Settings > General > AirDrop and choose Everyone (10 minutes). Samsung documents this setting for receiving from a Galaxy. The recipient must allow AirDrop receiving; Apple’s guide explains the available receiving options: Use AirDrop to send items to nearby Apple devices.
  4. Send from the Galaxy. Select the photo or file, tap Share, choose Quick Share, and select the Apple device when it appears.

If the Apple device does not appear

Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices

Samsung requires Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for Quick Share. Apple also says AirDrop needs Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled on both devices and that they should be within 30 feet (10 meters). This is Apple’s stated proximity guidance for AirDrop.

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Stop activities that can interfere with discovery

Samsung says Apple-device discovery is unavailable while Mobile Hotspot or certain Wi-Fi features are in use: Smart View, DeX, Multi Control, Music Share, Camera Share, and Storage Share. Turn off the relevant activity, then try discovery again.

Retry after connecting to a network or restarting

If sending still fails, Samsung recommends connecting to a network, restarting the device, and trying again. Apple also notes that a VPN configuration blocking local networking can interfere with some Continuity features; if the transfer remains unavailable, check whether a VPN is restricting local connections.

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Use a QR code or link if nearby sharing is unavailable

Samsung documents QR-code sharing and URL/link sharing as alternatives. Both require Wi-Fi or mobile data, unlike Quick Share’s nearby transfer, which Samsung says does not use mobile data. A QR code is useful when the recipient can scan the sender’s screen; a copied link can be sent through messaging or email. See Samsung’s Quick Share instructions for the available sharing options.

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